Misty Copeland prepares for a powerful farewell at Lincoln Center
Trailblazing ballerina Misty Copeland will take her final bow with American Ballet Theatre on October 22, 2025. The historic farewell will happen at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.
The Fall Gala is being described as a “once-in-a-lifetime event.” It will feature tributes, speeches, and dance performances that honor Copeland’s groundbreaking legacy. Fans who can’t attend in person will have a chance to celebrate through a live simulcast at Alice Tully Hall. Tickets will be available on the day of the event.
“This moment isn’t a farewell,” Copeland shared in a statement. “It’s a celebration of everything we’ve built together, and a step toward all the work that’s still ahead.”
A legacy that changed ballet forever
Copeland’s final performance marks the end of her 25-year journey with ABT. She is widely recognized as a cultural icon who broke barriers in an art form long dominated by Eurocentric traditions. Her performances as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, and the title role in Firebird redefined what Black excellence looks like on the ballet stage.
Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director of ABT, called Copeland a “once in a generation” talent. “Her legacy at ABT is profound—not only through the roles she’s redefined but also through the lives she’s inspired,” Jaffe said. “Misty’s advocacy for inclusion, equity, and education ensures her impact will resonate far beyond this moment.”
Copeland’s journey has inspired a new generation of young Black dancers who now see themselves reflected in spaces that once felt unreachable. Her work has transformed how ballet audiences and institutions think about race, access, and representation.
From center stage to building new worlds
Even as she prepares for her final bow, Copeland is already shaping her next chapter. She is expanding her production company, Life in Motion Production, and promoting her new children’s book Bunheads: Act 2.
“These characters reflect the world I want every child to see in a ballet studio, diverse, supportive, and full of possibility,” Copeland told Ebony.
Her work offstage continues her mission of creating more space for Black and brown voices in ballet and the arts. She is committed to building opportunities for future generations, making her farewell more of a transition than an ending.
A night to honor brilliance, Black womanhood, and legacy
The upcoming Fall Gala is expected to be a celebration filled with love, respect, and gratitude. Fans, dancers, and cultural icons from around the world will come together to honor her influence on the global stage.
Her performance at Lincoln Center isn’t just another night of ballet — it’s a cultural milestone. It recognizes her artistry, her advocacy, and her role in changing the future of dance.
Copeland’s farewell is set to shine as a defining moment in the history of American ballet. More importantly, it will stand as a celebration of Black brilliance, resilience, and liberation.
