Misty Copeland Dancer Bio, Age, Height, Weight, & Net Worth 

Misty Copeland is a famous American ballet dancer and author. She is best known for being a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Her powerful story has inspired millions around the world. She broke racial barriers in classical ballet.

Her real name is Misty Danielle Copeland. Her stage name is simply Misty Copeland. She was born on September 10, 1982 in Kansas City, Missouri. As of 2026, her age is 43 years old. Her height is 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm). Her weight is 115 lbs (52 kg). She is a professional ballet dancer by profession.

Misty started her career very late at age 13. She is famous for dancing Swan Lake, Firebird, and Romeo & Juliet. She does not sing or make albums. Her major projects include The Nutcracker and the Four Realms film. Her book “Life in Motion” became a New York Times bestseller. She was promoted to principal dancer in 2015.

She is married to Olu Evans, an attorney. They tied the knot in 2016. She has one son named Jackson, born in 2022. Her major achievements include the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP. She was on the Time 100 list. Her net worth is estimated at $1.5 million. Her main income sources are dance, book sales, endorsements, and speaking engagements.

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland Wiki/Bio

CategoryDetails
Real NameMisty Danielle Copeland
Stage NameMisty Copeland
Age (2026)43 years
Birth DateSeptember 10, 1982
BirthplaceKansas City, Missouri, USA
Height5 feet 2 inches (157 cm)
Weight115 lbs (52 kg)
Eye ColorDark Brown
Hair ColorDark Brown
Body TypeAthletic / Muscular
Shoe SizeNot publicly disclosed
ProfessionBallet Dancer, Author, Producer
Career Start1995 (age 13)
Famous WorksSwan Lake, Firebird, Romeo & Juliet, The Nutcracker
BooksLife in Motion, Ballerina Body, Firebird, Bunheads
Record LabelNone
FatherDoug Copeland
MotherSylvia DelaCerna
SiblingsErica, Lindsey, Cameron, Christopher, Douglas Jr.
Marital StatusMarried
SpouseOlu Evans (m. 2016)
Children1 son (Jackson, born 2022)
AchievementsFirst Black Female Principal Dancer at ABT, Spingarn Medal, Time 100
Net Worth$1.5 Million
Income SourcesBallet, Book Royalties, Endorsements, Speaking Gigs

Misty Copeland Real Name

Misty Copeland Real Name

Misty Copeland’s real name is Misty Danielle Copeland. She has always used her birth name professionally. The name “Misty” fits her ethereal stage presence. Her middle name “Danielle” honors her family lineage. She never changed her name for show business purposes.

Her last name “Copeland” comes from her biological father. She did not see him much while growing up. She reconnected with him as an adult. Her name represents strength and elegance. It appears on all her book covers and posters.

Many fans simply call her Misty. She is recognized by just one name in ballet circles. Her name is now synonymous with breaking barriers. She signs autographs as Misty Copeland. Her real name carries historical weight in dance.

Real Name DetailsInformation
Full Birth NameMisty Danielle Copeland
First Name MeaningCovered in mist (English origin)
Middle Name OriginHebrew (Danielle means God is my judge)
Surname OriginEnglish / Scottish
Legal Name ChangeNo
Professional NameMisty Copeland

Misty Copeland Early Life and Education

Misty Copeland was born in Kansas City, Missouri. She moved frequently due to her mother’s relationships. She eventually settled in San Pedro, California. Her early life was financially unstable. She lived in a hotel room with five family members. She slept on a sofa for many years.

She did not start ballet until age 13. This is very late for a ballerina. She first tried dance at her local Boys & Girls Club. Her teacher noticed her natural talent immediately. She began training at the San Pedro Dance Center. She practiced for hours every day after school.

She attended San Pedro High School. She balanced school with intense dance training. She won first place at the Music Center Spotlight Awards in 1997. This was a huge achievement for a newcomer. She studied at San Francisco Ballet School on scholarship. She also attended ABT summer intensives on full scholarship.

Her education was unconventional but effective. She learned by watching and copying quickly. She was named ABT’s National Coca-Cola Scholar in 2000. She graduated high school on time despite her busy schedule. She chose to finish school before joining ABT full-time.

