Misty Copeland opened up about her life after ballet.
Copeland, 43, made her final appearance at the American Ballet Theatre in October 2025, ten years after making history as the first Black woman to become a principal dancer. On Monday night Independent publication spoke with Copeland minutes before she accepted the inaugural Luminary Award at Lincoln Center's Summer Gala, where she shared new details about her time off the stage.
«"It's really interesting. I wouldn't call it retirement," Copeland said. "I think that word has been thrown around a lot. I'm really just leaving American Ballet Theatre, but I've been very busy.".
She continued, "I've realized how important it is when people constantly say, 'Ballerina has been your calling card for so long.' I don't have to give that up or let it go to move on. It's something that's always there.".
«I talk so often about the importance of art, not just as a profession, but also how these tools and skills can be used in so many different fields and in so many different areas of life.».
Misty Copeland spoke to The Independent ahead of the inaugural Luminary Award presentation at Lincoln Center's Summer Gala (Getty).
«It’s been really wonderful, you know, whether it’s through my production company or, for example, continuing to write books through my foundation, these are all things that I’ve learned as a dancer and as an artist, and I apply that in practice in all of those areas.».
Since leaving ABT, Copeland hasn't slowed down. She spoke in detail about several projects she's working on through her production company, Life in Motion Productions, her eponymous foundation, and as an author.
«"My new book is coming out this fall, and I'm really, really excited about it," she said. "It's a series for middle-school-aged kids.".
«"We have new programs through my foundation, the Misty Copeland Foundation, and our signature program, Be Bold," she continued. "We have a seniors program that's really starting to take shape, connecting people over 50 in the Bronx and Harlem communities and emphasizing the importance of physical activity.".
Misty Copeland made her final appearance at the American Ballet Theatre in October 2025 (Getty).
Copeland also mentioned a feature film based on Rebecca Yarros' novel,« Variations"» .
Earlier this year, the renowned dancer commented on Timothée Chalamet's controversial claims that "nobody cares" about ballet and opera.
«First of all, I have to say that it’s very interesting that he invited me to take part in promoting the film «Marty Supreme» given my art form," Copeland said at a panel about Aveeno cosmetics, according to Variety . "I think it's important to acknowledge that, yes, it's an art form that's not 'popular' and part of pop culture, just like film, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have an enduring cultural relevance.".
Copeland also said that "there's a reason why opera and ballet have been around for over 400 years," adding, "He wouldn't be an actor and wouldn't have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren't for opera and ballet and their importance in this art form.".