Misty Copeland on Tuesday became the first African-American female principal ballerina with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in the dance company's 75-year history.

Copeland, 32, joined American Ballet Theatre in 2001 and has been a soloist with the prestigious company since 2007.

"I am so honored to be a principal dancer, to be an African-American and to be in this position," an emotional Copeland, who started ballet at age 13, told a news conference.