Early Life DetailsInformation
Birth CityKansas City, Missouri
Raised InSan Pedro, California
First Dance ClassAge 13 (Boys & Girls Club)
High SchoolSan Pedro High School
First AwardMusic Center Spotlight Awards (1997)
Major ScholarshipABT National Coca-Cola Scholar (2000)
Summer IntensivesSan Francisco Ballet, ABT

Misty Copeland Parents and Siblings

Misty Copeland’s mother is Sylvia DelaCerna. She was a cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs. She had multiple marriages during Misty’s childhood. Her mother encouraged her dance interests initially. But they later had a custody dispute over Misty. The legal battle was very public and painful.

Her father is Doug Copeland. He has German and African American roots. Misty did not see him until she was 22 years old. She regretted not reconnecting sooner. She believes he was a good man despite their separation.

She has three older siblings from her mother’s marriages. Their names are Erica, Lindsey, and Cameron. She also has two younger half-siblings. Her older sister Erica was a drill team leader in high school. But none of them pursued professional dance careers.

Her family has Italian and African American ancestry. Her mother’s side is Italian-American. Misty has spoken about her complex family history. She credits her mother for survival skills. But her relationship remains complicated and private.

Family MemberRelationOccupation/Info
Sylvia DelaCernaMotherFormer NFL Cheerleader
Doug CopelandFatherGerman & African American roots
Erica CopelandSisterNot in entertainment
Lindsey BrownSisterNot in entertainment
Cameron DelaCernaBrotherNot in entertainment
Christopher CopelandBrotherHalf-brother
Douglas Copeland Jr.BrotherHalf-brother

Misty Copeland Husband or Boyfriend

Misty Copeland married Olu Evans in 2016. Olu is a successful attorney. He is the cousin of actor Taye Diggs. He met Misty around 2004 when she was struggling. He was introduced to her by Taye Diggs at an event. Their relationship grew slowly and steadily.

Olu was a huge support system during her body image struggles. He helped her feel confident and beautiful. He encouraged her to embrace her curves and strength. The couple announced their engagement in 2015. They got married in California on July 31, 2016.

The couple has one son together. His name is Jackson, born in 2022. Misty kept her pregnancy private until after birth. She took a short maternity break from dancing. She now balances motherhood and her career. Olu is very supportive of her work.

Olu Evans stays mostly out of the spotlight. He does not have any social media presence. He attends Misty’s premieres and events quietly. He is her biggest fan and partner. Their marriage appears strong and stable. They live together in New York City.

RelationshipPartner NameDurationStatus
HusbandOlu Evans2016–PresentMarried
SonJackson Evans2022–Present1 child
Engagement Year2015Announced before wedding

Misty Copeland Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance

Misty Copeland Age

Misty Copeland is 43 years old in 2026. She was born on September 10, 1982. Her age has not slowed her down at all. She retired from ABT in 2025 after 25 years. She remains incredibly fit and active. She continues to dance and teach regularly.

Her height is 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm). She is shorter than many ballerinas. Her weight is approximately 115 lbs (52 kg). She maintains this weight through daily training. Her body type is athletic and muscular. She has visible muscle definition in her arms and legs.

Her eye color is dark brown like rich chocolate. Her hair color is dark brown as well. She often wears it in a tight ballet bun. Her skin tone is brown and warm. Her shoe size is not publicly known. She wears special pointe shoes for performances.

Her body measurements are 35-25-35 inches. Her bust size is 35 inches. Her waist size is 25 inches. Her hip size is 35 inches. She wears a bra size 40C. Her dress size is 4 (US). Her physique is strong and flexible.

Physical AttributeMeasurement
Age (2026)43 years
Birth DateSeptember 10, 1982
Height5’2″ (157 cm)
Weight115 lbs (52 kg)
Eye ColorDark Brown
Hair ColorDark Brown
Body TypeAthletic / Muscular
Bust Size35 inches
Waist Size25 inches
Hip Size35 inches
Bra Size40C (US)
Dress Size4 (US)
Skin ToneBrown

Misty Copeland Before Fame

Before fame, Misty Copeland was a struggling teenager. She did not know ballet even existed until age 13. She was shy and lacked confidence in herself. She first walked into a Boys & Girls Club dance class. Her teacher, Cynthia Bradley, saw her potential instantly. She invited Misty to train **formally at her studio.

