American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer Misty Copeland will take her final bow with the company at a star-studded gala this Wednesday at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.
In 2015, Copeland made history as the first Black female Principal Dancer in ABT’s 85-year history, inspiring millions worldwide. From her notable portrayals of Odette/Odile in Swan Lake and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet to the title role in Firebird, Copeland has inspired generations with her powerful presence and technical brilliance.
“I could never have imagined the life ballet would give me,” said Copeland. “To dance on the world’s greatest stages, with artists I admire so deeply, has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. My time with ABT has shaped me not just as a dancer, but as a person, and given me the platform to reach back and make space for others. This moment isn’t a farewell, it’s a celebration of everything we’ve built together, and a step toward all the work that’s still ahead.”
While she is bidding farewell to ABT, Copeland is not retiring from dance. Beyond her artistic triumphs, she is a bestselling author and passionate advocate for equity in the arts. Through The Misty Copeland Foundation, which aims to increase diversity in the dance world, she has dedicated herself to ensuring that ballet is affordable, accessible and fun for children of all backgrounds to experience the transformative power of dance.
It is notable that, although she was the first Black female principal at ABT a decade ago, there has been none named since. When Copeland leaves, there will no longer be a Black female principal dancer at ABT, nor at many other ballet companies around the world. “It’s definitely concerning,” she said in an interview with Associated Press in June. “I think I’ve just gotten to a place in my career where there’s only so much I can do on a stage. There’s only so much that visual representation like that can do. I feel like it’s the perfect timing for me to be stepping into a new role, and hopefully still shaping and shifting the ballet world and culture.”
Children and adult students from the Foundation’s BE BOLD and BE BOLDER – a ballet-based wellness programme aimed at adults aged 50 and older – programmes will be attending a free simulcast of Wednesday's gala at Alice Tully Hall, along with several of the Foundation’s partner organisations. The simulcast is also open to the public, for which free tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from 4pm at the Alice Tully Hall box office (max. two tickets per person).
“Misty is a once-in-a-generation artist whose brilliance transcends the stage,” said Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre. “Her legacy at ABT is profound – not only through the roles she’s redefined but also through the lives she’s inspired. Misty’s advocacy for inclusion, equity, and education ensures her impact will resonate far beyond this moment.”
