Misty Copeland ends her American Ballet Theatre journey

Trailblazing ballerina Misty Copeland took her final bow on Wednesday, 22 October, closing a historic chapter with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT).

The American dancer who became ABT’s first Black female principal in 2015 and was celebrated at a glittering gala at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater according to the Associated Press.

The farewell event which also marked ABT’s 85th anniversary honored Copeland’s transformative impact on ballet and her dedication to broadening representation in the art form.

Among the luminaries in attendance were Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen. 

Winfrey said, “Misty didn’t just perform ballet, she changed it. She redefined who belongs, who gets to be seen and who gets to lead.”

Returning to the stage for the first time in five years, Copeland danced several of her signature roles.

She portrayed Juliet in Romeo and Juliet opposite Calvin Royal III, ABT’s first Black male principal in 20 years and later performed modern and classical pieces including Kyle Abraham’s Wrecka Stow and Twyla Tharp’s Sinatra Suite with Herman Cornejo.

The evening concluded with a joyous glitter filled curtain call as 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 allowing fans to share in the moment.

Offstage, the 43-year-old has become a bestselling author and advocate for diversity through her Be Bold foundation which supports after school programs for children of colour.

In the end, Misty Copeland said, “Reflecting on her retirement, I feel ready to take this next step.”