Misty Copeland Retires as American Ballet Theatre's First Black Female Principal

Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre's 75-year history, retired after a trailblazing career celebrated at a star-studded fall gala at Manhattan's Lincoln Center. The gala featured tributes from notable figures including Oprah Winfrey, who praised Copeland for redefining ballet and expanding representation in the art form. Copeland danced for the first time with ABT in five years during the event, performing iconic roles such as Juliet and partnering with Calvin Royal III, ABT's first Black male principal dancer in two decades. Aside from performing, Copeland has focused on raising her son and advocating for diversity in dance through her foundation and programs for children of color. The event was marked by high demand for tickets and a free simulcast in New York’s Damrosch Park to honor her legacy of inclusion and accessibility. Copeland's journey, starting ballet at age 13 and rising to national prominence, has inspired countless dancers and broadened the scope of ballet's cultural representation.