Misty Copeland Retires as American Ballet Theatre’s First Black Principal Dancer After Trailblazing Career

Misty Copeland has retired from American Ballet Theatre (ABT) after a 25-year, history-making run as the company’s first Black female principal dancer.

“By JOCELYN NOVECK, AP National Writer NEW YORK (AP) —Misty Copelandtook one last spin on her pointe shoes Wednesday, showered with golden glitter and bouquets as she retired from American Ballet Theatre after a trailblazing career in which she became an ambassador for diversity in an overwhelmingly white art form”

PennLive

She marked the moment with a gala performance at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater.

PennLive

Multiple outlets note she returned to the stage for the first time in five years, dancing iconic roles such as Juliet in a duet with Calvin Royal III.

Calvin Royal III is ABT’s first Black male principal in two decades.

Luminaries like Oprah Winfrey paid tribute during the event.

Outlets also specify the date and gala framing: October 22 as part of ABT’s Fall Gala.

The celebration emphasized her legacy and influence on diversity and representation in ballet.

The historical framing of Copeland’s barrier-breaking milestone varies across sources.

Some emphasize ABT’s founding year or age, underscoring a long timeline of exclusion, while others present different institutional histories.

The Express Tribune

People notes her place "since its founding in 1939," while infocityba.ar describes her as the first Black female principal in ABT’s "85-year history."

Both The Cut and The Lufkin Daily News use "75-year history."

Several outlets add that her departure leaves ABT without a Black female principal, underscoring concerns about representation.

Beyond the stage, sources emphasize Copeland’s advocacy and various projects, though they differ in naming and focus.

“NEW YORK —Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer in theAmerican Ballet Theatre’s85-year history, performed her final show Wednesday at Lincoln Center’s David H”

infocityba.ar

People and infocityba.ar mention The Misty Copeland Foundation and her books.

WRAL highlights programs aimed at supporting children of color.

The Express Tribune notes her leadership of the Be Bold foundation, which also supports children of color.

Netflix Junkie uniquely focuses on how her influence continues through films and documentaries available on major streaming platforms.

People also reports that she co-founded a production company, further expanding her cultural impact.

Coverage of Copeland’s personal journey and what comes next also differs in nuance.

Several outlets recount her unconventional path—beginning ballet at 13 amid hardship and homelessness—while noting she had stepped back five years ago for family and advocacy.

The Killeen Daily Herald

As for the future, some emphasize she will continue dancing, others that she hasn’t ruled it out or sees this as a transition.

Performance details such as a modern dance and sharing the stage with Calvin Royal III add texture to her farewell.

Details of the gala and its framing vary across different outlets.

“NEW YORK (AP) — Misty Copeland took one last spin on her pointe shoes Wednesday, showered with golden glitter and bouquets as sheretired from American Ballet Theatreafter a trailblazing career in which she became an ambassador for diversity in an overwhelmingly white art form”

The Killeen Daily Herald

Several sources highlight ABT’s 85th anniversary and the Lincoln Center venue.

Bustle

WRAL’s language leans toward a celebratory tone.

People and Bustle specify the date as October 22 and the location as the Koch Theater.

The Express Tribune emphasizes the presence of notable figures like Debbie Allen.

The News International reports that Copeland curated the program and described the honor as “pretty surreal.”

However, it also incorrectly states that she began her career in 2015, which conflicts with multiple accounts of her 25-year tenure at ABT.

The Killeen Daily Herald uniquely notes that the event was streamed live and open to the public.