Overview
- Copeland took her final bow on Oct. 22 at a Fall Gala in the David H. Koch Theater, performing excerpts from Romeo and Juliet, Wrecka Stow and Sinatra Suite.
- She danced with partners Calvin Royal III and Herman Cornejo, with tributes delivered by Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen.
- The event was streamed to a nearby venue with free tickets distributed, drawing a line that stretched around the block.
- Her retirement follows a five-year performance hiatus to focus on family and advocacy, and she has signaled continued work through her Be Bold programs.
- The first Black woman promoted to principal at ABT in 2015, Copeland’s departure leaves the company without a Black female principal or soloist.