Misty Copeland used her voice once again to champion the beauty and importance of ballet while celebrating women’s strength during a powerful event hosted by Aveeno and TOGETHXR. The event marked the launch of “The Strength Issue,” a special initiative designed to highlight the resilience, stories, and experiences of women athletes.
Held in New York City on International Women’s Day, the gathering brought together athletes, advocates, and leaders who are redefining what strength looks like in sports and beyond. Copeland, the first Black principal dancer in the history of American Ballet Theatre, was one of the standout voices of the evening.
The retired ballerina used the moment not only to celebrate women’s achievements but also to respond thoughtfully to recent comments about the relevance of ballet.
Misty Copeland Speaks Up for Ballet’s Cultural Legacy
During the discussion, Copeland addressed comments made by actor Timothée Chalamet, who recently suggested that “no one cares” about ballet or opera anymore. Rather than dismissing the remark, Copeland used it as an opportunity to highlight the deeper cultural value of these art forms.
She acknowledged that ballet may not always dominate popular culture the way blockbuster films do. However, she stressed that popularity does not determine the importance or lasting impact of an art form.
“I think that it’s important that we acknowledge this is an art form that is not popular and a part of pop culture as movies are,” Copeland explained. “But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have enduring relevance in culture.”
She also pointed out that ballet and opera have existed for more than four centuries, shaping performance traditions that continue to influence modern entertainment. According to Copeland, access to these art forms can be life-changing for many young people.
The Aveeno x TOGETHXR Strength Issue Highlights Women’s Power
The event celebrated the launch of “The Strength Issue,” a platform created to give female athletes space to tell their own stories. The initiative explores how women experience strength not only physically, but emotionally and mentally as well.
Through this collaboration, Aveeno and TOGETHXR aim to spotlight the many ways women show resilience, vulnerability, and determination. The program also recognizes how recovery, self-care, and community support play key roles in women’s health and success.
Another powerful voice featured at the event was swimmer Ali Truwit, a shark attack survivor and two-time Paralympic silver medalist. Her story of perseverance highlighted the broader theme of the evening: strength takes many forms, and every woman’s journey deserves recognition.
A Powerful Conversation on Women’s Strength and Representation
The celebration also included an insightful panel discussion moderated by award-winning journalist MJ Acosta-Ruiz. Joining the conversation were leaders such as Kirsten Hurley, Aveeno’s Head of Commercial, and Kati Fernandez, Chief Content Officer at TOGETHXR.
Together, the panelists explored how storytelling can reshape public perceptions of women’s achievements. They emphasized the importance of giving women the opportunity to define their own narratives, especially in industries that have historically limited representation.
Throughout the discussion, Copeland reflected on her long career in ballet and her ongoing work to shift outdated ideas about who belongs in the art form. Her presence alone has already changed the landscape for many aspiring dancers.
Misty Copeland’s Mission to Expand Access to Ballet
Although Copeland retired from professional ballet in 2025, her commitment to the art form remains strong. In fact, her focus has shifted toward creating opportunities for the next generation of dancers.
One of the most important parts of this mission is the Misty Copeland Foundation, which she launched in 2021. The organization works to make ballet more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for children from under-resourced communities.
Copeland believes that representation can transform how young people see themselves and their possibilities.
“It’s the work I’ve done my whole career, is to bring more people into it so that people do understand the importance and the relevance of it in our communities and our culture,” she said.
Through education programs and outreach initiatives, the foundation aims to introduce ballet to children who may never have considered the art form before.
Celebrating Community, Strength, and Women’s Voices
Beyond the panel discussions and storytelling, the Aveeno x TOGETHXR event also focused on building connection among women. Guests were invited to reflect on their personal definitions of strength and share those ideas with others in the room.
The simple exercise created a powerful sense of community, reinforcing the event’s core message: strength is not one-dimensional. It includes resilience, healing, courage, and support.
As the evening concluded, it became clear that the event was about more than just a product launch. It was a celebration of women who continue to challenge expectations and expand what strength truly means.
For Copeland, that mission remains deeply personal. Whether through ballet, advocacy, or mentorship, she continues to ensure that future generations see themselves reflected in spaces that once felt unreachable.
