NEED TO KNOW
- Misty Copeland is saying goodbye to the stage with one final bow
- Following a five-year hiatus, Copeland will take the stage one final time on Oct. 22, marking her retirement at the David H. Koch Theater
- “It’s been 25 years at ABT, and I think it’s time,” Copeland said in a statement
American Ballet Theatre’s Principal Dancer, Misty Copeland, is taking her final bow.
After a five-year hiatus, Copeland is set to take the stage for a final performance on Oct. 22, 2025, for a night aptly titled “A Celebration Honoring Misty Copeland.” Taking place at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, the night will include performances by Copeland and other dancers. There will also be speeches and video montages of Copeland over the years.
Caroline Kennedy and Oprah Winfrey will serve as honorary chairs that evening, the Associated Press reported.
On the official American Ballet Theatre’s Instagram page, Copeland was remembered as a “once-in-a-generation” talent by Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre.
“Misty is a once-in-a-generation artist whose brilliance transcends the stage,” Jaffe said, per the Instagram post. “Her legacy at ABT is profound—not only through the roles she’s redefined but also through the lives she’s inspired. Misty’s advocacy for inclusion, equity, and education ensures her impact will resonate far beyond this moment.”
“It’s been 25 years at ABT, and I think it’s time,” Copeland said in a statement to the AP about her retirement. “It’s time for me to move to the next stage.”
She added, “You know, I’ve become the person that I am today, and have all the opportunities I have today, because of ballet, (and) because of American Ballet Theatre. I feel like this is me saying thank you to the company. So it’s a farewell. (But) it won’t be the end of me dancing. … Never say never.”
PEOPLE reached out to Copeland’s team for comment and did not immediately hear back.
In 2015, the Life In Motion author became the first Black principal dancer at the ABT. Six years later, she launched the Misty Copeland Foundation, providing opportunities for children “in under-resourced communities to engage their bodies, hearts, and minds in learning through dance, especially ballet,” the official site explains.
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Copeland has embraced change throughout her entire career. However, one change that threw her for a loop was that of motherhood.
In February, she shared a candid Instagram post about embracing the changes that come with pregnancy after welcoming her son Jackson with husband Olu Evans, around April 2022. “Throughout my ballet career, I’ve had stress fractures to my back, six stress fractures to my tibia, and numerous ankle sprains,” she began. “I’ve always had respect for my body, what it’s able to do, and what I’ve been able to push through…”
She continued, “Pregnancy, birth, and time itself have changed my body in ways I never expected, but instead of chasing what was, I’m learning to embrace what is,” adding, “Remember: our bodies are constantly adapting. They hold every challenge we’ve faced, every step we’ve taken, and still, they keep showing up for us.”
Copeland also spoke to PEOPLE in January 2023 about her experience with parenthood. While at an event honoring co-founder of A&M Records, Jerry Moss, the athlete confessed she had a hard time leaving her baby boy for the event.
“It’s been incredible. Today was really difficult, leaving him,” she explained. “It’s only been nine months, but it’s the best job I’ve ever had.”
The ballerina said becoming a mom has taught her the importance of patience. “I think I had patience, but even more so, just to be flexible and have patience,” she admitted.
American Ballet Theatre’s website states that Fall Gala ticket prices to see Copeland’s final performance begin at $5,000, with Fall Gala tables starting at $50,000.
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