Misty Copeland is closing a beautiful chapter after 25 years of inspiring audiences and breaking ground in ballet. The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) principal dancer has officially announced her retirement.
Copeland made history in 2015 when she became the first Black woman promoted to principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year history. Now, a decade later, she’s ready to take her final bow from the company that shaped her extraordinary career.
ABT Plans a Special Farewell Performance for Misty Copeland
ABT will celebrate Misty Copeland’s retirement with a grand farewell event on October 22. The evening will feature a special performance from Copeland herself — her first in five years.
The farewell production will also include speeches, film tributes, and heartfelt moments from her fellow dancers. Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy will serve as honorary chairs for the event, showing just how much Copeland’s influence stretches beyond ballet.
“I feel like this is me saying thank you to the company,” Copeland shared in an interview. “But it won’t be the end of me dancing… never say never.”
Misty Copeland’s Impact Reaches Far Beyond the Stage
Throughout her career, Copeland wasn’t just a dancer. She was a symbol of hope for Black girls and children of color everywhere.
“It was so important for children growing up and seeing somebody like Misty and saying, ‘Oh my gosh, she looks like I do,’” said ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe.
Beyond her ballet achievements, Copeland is an author and founder of the Misty Copeland Foundation. The organization works to increase diversity in the dance world and make ballet accessible for children in under-resourced communities.
What’s Next for the Ballet Trailblazer?
Though she’s leaving ABT, Misty Copeland has no plans to slow down. She’s an accomplished author with several books, including Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina.
She also runs Life in Motion Productions, a company focused on bringing diverse stories to film. Copeland hopes to continue uplifting the next generation of dancers, leaders, and artists through her foundation and creative projects.
“It’s time for me to move to the next stage,” Copeland said about her decision to retire. And while the curtain may fall on her time at ABT, her legacy will keep inspiring for generations.
Copeland’s Departure Leaves a Big Gap in Ballet’s Top Ranks
With Misty Copeland’s retirement, there will no longer be a Black woman holding the title of principal dancer at ABT. This is a harsh reminder of how rare Copeland’s rise was — not just in ABT but in ballet companies worldwide.
Her journey changed ballet’s image and gave countless young dancers a new vision of what’s possible. Her absence will be felt, but the doors she opened remain wide.
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