The stars of Albert Watson's 2019 Pirelli Calendar have taken on different roles to create a unique set of photographs for this year's publication. The renowned American ballerina Misty Copeland was first choice for the role of “the dancer”.
Misty Copeland, who became the first female African-American principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, took on the part of a nightclub dancer who dreams of becoming a ballet star. In the story she has a boyfriend played by Copeland's fellow American Ballet Theatre member, Calvin Royal III.
Finally, after years of training and hardship, she is on the cusp of fulfilling her life-long ambition – having won an audition for the prestigious Opera Ballet in Paris. She is thrilled and terrified at the same time.
Her boyfriend also has dreams of performing on stage in Paris and is happy that his girlfriend has been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The 2019 Pirelli Calendar is released on December 5 featuring Misty Copeland as “the dancer”, model Gigi Hadid as “the wealthy socialite”, actress and model Laetitia Casta as “the painter”, and actress Julia Garner as “the photographer”
