Misty Copeland's farewell performance wasn't just a goodbye; it was a historic celebration of a legacy that reshaped the world of ballet. It's hard to overstate the impact Misty Copeland has had on the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Her final bow at the Fall Gala wasn't just a performance; it was a watershed moment, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for an icon. But what made this particular event so special? Let's dive in.
On October 22, 2025, the David Geffen Hall in New York City was buzzing with anticipation. The event was the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala, and it was made even more special by the presence of Misty Copeland and Oprah Winfrey. It was a night of glitz, glamour, and, most importantly, a celebration of Copeland's incredible career.
Copeland's journey is a testament to her talent and determination. A decade ago, she shattered barriers by becoming the first Black woman principal dancer at ABT. This achievement was a pivotal moment, not just for her, but for the entire institution. Her retirement performance was a major event, drawing a crowd of celebrities and admirers. Tickets were highly sought after, with stars like Amy Sherald, Marc Jacobs, and Iman securing their seats. For those who couldn't attend, ABT Rise, an in-house initiative focused on inclusion, organized a simulcast at the nearby Alice Tully Hall, ensuring that everyone could share in the experience. Oprah Winfrey, serving as the honorary grand co-chair, perfectly captured the essence of the night. She shared, "I never say yes," but "once in a generation, someone comes along who doesn’t just master their craft— they shift the very atmosphere around it.”
But here's where it gets controversial... Copeland's performance was more than just a farewell; it was a triumphant return. It was her first performance in five years, following a pause due to the pandemic, the birth of her son, and injuries. This comeback was a testament to her dedication and resilience. She immersed herself in rigorous training, including returning to pointe shoes. She collaborated with the company's artistic director, Susan Jaffe, on a program that showcased her versatility and the roles that defined her career.
Copeland's emotions were evident throughout the evening. She even admitted to crying during pre-show interviews. The program opened with the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet, featuring Copeland and Calvin Royal III. This choice was deeply symbolic, as they were originally scheduled to perform the full ballet in the summer of 2020 before the pandemic. Royal's debut in the role, alongside Copeland, would have been a historic moment, marking the first time two Black dancers at ABT played the star-crossed lovers. Royal described the performance as feeling "very deep and rich," highlighting the profound connection between the dancers.
And this is the part most people miss... The evening was filled with memorable moments. Between dances, emotive clips from Copeland's life and career were shown. The performance of Swan Lake's Act II pas deux by Hee Seo and Cory Stearns was a nod to Copeland's 2015 breakout performance. The renowned choreographer Kyle Abraham debuted a new work, Wrecka Stow, with Copeland and Royal leading a cast in stunning costumes. George Balanchine's Theme and Variations added a touch of grandeur, and an excerpt from Houston Thomas's U Don’t Know Me highlighted the pre-professional path Copeland took at age 17. The grand finale featured Copeland and Herman Cornejo dancing three vignettes from Twyla Tharp's Sinatra Suite, followed by a procession of well-wishers, including colleagues, coaches, Tharp, Abraham, and even Copeland's first ballet teacher.
What are your thoughts on Misty Copeland's impact on ballet? Do you agree that she has shifted the atmosphere around it? Share your opinions in the comments below!
