A Historic Farewell at Lincoln Center
Misty Copeland is taking her final bow at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater on October 22, 2025. The world-renowned ballerina is ending her time with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) with the same strength, grace, and power that defined her career. The night is more than a performance — it’s a celebration of a groundbreaking journey that changed ballet forever.
Copeland made history in 2015 as the first Black woman to become a Principal Dancer at ABT. Her farewell marks the close of a defining era in classical dance. Yet, as Copeland herself shared, this moment is not the end. “This isn’t a farewell,” she said. “It’s a celebration of everything we’ve built together, and a step toward all the work that’s still ahead.”
A Performance Filled With Meaning and Emotion
After five years away from the stage, Copeland’s return for one final performance feels both poetic and powerful. Her farewell will feature scenes from Romeo and Juliet and Sinatra Suite, along with a new work choreographed by Kyle Abraham. This mix of old and new honors her artistry while passing the torch to a new generation of Black excellence in ballet.
The performance carries deep emotion. In ABT’s 85-year history, Copeland remains the only Black woman to ever hold the title of Principal Dancer. Her presence has reshaped how audiences see ballet — expanding who belongs on stage and redefining what beauty and strength look like in motion.
Tributes From Icons and Students Alike
To honor her journey, Lincoln Center will host a live simulcast of her farewell at Alice Tully Hall. Students from her foundation’s BE BOLD and BE BOLDER programs will gather to watch their role model in action. Many of these young dancers come from communities that rarely see themselves represented in ballet, making this moment especially meaningful.
Tributes from Debbie Allen and Oprah Winfrey will also highlight Copeland’s artistic impact and cultural legacy. Through her work, she has become more than a performer — she is a symbol of resilience, creativity, and representation for generations of young Black girls who dream of dancing.
Continuing Her Legacy Beyond the Stage
Though she’s stepping away from the stage, Misty Copeland’s influence continues through her books, public advocacy, and the Misty Copeland Foundation. The foundation focuses on dance education for youth in under-resourced communities, helping them access the same opportunities that once changed her life.
Copeland remains committed to creating space for diversity and accessibility in the arts. Her foundation’s work shows that ballet can be a home for everyone — regardless of race or background. As she begins this next chapter, Copeland’s mission to open doors for others stands as strong as ever.
Style and Strength: Misty Copeland’s Signature Look
Throughout her career, Copeland has expressed her confidence not only through movement but also through style. Whether attending New York Fashion Week or the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, she’s carried herself with elegance and ease. Her recent appearances at the 2025 American Ballet Theatre Gala, the Clinton Global Initiative, and the BAAND Together Dance Festival show her as poised as ever — a woman who moves through every space with intention.
From the stage to the red carpet, Misty Copeland’s image tells a story of empowerment. Every outfit, every performance, every smile — all reflect a woman who dared to dance her truth and, in doing so, made history.
