Misty Copeland bids a heartfelt farewell in her final performance as Principal Dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theater. The renowned dancer has announced her retirement at the age of 43, culminating a remarkable 25-year career with the company and making history as its first Black female principal dancer. Copeland’s final show, held at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center on October 22, was a poignant moment filled with performances by Copeland and fellow dancers, speeches from esteemed guests, and video retrospectives highlighting her illustrious tenure with ABT.
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The event, titled “A Celebration Honoring Misty Copeland,” was a star-studded affair co-chaired by Caroline Kennedy and Oprah Winfrey as part of ABT’s Fall Gala. After a hiatus of five years, Copeland returned to the stage for this momentous occasion, reflecting on her groundbreaking achievement of becoming the company’s first Black principal dancer at the age of 32. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE before her final performance, Copeland shared advice for young dancers, urging them to find joy in their art amidst the challenges of the profession.
Throughout her career, Copeland has been a vocal advocate for inclusivity in ballet, striving to make the art form more accessible to Black performers and audiences. In a June 2025 interview with The New York Times Magazine, she spoke about the importance of diversity in elite ballet and its power to bring people together. Copeland’s impact extends beyond the stage, as she has dedicated herself to initiatives such as The Misty Copeland Foundation and authored children’s books and memoirs, including the 2020 publication “Bunheads.”
Reflecting on the prejudices and stereotypes that have marginalized Black dancers in the past, Copeland emphasized the need to challenge outdated norms and broaden perceptions of beauty and talent in ballet. Her advocacy for representation and diversity has opened doors for aspiring dancers from underrepresented communities, reshaping the landscape of classical ballet and inspiring a new generation of performers. As Copeland takes her final bow, her legacy as a trailblazer and role model in the world of dance will continue to resonate for years to come.
In a poignant moment marking the end of an era, Misty Copeland’s final performance as Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theater is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers in the world of ballet. As she embarks on the next chapter of her journey, Copeland leaves behind a legacy that transcends dance, inspiring generations to pursue their dreams and defy expectations.