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Ballet lovers, mark your calendars—and maybe do a few pliés in excitement. Misty Copeland, the American Ballet Theatre legend who became the first African American woman promoted to Principal Dancer in the company’s 85-year history, is taking her final bow with ABT later this month. And in a very Misty move, she’s making sure everyone can join in on the moment.
On October 22, Copeland’s farewell performance from ABT’s Fall Gala will be streamed live—for free—at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center. Hundreds of complimentary tickets will be available the day of the event, starting at 4 pm, and will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis (two per person). The simulcast begins at 6:15 pm and if past galas are any indication, expect a sea of tutu-clad superfans and dance students trying to snag a seat.
Copeland, who’s been offstage for five years, will return for one last performance alongside her ABT peers in a specially curated program. While it’s her official farewell from the company, she’s not hanging up her pointe shoes entirely. The dancer, author and activist has spent recent years channeling her influence into the Misty Copeland Foundation and its BE BOLD programs, which make ballet accessible—and fun—for kids from all backgrounds.
“American Ballet Theatre is proud to invite the public to celebrate Misty Copeland’s extraordinary journey,” said ABT artistic director Susan Jaffe. “Her artistry, courage, and leadership have reshaped ballet for the future.”
The star-studded evening will also feature tributes from Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen, honoring Copeland live onstage at the David H. Koch Theater, with boldfaced attendees like Katie Holmes, Gayle King and Taye Diggs expected in the audience.
For those watching from Alice Tully Hall, the event is as much about community as it is about legacy. Students from Copeland’s own foundation programs—including participants from BronxWorks, Boys & Girls Clubs and Harlem’s DREAM Charter School—will attend as special guests.
As Lincoln Center’s chief artistic officer, Shanta Thake, put it, “Misty Copeland’s leadership and artistry is unparalleled… this simulcast allows even more people to experience this remarkable moment in a career that has already welcomed so many into the world of ballet.”