Overview
- Copeland is being honored at American Ballet Theatre’s Fall Gala with tributes from Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen and performances including excerpts from Romeo and Juliet and Sinatra Suite, plus a new piece by Kyle Abraham.
- ABT arranged a free live simulcast at Alice Tully Hall to broaden access for those who cannot attend the high-priced gala.
- She joined ABT’s corps in 2001, became a soloist in 2007, and in 2015 was promoted as the company’s first Black woman principal.
- With her retirement, ABT lists no Black female dancers among its principals or soloists, underscoring concerns about sustained progress on representation.
- Beyond the stage, Copeland’s foundation launched the BE BOLD afterschool program to expand affordable, inclusive ballet training for children who might not otherwise see themselves in the art form.