Misty Copeland retires from American Ballet Theatre after historic career
Misty Copeland ends her groundbreaking career at American Ballet Theatre, celebrated for breaking barriers

Trailblazing ballerina Misty Copeland took her final bow Wednesday night, marking the end of a groundbreaking career with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). The 43-year-old dancer, who made history in 2015 as ABT’s first Black female principal, was honored at a star-studded gala at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, according to the Associated Press.
The farewell event, which also commemorated ABT’s 85th anniversary, celebrated Copeland’s influence on ballet and her role in expanding representation within the art form. Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen were among the high-profile guests who praised her legacy. “Misty didn’t just perform ballet,” Winfrey said. “She changed it. She redefined who belongs, who gets to be seen, and who gets to lead.”
Copeland returned to the stage for the first time in five years, performing in several of her signature roles. She reprised Juliet in Romeo and Juliet alongside Calvin Royal III, ABT’s first Black male principal in two decades, and later danced modern and classical pieces including Kyle Abraham’s Wrecka Stow and Twyla Tharp’s Sinatra Suite with Herman Cornejo.
The evening concluded with a glitter-filled curtain call as Copeland’s colleagues, mentors, and family members—including her three-year-old son, Jackson—joined her onstage. The performance was also streamed live to a nearby theater for public viewing, reflecting her wide-reaching appeal.
Beyond the stage, Copeland has become a bestselling author and advocate for diversity in dance. Her foundation, Be Bold, offers after-school programs for children of color.
Born in Kansas City and raised in California, Copeland began dancing at 13 and joined ABT in 2001. Her retirement marks the close of a career that transformed not only ballet’s image but its inclusivity. “I feel ready to take this next step,” she said before the performance.
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