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Misty Copeland is set to take her final bow with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), where she became the first Black woman to be named a principal dancer.
According to USA Today, Copeland will deliver her farewell performance with ABT on Wednesday (October 22) at the David H. Koch Theater in New York, marking the end of a historic chapter in American ballet.
The performance, part of ABT's Fall Gala, will feature excerpts from "Romeo and Juliet" and "Sinatra Suite." It will be Copeland’s first performance with the company in five years.
Wednesday evening is also expected to be a star-studded tribute to Copeland’s legacy, with appearances from the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen. Copeland is set to be honored for her onstage talent and her impact on equity and inclusion in the arts.
“Misty Copeland is not only an extraordinary artist, but also an extraordinary woman and leader,” Caryn Campbell, Executive Director of the Misty Copeland Foundation, said in a statement. “She has inspired generations, and through her vision off the stage, she is building something that will last for generations to come.”
Despite her departure from ABT, Copeland is not retiring from dance.
“While she is bidding farewell to ABT, Copeland is not retiring from dance. She is a cultural icon, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for equity in the arts,” a statement from the theatre reads.
Though Wednesday's event is sold out, ABT will simulcast the gala for free at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center starting at 6:15 p.m. ET. Complimentary tickets will be distributed at the box office beginning at 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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