Misty Copeland, the game-changing creator and trailblazer, became the first Black female principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre’s 75-year history. She left on top during a performance-filled autumn gala in Manhattan’s Lincoln Center headlined by a constellation of stars. Leading luminaries from the national performing arts community came together to celebrate her extraordinary life and impact on the world of ballet. The opening night had a stirring performance and emotional speeches from well-known luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised in San Pedro, California, Copeland experienced tremendous adversity as a child. She was raised in conditions approaching Third World levels. She sometimes experienced homelessness as her single mother struggled to provide for her and her five other siblings. Despite these hardships, she discovered ballet at the age of 13 and quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing an extraordinary talent that would eventually transform the ballet landscape.
In June 2015, Copeland’s remarkable rise to stardom hit a historic peak when she officially made history by being promoted to principal dancer. This milestone enormously changed the landscape for Black dancers in the world of classical ballet. Throughout her career, she has passionately fought for more diversity in the dance community. She even started her own Tavis Smiley Foundation, with programs as powerful as Be Bold. This afterschool initiative is specifically geared towards helping young children of color foster their love of dance and creativity.
On her farewell performance, Copeland danced Juliet, a role she loved for which she was known. Her final work included a world premiere of a new duet in “Wrecka Stow,” with choreography by Kyle Abraham. The performance, Revelations, was first created as a solo for Ailey in 1960 and became a tribute to her versatility and devotion to expanding the constraints of classical ballet.
In her farewell address, Copeland indicated an eagerness to embrace the next chapter of her life.
“I feel good. I feel ready to take this next step.” – Misty Copeland
The tribute to Copeland’s accomplishments featured moving speeches that emphasized her game-changing influence on the world of dance. Oprah Winfrey encouraged her for her unique artistic genius. She brought attention to her position as a trailblazing innovator who has shifted the paradigms of ballet.
“Misty didn’t just perform ballet. She changed it. She redefined who belongs, who gets to be seen, and who gets to lead.” – Oprah Winfrey
Copeland’s influence extends beyond the stage. Her dedication to creating a more representative and accessible artistic landscape has motivated countless young dancers of all walks of life, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Every one of the programs launched through her foundation seeks to dismantle the barriers that have long excluded people from the art form of ballet.
As she retires from dance, Copeland has left an indelible legacy already. Most importantly, it will echo in ballet schools for decades. Her story is an inspiration to countless young dancers who hope to find success the way she has.