She lived in a hotel room with her mother and siblings. The room had only one bed for everyone. She practiced pliés in the hallway. She had no dancewear or pointe shoes initially. Her teacher bought her first ballet slippers. She was a late bloomer in every way.

She faced a custody battle at age 15. Her mother wanted her to leave ballet school. Her teacher wanted to be her legal guardian. The case was front page news in Los Angeles. Both sides eventually dropped their claims. Misty moved back home with her mother.

She won the Spotlight Award at age 15 despite the chaos. This award is given to the best dancer in Southern California. She auditioned for multiple dance programs in 1999. Every program offered her a summer scholarship. She chose to attend ABT’s intensive program. The rest is ballet history.

Before Fame DetailsInformation
Age at First Ballet Class13 years old
First TeacherCynthia Bradley
Living SituationHotel room with 5 family members
Custody Battle Age15 years old (1998)
Spotlight Award Win1997 (age 15)
First ABT Summer Intensive1999
Coca-Cola Scholar2000

Misty Copeland Career

Misty Copeland joined the ABT Studio Company in September 2000. She became a member of the corps de ballet in April 2001. She was the only Black woman in a group of 80 dancers. She struggled with body image and isolation. She developed a binge eating disorder from pressure. But she refused to give up on her dream.

She was promoted to soloist in August 2007. She was the second African American female soloist in ABT history. The first was in the 1980s, two decades earlier. She performed the title role in Firebird in 2012. The choreography was created specifically for her. This role showcased her unique power and grace.

On June 30, 2015, she made history. She became the first Black female principal dancer at ABT. The company was 75 years old at that time. This news went viral around the world. She was promoted during the Metropolitan Opera House spring season. She danced Odette/Odile in Swan Lake that same month.

She made her Broadway debut in On The Town in 2015. She appeared in Disney’s The Nutcracker film in 2018. She performed with Prince, Taylor Swift, and H.E.R. . She announced her retirement from ABT in 2025. Her final performance was in October 2025. She danced for 25 years with the company.

Career HighlightYearDetail
Joined ABT Studio Company2000Started professional training
Joined Corps de Ballet2001Only Black woman in company
Promoted to Soloist2007First in 20 years
Firebird Lead Role2012Choreographed on her
Promoted to Principal2015First Black female in ABT history
Broadway Debut2015On The Town
Film Debut2018The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Retirement from ABT2025After 25 years

Misty Copeland Social Media Presence

Misty Copeland is very active on social media. She uses her platform to inspire young dancers. Her Instagram handle is @mistyonpointe. She has approximately 2 million followers on Instagram. She shares backstage moments and family photos. She also posts about diversity in ballet.

Her Instagram bio lists her multiple ventures. These include her foundation and production company. She also promotes her athletic wear line. She engages with fans regularly in comments. She posts stories about motherhood and recovery. Her content is positive and empowering.

She is also active on Twitter and Facebook. But Instagram is her primary platform. She has over 3172 accounts she follows. She supports many young dancers online. She shares their posts to amplify their voices. Her social media reflects her kind and generous spirit.

She uses her platform for philanthropy as well. She promotes her Misty Copeland Foundation. She shares information about BE BOLD program. She advocates for diversity in dance. Her online presence is professional and warm. She is a true digital role model.

PlatformUsernameFollowersContent Type
Instagram@mistyonpointe2 MillionDance, Family, Philanthropy
Twitter@mistyonpointe500K+Advocacy, News
FacebookMisty Copeland300K+Events, Announcements
Websitemistycopeland.comN/ABiography, Foundation

Misty Copeland Net Worth

Misty Copeland has a net worth of $1.5 million in 2026. She earned this through many years of hard work. Her ABT principal salary was her main income source. She also earns from book royalties. Her memoir “Life in Motion” was a New York Times bestseller.

She has major endorsement deals with top brands. She worked with Under Armour in their “I Will What I Want” campaign. She also partnered with Coach and American Express. These campaigns gave her mainstream recognition. She also endorses Diet Dr. Pepper in the past.

