Queen of the Dance Misty Copeland celebrated her storied career at the American Ballet Theatre’s Fall Gala. The gala will be held on October 22, 2025, at David Geffen Hall in New York City. This momentous return was historic and it was her ABT goodbye. It marked her dynamic return to the stage after a five-year absence. The event attracted some pretty high-profile guests. Among them were Oprah Winfrey, Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad and Jim Parsons, all present to celebrate Copeland’s historic impact on ballet and the arts.
In a stunning—and purely self-motivated—move, Copeland has officially declared her ABT retirement. In 2015, she carved new ground as the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in the company’s 85-year history. She began her journey with ABT in 2005 when she was promoted to soloist, and over the years, she inspired countless individuals with her artistry and dedication to increasing representation in ballet.
During her farewell performance, Copeland dazzled the crowd with a pas de deux from “Romeo & Juliet.” She choreographed Frank Sinatra’s signature classics, “That’s Life” and “My Way” to life. The show was live streamed into Alice Tully Hall, so many more fans could see her historic farewell.
In a heartfelt curtain call, Copeland received flowers from various guests, including Oprah Winfrey, who expressed their admiration and support for her remarkable journey.
Reflecting on her time with ABT, Copeland stated, “This career gave me the life that I have, it’s made me the person that I am, and everything that I do is connected to dance, connected to ballet.”
Throughout her career, Copeland has used her platform to speak out on some of the most pressing issues that plague the ballet community. She has been candid about the systemic racism in ballet and the industry’s lack of inclusivity. “When people think of ballet, they say, ‘Oh, it’s the most pure dance form.’ But they often relate ‘pure,’ they connect that to ‘white,’” she explained in a recent interview.
Her commitment to fostering diversity in the arts shines through her words: “Dance exists in every culture, every age. You come out of the womb dancing and singing. To exclude entire communities and races from it is just doing that a disservice.”
In her recent Instagram video, Copeland shared the news of her final performance. She explained this departure as a party for all those who’ve contributed to her journey. “This farewell is a celebration of everyone who has been part of my journey, and I want to share it with as many of you as possible,” she said.
As Misty Copeland takes her final bows with ABT, she leaves behind an incredibly strong legacy. Her story has touched millions and moved the needle for diversity in the ballet world. Her final performance not only showcased her exceptional talent but served as a powerful reminder of the changes needed within the dance community.
