Misty Copeland, The pioneering ballerina who broke down racial barriers in the performing arts took her final bow as a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theater on Wednesday night.
Copeland made history in 2015 when she became the first black woman to be promoted to principal dancer in the history of the company, which was founded in 1939. Her farewell performance at Lincoln Center was a celebration of her transformative career, attracting stars and supporters from across the performing arts world.
In a preview of an upcoming CBS Mornings exclusive interview, Copeland was asked about a standout moment in her extensive career.
“I think it was Firebird.” You know, I was still the lead singer, and it was very important for me, a black woman, to play that role,” she said.
She added: “I remember knowing that the audience was completely different and different that night. Seeing young and old, black and brown and everyone in between enter the theater because they felt they could be there, they were represented. They saw themselves and that was a real shift in my career. I think that was a real shift in where we are today in the ballet world, and it happened that night.”
Copeland's pioneering career was characterized by expanding representation in classical ballet. Her journey from late-blooming dancer to leading performer is considered an inspiration to countless young artists.
The rest of Copeland's interview with Gayle King will air Friday on CBS Mornings.
