Misty Copeland farewell performance: Who is Misty Copeland and where is she giving her farewell performance? Where to watch simulcast?
Returning to the stage after a five-year hiatus, Copeland will perform at ABT’s Fall Gala at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. He will “dance with his ABT colleagues in a specially prepared program,” according to the news release. Highlights include excerpts from “Romeo and Juliet” and “Sinatra Suite.”
The gala is expected to be a star-studded event where industry icons Debbie Allen and Oprah Winfrey will honor the trailblazing dancer for her legacy and artistic contributions.
Regards to an Extraordinary Leader
“Misty Copeland is not only an extraordinary artist, but also an extraordinary woman and leader,” said Caryn Campbell, Executive Director of the Misty Copeland Foundation. (Copeland founded the nonprofit in 2021.) “Through his historic career on stage, he has inspired generations, and with his vision off the stage, he is building something that will last for generations to come,” Campbell said.
Ticket Status
Tickets for Copeland’s final performance were sold out as of Wednesday morning, October 22. However, the show will be available for free via simulcast from Alice Tully Hall inside Lincoln Center at 6:15 PM ET. Complimentary tickets are available at the concert hall’s box office starting at 4pm ET, on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of two tickets per person.
Ongoing Impact Beyond ABT
Copeland, 43, does not give up dancing. “As Copeland bids farewell to ABT, she is not retiring from dance. Beyond her artistic triumphs, she is a cultural icon, a best-selling author and a passionate advocate for equality in the arts,” according to a quote in the news release.
“Through the Misty Copeland Foundation’s signature BE BOLD program, she is dedicated to ensuring ballet is affordable, accessible, and fun for children of all backgrounds to experience the transformative power of dance.”
Thoughts on His Career
In an August interview with USA TODAY, Copeland shared her decision to leave ABT. “I never saw my career on stage as an end in itself. I always felt that dance was a stepping stone to many things,” she said. “As we say in ballet, it is a tribute, or a deep nod of gratitude at the end of a performance.”
Beyond her founding and advocacy efforts, Copeland continues to pursue other projects, including Life in Motion Productions, the production company she founded with former ballerina Leyla Fayyaz.
FAQ:
- Who is Misty Copeland?
Misty Copeland is the first Black woman to serve as a principal dancer at ABT. - When was his last performance?
The farewell show is on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City.
