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Trailblazing dancer Misty Copeland has announced her retirement from the American Ballet Theatre after 25 years with the company.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Copeland reflected on her historic career with the American Ballet Theatre as she announced her departure from the company.
“It’s been 25 years at ABT, and I think it’s time,” Copeland, 42, told the outlet. “It’s time for me to move to the next stage.”
10 years ago, Copeland was named the first Black female principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre's 75-year history.
A dancer's promotion is typically announced through a brief press release. Copeland, however, made her historic debut as principal dancer during a news conference just days after appearing as the lead in "Swan Lake."
“This is it,” Copeland said. “This has been my dream since I was 13.”
Now, a decade later, Copeland has announced her retirement from the company she joined as a teen. Her official farewell will be held on October 22, featuring her first performance in five years, along with speeches and film clips. Copeland will dance for one last time in the "Romeo and Juliet" pas de deux. Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy will serve as honorary chairs for the event.
"You know, I’ve become the person that I am today, and have all the opportunities I have today, because of ballet, (and) because of American Ballet Theatre. I feel like this is me saying thank you to the company. So it’s a farewell. (But) it won’t be the end of me dancing. … Never say never," Copeland told AP.
Outside of performing, Copeland has written several books, made a short film with her production company, and launched her philanthropic organization, The Misty Copeland Foundation, which aims to increase diversity in the dance world.
“It was so important for children growing up and seeing somebody like Misty and saying, ‘Oh my gosh, she looks like I do,’” Susan Jaffe, ABT’s artistic director, who is overseeing the farewell performance, said in a statement. “Through her books, through her lectures, even her endorsements, she has really been a trailblazer.”
As she announced her retirement, Copeland acknowledged that progress has continued to move slowly in the dance world. Copeland's exit from ABT means there will no longer be a Black female principal dancer at the company.
"It’s definitely concerning, and I think I’ve just gotten to a place in my career where there’s only so much I can do on a stage. There’s only so much that visual representation like that can do. I feel like it’s the perfect timing for me to be stepping into a new role, and hopefully still shaping and shifting the ballet world and culture," Copeland said.
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