After more than two decades of rewriting what’s possible in ballet, Misty Copeland has officially taken her final bow. On Wednesday night, under the warm glow of the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, the 43-year-old icon gave her final performance with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), marking the close of a career that redefined an entire art form, Essence reports.
Titled “A Celebration Honoring Misty Copeland,” the evening served as both a performance and a love letter to her 25-year tenure with ABT. The gala was also simulcast at Alice Tully Hall, where audiences gathered to witness the moment and reflect on her legacy. After a five-year hiatus from the stage, Copeland returned for a one-night-only performance filled with the same power and precision that first made her a household name. She moved effortlessly through a pas de deux from Romeo & Juliet and two soulful routines set to Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life” and “My Way.”
When she took her final curtain call, the energy in the theater was electric. Oprah Winfrey, Debbie Allen, and Phylicia Rashad were among the crowd who rose to their feet, showering Copeland with flowers and admiration. The moment became even more emotional when her husband and young son joined her onstage, a tender family scene that brought many in the audience to tears.
Ahead of the performance, Copeland shared her reflections on Instagram, writing, “Although I’ll be saying farewell to the stage, I’ll always be committed to opening doors, creating space, and making ballet a place where everyone belongs.”
That sentiment captures the essence of her legacy. A Kansas City native raised in San Pedro, California, Copeland discovered dance at the age of 13, an age when most ballerinas are already well into their training. Within a few short years, her talent proved undeniable. She joined ABT’s Studio Company in 2000, became a full company member in 2001, and rose to soloist by 2005. In 2015, she made history as the first African American woman to become a principal dancer in the company’s 85-year history.
Her journey wasn’t just about talent; it was about transformation. At a time when representation in classical dance was scarce, Copeland’s rise became a symbol of possibility. She didn’t just command the stage; she expanded who ballet could speak to. She danced with Prince, graced magazine covers, appeared on television, and authored bestselling books that introduced a new generation to the world of ballet. When she performed Swan Lake in 2015 as Odette/Odile, the ticket line stretched around the block, proof that her artistry transcended tradition.
Beyond her performances, Copeland has been a relentless advocate for access and inclusion. She launched the Misty Copeland Foundation to expand dance opportunities for underserved youth and co-founded Life In Motion Productions to tell more diverse stories through the arts.
Misty Copeland’s final bow may close a chapter, but her influence is eternal. She didn’t just dance her way into history; she opened the stage for countless others to follow. Her grace, grit, and groundbreaking spirit will continue to move audiences long after the curtain has fallen.
Cover photo: Ballerina Misty Copeland Takes Her Final Bow With the American Ballet Theatre/Photo credit: Theo Wargo/Getty Images