LDT “🩰 Misty Copeland to Retire from American Ballet Theatre After Historic 25-Year Career”

What’s happening

Trailblazing ballerina Misty Copeland is set to retire from the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) after 25 years with the company. Her final performance comes as part of ABT’s Fall Gala, held on October 22, 2025, at the David H. Koch Theater, New York.

Why it matters

• Copeland broke barriers in ballet: she became ABT’s first Black female principal dancer in its 75-year history in 2015.
• Her retirement marks the end of a landmark era—not only in her personal career, but also symbolically for diversity in ballet. With her departure, there will be no Black female principal dancer at ABT at that moment.
• The farewell includes a star-studded gala featuring excerpts from Romeo & Juliet and Sinatra Suite, and a piece choreographed by Kyle Abraham.

Career highlights

• Copeland joined ABT as a teenager and steadily climbed the ranks: from corps de ballet (2001) to soloist (2007), then principal dancer (2015).
• She became an icon for representation and inclusion, advocating for children of color and through her Misty Copeland Foundation and “Be Bold” program.
• Even as she steps back from ABT, she emphasized she isn’t “done dancing”—but transitioning to new roles and opportunities.

Final thoughts

“Misty didn’t just perform ballet. She changed it. She redefined who belongs, who gets to be seen, and who gets to lead.” – Oprah Winfrey, at the gala tribute.
Her farewell isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a cultural moment. While one chapter closes, the stage of her influence remains wide open.