Misty Copeland Bids Farewell to ABT with a Celebrated Final Performance

On October 22, 2025, Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), concluded her groundbreaking 25-year career with a farewell performance at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater in New York City. The event, which also marked ABT's 85th anniversary, celebrated Copeland's significant contributions to ballet and her role in promoting diversity within the art form.

The Fall Gala featured Copeland performing some of her most cherished pieces. She reprised her role as Juliet in the balcony pas de deux from "Romeo and Juliet," dancing alongside Calvin Royal III, who became ABT's first Black male principal dancer in two decades in 2020. The duo also performed "Wrecka Stow," a contemporary piece by choreographer Kyle Abraham. For her final performance of the evening, Copeland danced Twyla Tharp's "Sinatra Suite" with longtime partner Herman Cornejo.

The gala was attended by luminaries from the arts and entertainment industries. Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen delivered heartfelt tributes, highlighting Copeland's transformative impact on ballet. Winfrey remarked, "Misty didn't just perform ballet. She changed it. She redefined who belongs, who gets to be seen, and who gets to lead." Allen added that Copeland had "helped to redefine the face of ballet" and expressed hope that ABT would not wait long before appointing another Black principal dancer.

Born on September 10, 1982, in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in San Pedro, California, Copeland began her ballet training at the age of 13—a relatively late start in the dance world. Despite this, her exceptional talent propelled her rapidly through the ranks. She joined ABT's studio company in 2000 and became a member of the corps de ballet in 2001. By 2007, she was promoted to soloist, and in 2015, she made history as the first Black woman to be named principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history.

Throughout her career, Copeland has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in ballet. She has authored several books, including the memoir "Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina," and has been involved in initiatives aimed at making ballet more accessible to underrepresented communities. In 2022, she co-founded the sports apparel label "Greatness Wins," emphasizing inclusivity for all body types.

Copeland's retirement from ABT does not signify an end to her involvement in the arts. She plans to continue her advocacy through the Misty Copeland Foundation, focusing on increasing diversity in the dance world and providing opportunities for young dancers from diverse backgrounds. She also intends to further her writing career and expand her production company, aiming to bring dance to broader audiences through various media.

Reflecting on her departure, Copeland stated, "It's been 25 years at ABT, and I think it's time. It's time for me to move to the next stage." She emphasized that this moment is not a farewell but a celebration of her journey and a step toward the work that lies ahead in promoting inclusivity in the arts.

As Copeland takes her final bow with ABT, her legacy as a trailblazer in the ballet world endures, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams regardless of the barriers they may face.