Misty Copeland speaks onstage during the Find Your Light Benefit Concert For Arts Education at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Oct. 29, 2024 in New York City.
Misty Copeland speaks onstage during the Clinton Global Initiative 2025 Annual Meeting at New York Hilton Midtown on September 25, 2025 in New York City.
American Ballet Theater dancer Misty Copeland (L) visits the Cuban National Ballet in Havana on November 15, 2016. Misty Danielle Copeland, first African-American performer to be appointed a principal dancer at the ABT, was appointed US State Department Sports and Cultural Ambassador.
American Ballet Theater dancer Misty Copeland (R) visits the Cuban National Ballet in Havana on November 15, 2016. Misty Danielle Copeland, first African-American performer to be appointed a principal dancer at the ABT, was appointed US State Department Sports and Cultural Ambassador.

Misty Copeland, the first Black woman to serve as a principal dancer at the renowned American Ballet Theatre (ABT), is slated to have her farewell from the company on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in New York City.

Copeland's performance, which comes after a five-year break, will be held during the American Ballet Theatre's Fall Gala at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, where she will "dance alongside her ABT peers in a specially curated program," according to a news release.

It will showcase performance excerpts of "Romeo and Juliet" and "Sinatra Suite."

The celebration is expected to be a star-studded event, with industry icons Debbie Allen and Oprah Winfrey, who will honor the groundbreaking dancer for her legacy and contributions to the arts.

"Misty Copeland is not only an extraordinary artist, but also an extraordinary woman and leader," said Caryn Campbell, Executive Director at the Misty Copeland Foundation. (Copeland founded the nonprofit in 2021.)

"Through her historic career on the stage, she has inspired generations, and through her vision off the stage, she is building something that will last for generations to come," Campbell continued.

Will Misty Copeland's final performance be streamed?

Misty Copeland's final act at ABT is sold out as of Wednesday morning, Oct. 22. However, as the news release stated, the dancer's farewell will be available for free via simulcast at Alice Tully Hall inside Lincoln Center at 6:15 p.m. ET.

Complimentary tickets will be available at the concert hall's box office starting at 4 p.m. ET.

The free tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, and each person is limited to two tickets.

Is Misty Copeland retiring?

Copeland, 43, is not putting down her pointe shoes, according to the theater.

"While she is bidding farewell to ABT, Copeland is not retiring from dance. Beyond her artistic triumphs, she is a cultural icon, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for equity in the arts," the news release noted.

"Through The Misty Copeland Foundation’s signature BE BOLD program, she has dedicated herself to ensuring that ballet is affordable, accessible, and fun for children of all backgrounds to experience the transformative power of dance."

'A deep bow'

During an interview with USA TODAY in August, Copeland gave insight into her decision to leave the ABT.

"I’ve never seen my career on the stage as the end-all be-all. I always felt like dance was a stepping stone to so many things," she said. "As we say in ballet, it’s a révérence,” or a deep bow of gratitude at the end of a performance."

In addition to her advocacy and foundation, she has been pursuing other endeavors, including her production company, Life in Motion Productions, which she co-founded with former ballerina Leyla Fayyaz.

Contributing: Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Misty Copeland to give farewell performance with American Ballet Theatre

Reporting by Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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