‘She changed ballet’: Misty Copeland takes her final bow at retirement show

Copeland, American Ballet Theatre’s first Black female principal dancer, was celebrated with star-studded gala

Misty Copeland took one last spin on her pointe shoes Wednesday night, showered with golden glitter and bouquets as she retired from American Ballet Theatre after a trailblazing career in which she became an ambassador for diversity in an overwhelmingly white field of the arts.

Copeland, who a decade ago became the first Black female principal dancer in the company’s 75-year history, was feted at its star-studded fall gala at Manhattan’s Lincoln Center. Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen were among those who gave speeches of praise.