#USA #New York #Community Access #Misty Copeland Foundation #Ballet Program

Misty Copeland's Final Curtain Call and Her Lasting Impact

On October 22, 2025, the world witnessed a pivotal moment as Misty Copeland, the trailblazing principal ballerina of the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), took her final bow. Her departure marked the end of an era, but it also ignited a new beginning for her foundation, the Misty Copeland Foundation (MCF), which aims to improve accessibility in ballet.

Founded by Copeland in 2021, MCF is on a mission to democratize ballet, making it accessible to underserved communities. With a vision to ensure that dance is available and enjoyable for all, regardless of socio-economic backgrounds, the foundation has made significant strides, especially in neighborhoods like the Bronx and Harlem.

Expansion of the Foundation's Programs

In line with its core mission, MCF recently expanded its flagship program, BE BOLD (Ballet Explorations Ballet Offers Leadership Development), and introduced two new initiatives to further its reach and impact.

BE BOLD, which launched in Fall 2022, is an afterschool program dedicated to nurturing aspiring young dancers aged 5-12. Originally hosted at five sites, the program will now flourish in 22 locations across the Bronx and Harlem, accommodating over 500 children annually. The program transforms the ballet experience by integrating five essential pillars: ballet introduction, music education, health awareness, mentoring, and tutoring—all at no cost to participating families. In a significant enhancement, a new music framework was incorporated into the program starting this fall.

BE BOLD Next Steps

As part of its growth, MCF will roll out BE BOLD Next Steps in Fall 2025. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between leisure dance and formal dance training for select BE BOLD graduates aged 8-10. Collaborating with prestigious institutions like The Ailey School and Dance Theatre of Harlem, this program promises to provide rigorous training within an encouraging environment that aligns with the foundation's goals of inclusivity and support.

Introducing BE BOLDER

Simultaneously, MCF is launching BE BOLDER, designed specifically for adults aged 50 and older. This innovative program centers on wellness through ballet, fostering community connections and personal expression. Reflecting Misty Copeland's belief that dance transcends age, BE BOLDER seeks to engage older adult populations, allowing them to rediscover the joy and health benefits of dance. The Ann and Weston Hicks Charitable Fund has been instrumental in supporting this initiative.

The Celebrating Misty Campaign

To further honor Misty Copeland's illustrious career, the MCF has introduced the Celebrating Misty Campaign, a year-long fundraising initiative aiming to raise $1 million. This campaign intends to commemorate Copeland's remarkable journey with ABT while ensuring the foundation's vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the dance sphere continues to thrive and evolve.

The foundation invites individuals and organizations that share a passion for the arts to participate in the Celebrating Misty Campaign, contributing to a more inclusive future for ballet.

As Misty Copeland confidently stated at a recent annual event, “I’m amazed by what we have accomplished through BE BOLD. With the introduction of BE BOLD Next Steps and BE BOLDER, we are poised to serve even more new dancers, whether they are young or old.” Her unwavering dedication is sure to inspire generations of dancers to come.

For further information about the Misty Copeland Foundation and how to get involved, please visit www.mistycopelandfoundation.org.