Misty Copeland’s Top Advice for Young Dancers You Won’t Want to Miss

Misty Copeland attends the 2025 American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala.
Credit:

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

NEED TO KNOW

• After her final performance as a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theater, Misty Copeland offers guidance to aspiring dancers.
• “It’s one of the hardest things in the world to do, but you have to remember the joy and why you do it,” she stated.
• At 32, Copeland made history as the dance company’s first Black female principal dancer.

Following her last bow with the American Ballet Theater (ABT) as its first Black female principal dancer, Misty Copeland is reflecting on her journey and offering advice to the next generation of dancers.

In an exclusive interview at the ABT’s 2025 Fall Gala, the 43-year-old ballerina discussed her aspirations for young dancers aiming to achieve similar milestones.

“Try to find the joy,” Copeland advised. “It’s one of the hardest things in the world to do, but you have to remember the joy and why you do it.”

Misty Copeland attends the 2025 American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala.

Eugene Gologursky/Getty for American Ballet Theatre

Following her interview, Copeland celebrated her final ballet performance with ABT before her retirement. This marked the end of a five-year hiatus from her role.

Copeland made history at the age of 32, becoming the first Black female principal dancer in ABT’s 86-year history.

The final performance, held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City, was titled “A Celebration Honoring Misty Copeland.” The event featured performances by Copeland and other dancers, speeches from honored guests, and video montages of her 25-year career with the company. Caroline Kennedy and Oprah Winfrey co-chaired the event.

Misty Copeland attends the 2025 American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala.

Theo Wargo/Getty

After her retirement performance, Copeland reflected on the significant emotional impact of the moment, particularly as she was honored by generations of Black dancers, including Debbie Allen, Virginia Johnson, and Desmond Richardson. These figures, she noted, “have opened the doors for me to be on that stage.”

Describing the event as a “very full-circle moment,” Copeland expressed gratitude for the presence of her husband, Olu Evans, and their three-year-old son, Jackson.

“To have my husband and my son there, it was just incredible,” Copeland shared. “I feel like he was a different boy the next day, having seen me dance for the first time on stage.” She and her husband marveled at the transformation in their son.

Copeland noted the overwhelming nature of the experience, stating, “It was really fascinating to see the shift in him, but it was amazing. It takes me time to process things, so I think this is something I’ll be processing for a while.”

During this conversation, she emphasized her intention to keep her son out of the spotlight, stating, “Definitely with my son, I wouldn’t have him probably be on camera for anything. But when it comes to my career and what I’m doing, I’m really open.”