Tonight on PBS’ INDEPENDENT LENS film series, Nelson George’s “A Ballerina’s Tale” makes its TV premiere, so many, many more of you will finally be able to check out the documentary for yourselves, in the comfort of your homes.

The film explores the rise of Misty Copeland, who made history as the first African American female principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theater. It gives audiences an intimate look at a groundbreaking dancer during a crucial period in her life, as she makes the transition. 

On June 30, 2015, Copeland became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year history.

After it made its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival last spring, Sundance Selects acquired U.S. rights to George’s documentary last year, and released in a limited theatrical and on VOD in October.

It’s produced by Leslie Norville and executive produced by Dorria L. Ball, Ingrid Graham and Copeland.

It’s just one of a handful of upcoming Misty Copeland film/TV projects. Last year, New Line Cinema optioned film rights to Copeland’s memoir, "Life In Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina," which recounts her early struggles as a young dancer living in a welfare motel with her family. The book provides an insider’s look at the cutthroat world of professional ballet, telling a moving story of dreams and perseverance. Also announced, the Oxygen network plans "The Misty Copeland Project," a series that will follow the star ballerina as she trains and mentors talented hopefuls from diverse backgrounds, who descend upon New York City to take on the next major step in their ballet careers.

Watch “A Ballerina’s Tale” tonight, Monday, February 8, 10:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m. ET, on your local PBS station (check listings).

Trailer: