Misty Copeland, the Trailblazing Ballerina
Misty Copeland, the trailblazing ballerina who shattered barriers at American Ballet Theatre, has taken her final bow. On a glittering night at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, Copeland returned to the stage alongside her ABT peers for a farewell performance that celebrated her legacy and her 25-year journey with the famed company. The moment was not only emotional but symbolic—a culmination of a career that redefined what ballet could look like.
Her farewell took place during ABT’s Fall Gala, which was also simulcast to a packed audience at Alice Tully Hall. It marked her first performance in five years, making the evening even more poignant. The program featured a blend of classical and contemporary works, including a tender pas de deux from Romeo & Juliet and choreography set to Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life” and “My Way,” both songs that spoke to Copeland’s resilience, artistry, and independence.
The audience was a sea of admiration and history. Oprah Winfrey, Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, and Jim Parsons were among the luminaries in attendance, joining an audience of fans, dancers, and supporters who had followed Copeland’s groundbreaking career. During the curtain call, the crowd erupted into applause as Winfrey and others stepped forward to present her with flowers—a moment that perfectly captured the intersection of grace, power, and gratitude that has defined Copeland’s life onstage.
She was also surprised by her husband and young son, who joined her onstage in a touching gesture that blended the personal and professional worlds she has long sought to balance. It was a full-circle moment for an artist who has always spoken about the importance of family, community, and legacy.
In an Instagram post announcing her retirement earlier this month, Copeland called the milestone “meaningful” and emphasized that the free simulcast was her way of sharing this experience with the community that supported her throughout her career. “This farewell is a celebration of everyone who has been part of my journey,” she wrote. “I want to share it with as many of you as possible.”
Copeland’s path to history began in 2000, when she joined the ABT Studio Company, followed by her promotion to the corps de ballet a year later and to soloist in 2005. Her ascent culminated in 2015, when she became the first African American woman to be named principal dancer in the company’s 85-year history—a moment that changed the face of ballet forever.
From that point on, Copeland became more than a dancer—she became a symbol of possibility. Through her artistry, interviews, and advocacy, she brought national attention to issues of diversity and inclusion within ballet, a field long criticized for its lack of representation. Her performances radiated not only technical excellence but also cultural importance, giving young dancers of color the visibility she once lacked growing up.
In a 2021 interview with Good Morning America, Copeland reflected on how ballet’s traditions often exclude those who don’t fit its narrow image. “When people think of ballet, they say it’s the most pure dance form—but they often connect ‘pure’ with ‘white,’” she said. “Dance exists in every culture, every age. To exclude entire communities and races from it does the art form a disservice.” Her voice, once confined to the silent world of ballet, became a powerful instrument for change.
Even as she exits the stage, Copeland shows no signs of slowing down. Speaking to WABC at the gala, she reflected on how deeply ballet shaped her life. “This career gave me everything,” she said. “It’s made me the person that I am. Everything I do is connected to dance, to how it enriches people’s lives and brings communities together.”
As the curtain fell on her final night with American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland stood poised as ever—grateful, radiant, and still breaking boundaries. Her legacy now extends far beyond the stage: she is a cultural icon, an advocate for equity, and a testament to how art, when fearless and inclusive, can change the world.