She earns from speaking engagements worldwide. She gives talks about diversity and perseverance. She charges high fees for corporate events. She also makes money from her production company. Her film “Flower” premiered at Tribeca Festival in 2023.

She launched an athletic wear line called Greatness Wins in 2023. This business is co-founded with Derek Jeter. It adds to her growing income streams. She lives a comfortable but modest lifestyle. She invests in her foundation and charity work. Her net worth may continue to grow.

Income SourceEstimated Earning
ABT Principal Salary$250,000+/year (at peak)
Book Royalties$200,000+
Under Armour Endorsement$500,000+ (over time)
Speaking Engagements$50,000 per event
Greatness Wins (Business)Growing revenue
Film & TV Appearances$100,000+

Misty Copeland Legacy and Impact

Misty Copeland changed ballet forever. She broke a color barrier that stood for 75 years. She proved that Black ballerinas belong on the biggest stages. She inspired a new generation of diverse dancers. Many young girls started ballet because of her.

She changed body standards in ballet. She showed that muscular bodies can be elegant. She proved that curves do not hinder technique. She spoke openly about body image struggles. Her honesty helped many dancers feel accepted. She made ballet more inclusive for everyone.

Her impact goes beyond just dancing. She is a bestselling author and producer. She launched her own foundation and production company. She advocates for arts education in underserved communities. She serves on the President’s Council on Fitness. She uses her voice for good causes.

She received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP in 2021. This is their highest honor. She was named to the Time 100 Most Influential People list. She won a Trailblazer Icon Award in 2023. Her legacy will last for centuries. She is a true American icon.

Legacy AspectDetails
Racial BarrierFirst Black Female Principal at ABT
Body PositivityChampioned muscular, curvy bodies
PhilanthropyMisty Copeland Foundation, BE BOLD program
Publishing5+ books, NYT Bestseller
AwardsSpingarn Medal, Time 100, Glamour Woman of the Year
RepresentationInspired millions of young dancers

Misty Copeland Nationality and Religion

Misty Copeland is American by nationality. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri. She holds only American citizenship. She grew up moving between Missouri and California. She is proud of her Midwestern and West Coast roots. She represents American ballet excellence globally.

Her ethnicity is mixed and rich. Her father is German and African American. Her mother is Italian and African American. She embraces all parts of her heritage. She advocates for diversity in all forms. Her background makes her unique in ballet.

Her religious beliefs are not public information. She has not discussed faith or spirituality. Her focus is on dance and activism. She does not post about church or religion. She may be private about these matters. She respects all beliefs and backgrounds.

She celebrates Christmas and Thanksgiving with family. These are cultural traditions for her. She is inclusive of all races and religions. Her foundation serves everyone equally. She believes in humanity and kindness. Her spirituality is personal and quiet.

Identity AspectDetails
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityGerman, Italian, African American
Birth CountryUnited States
Raised ReligionNot publicly known
Current BeliefPrivate
Languages SpokenEnglish

Misty Copeland Future Plans and Goals

Misty Copeland retired from ABT in 2025. But she is not done working. She plans to focus on her foundation full-time. The Misty Copeland Foundation will expand its reach. Her BE BOLD program will grow nationwide. She wants to bring ballet to underserved communities.

She will continue her production company work. Life In Motion Productions has multiple projects in development. She plans to produce more films and series. Her goal is to tell diverse stories through dance. She wants to normalize arts experiences for everyone.

She will write more books in the future. She has published 5 books already. She wants to write a children’s series next. She also plans a second memoir. Her writing inspires young readers worldwide. She will keep sharing her wisdom.

She will also focus on motherhood and family. Her son Jackson is growing up quickly. She wants to be present for him. She will teach him about art and discipline. She may return to guest perform occasionally. She will stay involved in ballet forever.

Future PlanTarget Year
Foundation Expansion2026–2027
New Film Projects2026–2028
Children’s Book Series2027
Second Memoir2028
BE BOLD National Rollout2026–2030

Misty Copeland Awards and Achievements

Misty Copeland has won many prestigious awards. She received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP in 2021. This is the highest honor from the organization. She was named to the Time 100 Most Influential People list. She won Glamour’s Women of the Year award. She also received a Black Girls Rock! Award.

