Misty Copeland Becomes ABT's First Ever African American Female Principal
June 29, 2015
Misty Copeland in Swan Lake. Photo by Darren Thomas/QPAC
The moment everyone—dancers, dance lovers, and even non-dance fans—has been waiting for is here. Today, American Ballet Theatre announced that Misty Copeland will become a principal dancer. She’s the first African American female to reach that rank in the company’s 75-year history. Go Misty!
Another principal promotion that was worth rooting for is Stella Abrera, who has been with ABT since 1996, and has struggled through her share of injuries in the past few years.
Other exciting news: San Francisco Ballet’s Maria Kochetkova and Royal Danish Ballet’s Alban Lendorf will split seasons with their respective home companies and ABT as principal dancers. Both had been guesting with the company. And Boston Ballet’s Jeffrey Cirio will move over to ABT as a soloist. Corps members Skylar Brandt, Thomas Forster, Luciana Paris, Arron Scott and Cassandra Trenary will become soloists.
All positions will be official on August 1.
Congratulations dancers!
