Misty Copeland to Make Her U.S. Odette/Odile Debut

It’s what the masses have been waiting for: American Ballet Theatre soloist Misty Copeland will make her U.S. debut as Odette/Odile in April. But it won’t be with her own company. She’ll take the lead in the Washington Ballet’s production of Swan Lake at the Kennedy Center in DC. Who will play her naive Prince Siegfried? None other than the company’s Brooklyn Mack. Two African American dancers will take on what is considered one of ballet’s historically white works.

Copeland has had a run at the iconic ballet before. She danced the role during ABT’s tour to Australia this summer and received rave reviews. But fans in New York City shouldn’t worry. She’s scheduled to perform the role during the company’s Metropolitan Opera season with James Whiteside this June.

Photo of Misty Copeland and Brooklyn Mack by Theo Kossenas, courtesy Washington Ballet.