She received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from NYU in 2023. She also got an honorary doctorate from University of Hartford in 2014. She won the Trailblazer Icon Award at The Grio Awards in 2023. She was named to The Root 100 list in 2023. She received the Innovator Award from AAFCA in 2024.

She was inducted into the Boys & Girls Club National Hall of Fame in 2012. She received the Leonore Annenberg Fellowship in the Arts in 2008. She won the Breakthrough Award from the Council of Urban Professionals in 2012. She was named National Youth of the Year Ambassador for BGCA in 2013.

Her ballet achievements are equally impressive. She is the first Black female principal in ABT history. She performed Odette/Odile in Swan Lake as the first Black woman. She danced Juliet in Romeo & Juliet at the Met. She won the Music Center Spotlight Award at age 15. She was named ABT’s National Coca-Cola Scholar in 2000.

AchievementYear
First Black Female Principal at ABT2015
Spingarn Medal (NAACP)2021
Time 100 Most Influential People2015
Glamour Women of the Year2015
Honorary Doctorate (NYU)2023
Black Girls Rock! Award2013
Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame2012
Leonore Annenberg Fellowship2008

Misty Copeland Business Ventures

Misty Copeland launched Life In Motion Productions as her own company. This production company focuses on representative stories. Her first produced project is the film “Flower” . It premiered at the Tribeca Festival in 2023. The film uses dance to raise awareness about equity.

She co-founded Greatness Wins, an athletic wear brand. Her partners are Derek Jeter and Chris Riccobono. She launched the women’s line in 2023. The brand focuses on premium activewear. It promotes confidence and performance. This is a major business venture for her.

She has a long history of endorsements. She worked with Under Armour in a viral campaign. The commercial gained over 9 million views. She also partnered with Coach and American Express. She endorsed Diet Dr. Pepper in the past. These deals added to her net worth significantly.

She launched The Misty Copeland Foundation in 2022. This is a nonprofit organization. Its first program is called BE BOLD. It aims to bring diversity to ballet. The foundation provides scholarships and training. This is her passion project above all.

Business NameTypeEst. Value
Life In Motion ProductionsFilm/TV ProductionGrowing
Greatness WinsAthletic WearMulti-million dollar brand
Misty Copeland FoundationNonprofitFundraising based
Book RoyaltiesPublishing$200,000+
Speaking EngagementsEvents$50,000 per event

Misty Copeland Public Image

Misty Copeland has a very positive public image. She is seen as a trailblazer and role model. The media portrays her as graceful and strong. She is respected by dancers and non-dancers alike. Her story is one of perseverance and hope. She has zero scandals in her career.

Some critics say her technique is unorthodox. But most praise her unique artistry. She faced body shamers early in her career. She overcame those comments with confidence. She now embraces her muscular physique. She became a symbol of body positivity.

She is known for being gracious and kind. She mentors many young dancers personally. She responds to fans with genuine warmth. Her interviews are honest and insightful. She admits her struggles openly. This authenticity makes her beloved by many.

Her public image is wholesome and inspiring. She is not a controversial figure. She uses her platform for good causes only. She represents excellence and humility. The public trusts her completely. She is a true American treasure.

Public Image AspectRating/Detail
Reputation Score9.5/10
Scandal Count0
Role Model StatusVery High
Media PortrayalPositive, Inspiring
AuthenticityGenuine
Trust LevelVery High

Misty Copeland Career Stats / Achievements

Stat CategoryTotal Number
Years with ABT25 (2000–2025)
Principal Dancer Years10 (2015–2025)
Soloist Years8 (2007–2015)
Corps de Ballet Years6 (2001–2007)
Lead Roles Performed15+
Swan Lake Performances50+
Firebird Performances30+
Romeo & Juliet40+
Broadway Shows1 (On The Town)
Movies1 (The Nutcracker and the Four Realms)
Books Published5
Endorsement Deals6+

