Yesterday, Misty Copeland performed her final show with the American Ballet Theatre at Lincoln Center, drawing hundreds of spectators and ballet enthusiasts. According to CBS News, some attendees waited for hours to secure livestream tickets to watch the event. This performance marks the conclusion of Copeland’s on-stage ballet career, which brought increased diversity to the classical ballet community.
The gala event recognized Copeland’s career with the American Ballet Theatre and her influence beyond dance. To accommodate a larger audience, the performance was broadcast live at no cost at Alice Tully Hall next door. Attendees included longtime fans and young dancers who traveled from locations such as Atlanta. As 10-year-old Kennedy Johnson told CBS News, "I have been a dancer since I was 3," reflecting Copeland’s impact on the next generation of dancers.
The evening included a series of duets performed by Copeland, one of which was with Calvin Royal III, ABT’s first Black male principal dancer in twenty years. As per ABC7NY, Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen gave speeches acknowledging Copeland’s contributions to ballet. Winfrey stated, "She changed it. She redefined who belongs, who gets to be seen, and who gets to lead," describing Copeland’s legacy.
Although Copeland has retired from performing, she continues to promote diversity through her writing and the Misty Copeland Foundation. She also pointed out that her departure from ABT means there are currently no Black female principal dancers in the company. Copeland said to ABC7NY, "I've just gotten to a place in my career where there's only so much I can do on a stage."
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