Overview
- On Oct. 22 in New York City, Copeland returned to the stage after five years for a farewell performance at ABT’s Fall Gala, with tributes by Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen.
- Her program featured excerpts from Romeo and Juliet and Twyla Tharp’s Sinatra Suite as well as the world premiere of Kyle Abraham’s Wrecka Stow, dancing with Calvin Royal III and Herman Cornejo.
- ABT said she is leaving the company, not retiring from dance, as she expands work through the Misty Copeland Foundation’s BE BOLD program and her Life in Motion production company.
- With Copeland’s exit, ABT has no Black woman in the principal ranks, reinforcing concerns about stalled progress on representation even as Calvin Royal III remains a principal.
- The sold-out gala paired high-priced fundraising with a free live simulcast at Alice Tully Hall and was co-chaired by Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy, drawing a broad public audience.