Misty Copeland and Alessandra Ferri on Dancing the Role of Juliet

Ask any young dancer what role she fervently desires, and she’s likely to say Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet.” Some ballerinas, such as Alessandra Ferri (above, left), dance this role their entire careers, reimagining the character each time: braver, more vulnerable, stronger. American Ballet Theatre’s Misty Copeland (above, right) danced Juliet for the first time five years ago, with a whiff of teen-age willfulness. In a City Center “Studio 5” conversation, online Sept. 30-Oct. 6, the two ballerinas discuss how their approaches to Juliet have changed over time.