First Female Black Principal Dancer Misty Copeland Announces Retirement From American Ballet Theatre After 25 Years: ‘It’s Time For The Next Stage’

First Female Black Principal Dancer Misty Copeland Announces Retirement From American Ballet Theatre After 25 Years: ‘It’s Time For The Next Stage’

Ten years after making history as American Ballet Theatre’s first Black female principal dancer, Misty Copeland is officially retiring from the company that shaped her into a global icon.

“It’s been 25 years at ABT, and I think it’s time,” Copeland, 42, told the AP. “It’s time for me to move to the next stage.”

Copeland’s farewell performance on October 22 will feature her return to the stage in “Romeo and Juliet,” with tributes from Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy.

Though stepping away from the company, Copeland says, “It won’t be the end of me dancing…Never say never.”

Her impact extends beyond the stage through her books, production company, and The Misty Copeland Foundation.

“Through her books, through her lectures, even her endorsements, she has really been a trailblazer,” said ABT artistic director Susan Jaffe.

Still, Copeland admits, “There’s only so much I can do on a stage.”

Will you miss seeing Misty perform?