Misty Copeland took her final bow in a remarkable career on Wednesday night, dazzling the audience as she retired from the prestigious American Ballet Theatre (ABT). The event, held at the star-studded fall gala at Lincoln Center in Manhattan, was an emotional farewell that celebrated her trailblazing contributions to the world of ballet, particularly in terms of diversity within an art form that has historically been dominated by white performers.
At the gala, Copeland was honored for her groundbreaking achievements, including becoming the first Black female principal dancer in the company’s 75-year history. Among the luminaries present, Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen delivered heartfelt speeches, praising Copeland's impact on aspiring dancers of color. Winfrey eloquently remarked, “Misty didn’t just perform ballet; she changed it. She redefined who belongs, who gets to be seen, and who gets to lead.”
For Copeland, 43, the gala marked a nostalgic return to the stage after a five-year hiatus during which she focused on raising her son, Jackson, with her husband. The heartwarming moment of Jackson joining his mother on stage, clad in a tuxedo to hug her during the curtain calls, added a personal touch to the evening's festivities. Besides her ballet career, Copeland has also been busy as an author, with the second volume of her Bunheads series released in September, and advocating for greater diversity in the dance community through her foundation.
Copeland's decision to wear her pointe shoes again was a deliberate choice to leave a lasting impression on the ABT stage, performing iconic roles including Juliet, which remains her personal favorite. Her partner for the famous balcony pas de deux was Calvin Royal III, the first Black male principal dancer at ABT in two decades. The duo’s chemistry was palpable, and their performance was a highlight of the evening.
In addition to the traditional ballets, Copeland and Royal later showcased a modern duet in Wrecka Stow, choreographed by Kyle Abraham. For her final performance of the evening, Copeland wowed the audience with Twyla Tharp’s Sinatra Suite, alongside another of her favorite partners, Herman Cornejo. The night was not only a celebration of her career but also marked ABT’s 85th anniversary, with film clips and speeches honoring her legacy.
As the night concluded, a jubilant Copeland received a heartfelt farewell from colleagues, teachers, friends, and family, who showered her with hugs and bouquets as glittering confetti cascaded from the rafters. On the red carpet before her performance, she expressed her excitement for the next chapter of her life, stating, “I feel good. I feel ready to take this next step.”
Copeland emphasized her commitment to promoting diversity, stating, “There’s so much work and effort that has to be continuous.” The gala at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater was also streamed live to the nearby Alice Tully Hall, allowing the public to witness this historic moment, further underscoring Copeland’s unique status in the dance world.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in San Pedro, California, Copeland faced significant challenges, including periods of homelessness as her single mother worked tirelessly to support her and her five siblings. Remarkably, she began ballet relatively late at age 13, yet quickly excelled, earning scholarships to the San Francisco Ballet School and ABT. After her tenure in the junior company, she officially joined ABT as a member of the corps de ballet in April 2001 and achieved the rank of soloist within six years. Her promotion to principal dancer in June 2015 marked a historic moment in ballet.
