Misty Copeland was promoted to principal dancer at ABT.
On June 30, 2015, Misty Copeland was appointed as the first African American woman to become principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). This historic advancement marked a significant milestone for diversity and representation in American ballet. Her promotion was celebrated globally, making headlines as an unprecedented achievement in ABT’s 75-year history. As principal dancer, Copeland not only broke racial barriers but also influenced the landscape of classical ballet, empowering dancers from diverse backgrounds to aspire to the highest echelons of the art form.