Ballet icon Misty Copeland will perform with American Ballet Theatre for the final time on October 22, 2025. The groundbreaking ballerina is closing the curtain on a remarkable 25-year career. Her farewell performance promises to be an unforgettable celebration of artistic excellence and cultural impact.
The historic event takes place at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. ABT is marketing this as a “once-in-a-lifetime event” for dance enthusiasts worldwide. Copeland’s final bow represents more than just one dancer’s retirement—it marks the end of an era.
American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala Features Misty Copeland’s Farewell Performance
The 2025 ABT Fall Gala will spotlight Copeland’s extraordinary contributions to ballet. The evening includes special tributes, speeches, and dance performances honoring her legacy. Each element celebrates how she transformed the institution and inspired countless dancers.
Copeland announced exciting news for fans unable to attend in person. A simulcast of her performance will stream at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. This allows more people to witness her historic final bow.
Tickets for the simulcast become available on the day of the event. The expanded access ensures Copeland’s supporters can participate in this momentous occasion. Furthermore, the simulcast reflects the widespread admiration she commands across the dance community.
Misty Copeland’s Journey From Barrier-Breaking Dancer to Ballet Legend
Copeland’s 25-year tenure with ABT rewrote ballet history. She became the first African American woman promoted to principal dancer at ABT. Her achievement shattered long-standing barriers in classical ballet.
“I could never have imagined the life ballet would give me,” Copeland shared in a statement. “To dance on the world’s greatest stages, with artists I admire so deeply, has been one of the greatest gifts of my life.” Her words reflect genuine gratitude for an exceptional career.
Copeland emphasized that her time with ABT shaped her beyond dance. “My time with ABT has shaped me not just as a dancer, but as a person, and given me the platform to reach back and make space for others,” she explained. Her influence extends far beyond technical mastery.
Career-Defining Roles That Cemented Misty Copeland’s Ballet Legacy
Copeland’s repertoire includes some of ballet’s most demanding and iconic roles. She portrayed Odette/Odile in Swan Lake with stunning precision and emotional depth. This dual role showcases a dancer’s full range of technical and dramatic abilities.
Her performance as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet captivated audiences worldwide. Additionally, Copeland brought fierce power to the title role in Firebird. Each performance demonstrated her versatility and commanding stage presence.
These roles traditionally belonged to a narrow definition of what a ballerina should look like. Copeland’s interpretations challenged those outdated notions. She redefined these classic characters for a new generation of ballet lovers.
Life After the Stage: Misty Copeland’s Next Chapter in Entertainment and Education
Copeland isn’t stepping away from her mission after retirement. She’s actively building her production company, Life in Motion Production. This venture allows her to shape narratives and create opportunities behind the scenes.
She recently released a new children’s book titled Bunheads: Act 2. The book continues her commitment to inspiring young dancers from diverse backgrounds. “These characters reflect the world I want every child to see in a ballet studio, diverse, supportive, and full of possibility,” Copeland told Ebony.
Her post-stage career focuses on advocacy and representation. “This moment isn’t a farewell, it’s a celebration of everything we’ve built together, and a step toward all the work that’s still ahead,” she stated. Copeland views retirement as a transition rather than an ending.
Ballet Leaders Praise Misty Copeland’s Transformative Impact on the Art Form
Susan Jaffe, ABT’s Artistic Director, described Copeland as a “once in a generation” talent. The praise acknowledges Copeland’s rare combination of technical skill and cultural significance. Her abilities elevated every performance she touched.
Jaffe emphasized that Copeland’s importance extends beyond her dancing. “Her legacy at ABT is profound—not only through the roles she’s redefined but also through the lives she’s inspired,” Jaffe explained. The impact reaches aspiring dancers who now see themselves represented.
“Misty’s advocacy for inclusion, equity, and education ensures her impact will resonate far beyond this moment,” Jaffe added. Copeland transformed ballet from an exclusive art form into a more welcoming space. Her advocacy work created lasting institutional change.
