What is Misty Copeland's legacy at American Ballet Theatre?

Misty Copeland made history as the first Black female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, a position she held for 10 years before retiring in 2025 after 25 years with the company.

What challenges did Misty Copeland face in her ballet career?

Misty Copeland came to ballet relatively late, at the age of 13, and grew up in near poverty and periods of homelessness as her single mother struggled to support her and her five siblings. However, she soon excelled in ballet and went on to study at the San Francisco Ballet School and American Ballet Theatre on scholarship.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Trailblazing Ballerina Misty Copeland Retires After 25 Years

Trailblazing Ballerina Misty Copeland Retires After 25 Years

Q: How will Misty Copeland continue to impact the dance world after retiring?

After retiring from American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland plans to focus more on her foundation, which aims to increase diversity and representation in the dance world, including an afterschool program called "Be Bold" designed for young children of color.

22 Oct

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Summary

Misty Copeland retires from American Ballet Theatre after 25 years
First Black female principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history
Continues advocacy work to increase diversity in the dance world

Trailblazing Ballerina Misty Copeland Retires After 25 Years

On October 22nd, 2025, renowned ballerina Misty Copeland is set to retire from American Ballet Theatre (ABT) after a groundbreaking 25-year career with the company. Copeland, who joined ABT as a teenager, made history in 2015 when she became the first Black female principal dancer in the company's 75-year history.

Copeland's retirement will be marked by a gala evening at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater, where she will perform one last time with ABT. During her time away from the company, Copeland has been raising a young son and continuing her work as an author, with the second volume of her "Bunheads" series released just last month.

While Copeland has not completely closed the door on dancing, she acknowledges that this is the right time for her to move on to the next stage of her career. She plans to focus more on her foundation, which aims to increase diversity and representation in the dance world, including an afterschool program called "Be Bold" designed for young children of color.

Copeland's retirement marks the end of an era, as there will no longer be a Black female principal dancer at ABT. However, the trailblazer remains hopeful that her legacy and continued advocacy will pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the ballet community.

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