Fresh Air Misty Copeland Begins A New Chapter
4 snips
Nov 5, 2025 
Misty Copeland, a trailblazing ballerina and the first Black principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, reflects on her farewell performance as a heartfelt thank you to her supportive communities. She delves into her relationship with pain and the challenges of returning to the stage after injury. Misty passionately discusses the significance of representation in ballet, her personal journey of motherhood affecting her art, and her mission to document Black ballet history. Looking ahead, she shares her desire to produce purposeful stories in her future projects.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Final Bow As A Thank-You
- Misty Copeland described her final ABT performances as a culmination of a journey that began at 13 in a Boys & Girls Club gym.
- She framed the farewell as gratitude to communities that supported her and acknowledged representing something bigger than herself.
Stage Is Safety, Not Spotlight
- Copeland said she never sought applause and found safety and purpose in the studio and onstage.
- She returned for a farewell because she felt obligated to honor the dance and Black communities that invested in her.
Danced Despite Major Hip Injury
- Copeland revealed she was barely walking before the final performance due to bone spurs, a labral tear, and cartilage loss in her left hip.
- Doctors advised against performing, but she negotiated ways to protect her hips and pressed on.