American Ballet Theatre hosted its Fall Gala: A Celebration Honoring Misty Copeland last night.
A starry crowd gathered at Lincoln Center on the historical night that began with a cocktail hour followed by a grand performance by the master ballerina. The heart of New York City swooned to a blissful beat for her majestic last appearance.
“It’s really surreal,” Copeland told Knockturnal on the red carpet. “I never imagined that my career would become what it has, and it’s like just going back to the roots of why I do it. It’s to give to people. It’s to tell stories through movement, and so it’s very overwhelming tonight.”
An epic night, it garnered loud crowds in multiple venues. From the sold-out theater where she took the stage to a live simulcast across the street at Alice Tully Hall where the public won an opportunity to watch, it was simply brilliant magic in motion.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 22: Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashād attend the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala at David Geffen Hall on October 22, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for American Ballet Theatre)
They all applauded with roaring joy for the legend.
As part of ABT’s landmark 85th anniversary season, Copeland curated a special program that honored Misty’s extraordinary accomplishments.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 22: Hamish Bowles attends the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala at David Geffen Hall on October 22, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for American Ballet Theatre)
Through a blend of dance and video, the evening traced her journey from her earliest influences to her defining performances and rise to Principal Dancer, and ultimately to her impact beyond the stage – as a cultural leader, advocate, and inspiration to the next generation.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 22: Susan Fales-Hill, Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director, ABT, Misty Copeland, Arielle Patrick and Barry Hughson, Executive Director, ABT attends the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala at David Geffen Hall on October 22, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for American Ballet Theatre)
Her story is woven into the broader tapestry of ABT’s history, celebrating the past while looking boldly toward the future. Honorary Grand Chair Caroline Kennedy welcomed guests to the theater before the performance. Debbie Allen and Honorary Grand Chair Oprah Winfrey also took the stage to share reflections on Misty’s impact on dance and culture.
The program included performance excerpts from Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet, Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov’s Swan Lake, George Balanchine’s Theme and Variations, and Twyla Tharp’s Sinatra Suite, alongside Wrecka Stow, a World Premiere by Kyle Abraham. Featured ABT dancers included: Calvin Royall III, Cory Stearns, Hee Seo, Herman Cornejo, Catherine Hurlin, and Isaac Hernández.
Gala guests who gathered for the performance, black-tie dinner, and dancing at Lincoln Center included Alessia Fendi, Alfre Woodard, Amy Astley, Amy Fine Collins, Amy Griffin, Amy Sherald, Anne Imhof, Anh Duong, Andrew Rannells, B Michael, Beejan Land, Brooks Nader, Carys Zeta Douglas, CC & Amber Sabathia, Chai Vasarhelyi, Arielle Patrick, Chelsea Clinton, Christian Cowan, Clara Wu Tsai, Chloe Flower, Danielle Brooks, Dawn Porter, Debra Lee, Deborah Roberts, Derek Fordjour, Devin Finzer, Elizabeth Alexander, Gayle King, Hamish Bowles, Hannah Bronfman & Brendan Fallis, Ilana Glazer, Indre Rockefeller, Iman, Isaac Boots, Jaelin Howell, Jim Parsons, Jordan Roth & Richie Jackson, Julie Halston, Katie Couric & John Molner, Katie Lee & Ryan Biegel, Leigh Fidler, Leo Villareal, Malcolm Carfrae & John Wattiker, Mandy Freeman, Marc Jacobs, Marisa Tomei, Nate Berkus & Jeremiah Brent, Nicole Ari Parker, Paul Arnhold, Phylicia Rashad, Pritika Swarup, Rebecca Minkoff & Gavin Bellour, Rowan Henchy, Sabine Getty, Sai de Silva & David Craig, Samantha Barry, Samira Nasr, Shonda Rhimes, Simon Huck & Phil Riportella, Sriram Krishnan, Stacey Bendet, Star Jones, Tamron Hall, Taye Diggs, Thelma Golden, Tierna Davidson, Tina Leung, Tonya Lewis Lee, Twyla Tharp, Val Carlotti, Versha Sharma, Wes Gordon, Yvonne Force Villareal, Zac Posen, Zara Tisch, ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe and Executive Director Barry Hughson
The Fall Gala was streamed live to Alice Tully Hall, where hundreds of complimentary tickets were distributed this afternoon to fans of all ages. In collaboration with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the Misty Copeland Foundation, this free simulcast was presented under ABT RISE (Representation, Immersion, Sustainability, Excellence), ABT’s commitment to universal respect and holistic well-being. ABT RISE builds on the legacy of Project Plié (2013) to expand access to ballet while cultivating a community where every artist, student, and patron can fully engage, contribute, and belong. By amplifying an array of voices, fostering immersion in a rich tapestry of artistic perspectives, and prioritizing sustainability alongside excellence, ABT ensures that classical ballet evolves as a dynamic, inclusive art form that reflects and uplifts the world around us.
Simulcast guests who enjoyed the breathtaking performance from Alice Tully Hall included Executive Director of The Misty Copeland Foundation Caryn Campbell, Dean of Students and Director of ABT Wellness and ABT RISE Aubrey Lynch II, Lincoln Center Chief Artistic Officer Shanta Thake, and dance luminary Desmond Richardson.
