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Misty Copeland Retires, Focuses on Ballet Diversity Advocacy

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Misty Copeland, the principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), retired on October 22, 2025 after a 25-year career.
She became the first African-American female principal dancer in ABT's history.
Her farewell performance at Lincoln Center drew celebrations from Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen.
Copeland will focus on a nonprofit promoting diversity in ballet and has urged ABT to improve Black female principal representation.

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Story summary

Misty Copeland, the principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), retired on October 22, 2025 after a 25-year career.
She became the first African-American female principal dancer in ABT's history.
Her farewell performance at Lincoln Center drew celebrations from Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen.
Copeland will focus on a nonprofit promoting diversity in ballet and has urged ABT to improve Black female principal representation.