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Misty Copeland, the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, retired in October 2025 after a 25-year career with the company. Copeland made history in 2015 when she became the first Black dancer to reach the prestigious principal rank at ABT. During her career, Copeland was pivotal in making ballet more inclusive and accessible for Black performers and fans. After retiring, Copeland plans to focus on her foundation, children’s books, and production company to continue increasing diversity in the arts.
Why it matters
Copeland’s promotion to principal dancer at ABT was a groundbreaking moment that challenged long-held stereotypes about the physicality of Black dancers. Her success paved the way for greater representation and opportunity in the traditionally white-dominated world of classical ballet. Copeland’s retirement marks the end of an era, but she is committed to building on her legacy through her various philanthropic and creative projects.
The details
Copeland began dancing with ABT in 2001 and steadily rose through the ranks over 15 years before being promoted to principal dancer in 2015 at the age of 32. Though her promotion came later than most, Copeland thrived in leading the company and was instrumental in making ballet more inclusive. After 25 years with ABT, Copeland announced her retirement in June 2025, citing a desire to move on to the “next stage” of her career. Her final performance was on October 22, 2025 at a farewell event at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater.
Copeland joined ABT in 2001.Copeland was promoted to principal dancer in 2015 at age 32.Copeland announced her retirement in June 2025.Copeland’s final performance with ABT was on October 22, 2025.Copeland performed at the 2026 Oscars on March 15, 2026.
The players
The first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, who retired in 2025 after a groundbreaking 25-year career.
American Ballet Theatre (ABT)
The prestigious ballet company where Copeland danced and made history as its first Black principal dancer.
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What they’re saying
“My whole career is proof that when you have diversity, people come together and want to understand each other and want to be a community together.”
— Misty Copeland (The New York Times)
“Black people have been told for generations, ‘You all have flat feet, so you’re not going to be in pointe shoes; your butts are too big, your thighs.’ We don’t all look this way, and that’s not all bad anyway.”
— Misty Copeland (The New York Times)
What’s next
Copeland plans to continue her work with The Misty Copeland Foundation, which aims to increase diversity in the arts, as well as focus on her children’s book writing and production company.
The takeaway
Misty Copeland’s trailblazing career as the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre has left an indelible mark on the world of classical ballet. Her retirement marks the end of an era, but her commitment to expanding representation and opportunity in the arts will undoubtedly continue to inspire the next generation of diverse dancers and performers.