On October 22, renowned ballerina Misty Copeland will be honored in a major event hosted by American Ballet Theatre (ABT) at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. This standout Fall Gala will not only mark her farewell performance as a principal dancer but will also be simulcast live to share the moment with a wider audience. Copeland, who made history in 2015 as ABT’s first African American principal ballerina, continues to be an inspiration, poignantly stating, “This farewell is a celebration of everyone who has been part of my journey, and I want to share it with as many of you as possible.”
Starting at 4 p.m., tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at Lincoln Center’s box office, with attendees limited to two tickets each. The free simulcast is set to begin at 6:15 p.m. and will feature special celebrity guests, amplifying the significance of what promises to be a milestone evening. As part of ABT’s accessibility initiative, ABT RISE, children and adult students from The Misty Copeland Foundation’s BE BOLD and BE BOLDER programs will also be invited to participate in this momentous occasion.
The evening will include a tribute to Copeland’s illustrious career, showcasing several pieces from her repertoire, along with heartfelt greetings from notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen. Attendees will be treated to a world premiere choreographed by Kyle Abraham, adding to the celebration’s unique allure.
In a recent discussion about her groundbreaking role in ballet, Copeland expressed her desire for the conversation around diversity in dance to remain alive and relevant. She highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and change within the art form, emphasizing that milestones like hers should not be sidelined.
As this significant event unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the journey still ahead for ballet, ensuring that the groundwork laid by Copeland paves the way for future generations of diverse dancers to emerge and flourish in the world of ballet.