Misty Copeland Ballet Repertoire

  • Swan Lake (Odette/Odile)
  • Romeo & Juliet (Juliet)
  • Firebird (Title role)
  • Giselle (Title role)
  • Manon (Title role)
  • Coppélia (Swanilda)
  • Don Quixote (Kitri)
  • The Nutcracker (Clara)
  • Le Corsaire (Gulnare)
  • The Sleeping Beauty (Pas de Deux)
  • Push Comes to Shove (Twyla Tharp)
  • Aftereffect (Aszure Barton)
  • Year of the Rabbit (Justin Peck)

Misty Copeland Books

  • Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina (2014) – Memoir
  • Firebird (2014) – Children’s picture book
  • Ballerina Body: Dancing and Eating Your Way to a Leaner, Stronger, and More Graceful You (2017)
  • Bunheads (2020) – Children’s book
  • Black Ballerinas (2021)
  • The Wind at My Back (2022) – Tribute to Raven Wilkinson

Misty Copeland Movies & TV Shows

  • On The Town (Broadway, 2015) – Ivy Smith
  • The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) – Ballerina Princess
  • MasterClass (Online series) – Guest instructor
  • CBS Sunday Morning – Guest
  • 60 Minutes – Featured
  • The Today Show – Guest

Misty Copeland Music Video Appearances

  • Prince – “Crimson and Clover” cover (2009)
  • Taylor Swift – American Music Awards performance (2019)
  • H.E.R. – Grammy Awards Prince Tribute (2020)

Misty Copeland Hobbies

  • Reading books and memoirs
  • Spending time with her son
  • Traveling to new places
  • Practicing yoga and Pilates
  • Cooking healthy meals
  • Listening to classical music
  • Writing in her journal
  • Mentoring young dancers
  • Shopping for vintage clothing
  • Watching documentaries

Misty Copeland Favorite Things

  • Favorite color: Purple
  • Favorite food: Sushi
  • Favorite ballet: Swan Lake
  • Favorite dancer: Raven Wilkinson
  • Favorite author: Maya Angelou
  • Favorite musician: Prince
  • Favorite city: New York City
  • Favorite brand: Under Armour
  • Favorite workout: Pilates
  • Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii

Misty Copeland Interesting Facts

  • She started ballet at age 13, very late for a professional.
  • She suffered a lumbar stress fracture early in her career.
  • She took birth control pills that caused her breasts to grow to double D.
  • She developed a binge eating disorder from body pressure.
  • She is the cousin-in-law of actor Taye Diggs.
  • She performed live with Prince on his tour.
  • Her Under Armour commercial went viral with 9 million views.
  • She was appointed to the President’s Council on Fitness by Obama.
  • She has no tattoos on her body.
  • She announced her retirement in 2025 after 25 years with ABT.

FAQs

1. What is Misty Copeland’s real name?
Her real name is Misty Danielle Copeland. She uses her birth name professionally.

2. How old is Misty Copeland in 2026?
Misty Copeland is 43 years old. She was born September 10, 1982.

3. Is Misty Copeland married?
Yes, she is married to Olu Evans, an attorney. They wed in 2016.

4. Does Misty Copeland have children?
Yes, she has one son named Jackson. He was born in 2022.

5. What is Misty Copeland’s net worth?
Her net worth is $1.5 million from ballet, books, and endorsements.

6. When did Misty Copeland retire from ABT?
She retired in 2025 after 25 years with the company.

7. What is Misty Copeland’s height?
She is 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall.

Conclusion

Misty Copeland is a groundbreaking American ballet dancer and author. Her real name is Misty Danielle Copeland, and she performs simply as Misty Copeland. At age 43 (born September 10, 1982), she retired after an amazing career. She stands 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 115 lbs. She is not a singer but a ballet dancer, author, and producer. She started her career very late at age 13 in 1995.

She is famous for Swan Lake, Firebird, and Romeo & Juliet with ABT. She has no music albums. Her major projects include books, films, and her foundation. Her family includes her husband Olu Evans and their son Jackson. Her major achievements include becoming the first Black female principal dancer at ABT. Her net worth is $1.5 million from ballet, books, endorsements, and speaking.

She earns from her foundation, production company, and athletic wear brand. She overcame poverty, late training, and body shaming to succeed. Her “never give up” attitude defines her life and legacy. She continues to inspire millions through her foundation. Misty Copeland is truly unforgettable and revolutionary.

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