Misty Copeland: Photos of the Ballet Dancer Over the Years

Variety via Getty Images

Trailblazing ballerina Misty Copeland just took her final bow with American Ballet Theatre. See photos of her through the years.

Misty Copeland is an American ballet dancer who achieved global renown with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Despite beginning ballet at age 13, she quickly distinguished herself and in 2015 made history by becoming the first African-American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year history.

Her early trajectory: after auditioning in 1999 for several summer programs, she joined ABT’s Summer Intensive in 1999 and 2000. She officially joined the ABT Studio Company in September 2000, became part of the corps de ballet in 2001, was promoted to soloist in 2007, and then to principal on June 30, 2015.

In 2025, Copeland announced her retirement after 25 years with ABT. Her farewell performance—titled “A Celebration Honoring Misty Copeland”—was held on October 22, 2025 at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center and marked her official final bow with the company.

Throughout her career, she not only dazzled on stage but also broke barriers and championed inclusivity in ballet. Beyond ABT, she’s a best-selling author, founded The Misty Copeland Foundation, and continues to use her platform to open doors for under-represented dancers.

Scroll through the gallery for more photos of the talented dancer below.

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