Misty Copeland is a retired ballet dancer born September 10, 1982. First Black ABT principal dancer. Married to Olu Evans. Net worth $3-5 million.
Misty Copeland made history as the first African American female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre in 2015. Born on September 10, 1982, in Kansas City, Missouri, she defied expectations by beginning ballet at age 13. Her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming one of the world’s most celebrated ballerinas has inspired millions globally. After 25 years with ABT, Copeland retired in 2025, giving her final performance in October. Beyond dance, she has become an author, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity. Her influence extends far beyond the stage, making her a cultural icon and role model.
Quick Facts About Misty Copeland
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Misty Danielle Copeland |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1982 |
| Age | 43 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Kansas City, Missouri, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 m) |
| Profession | Ballet Dancer (Retired), Author, Philanthropist |
| Net Worth | $3-5 million (approx.) |
| Spouse | Olu Evans (m. 2016) |
| Children | 1 son, Jackson Evans (born 2022) |
| Famous For | First Black female ABT principal dancer |
| Final Performance | October 22, 2025 |
Early Life and Childhood Struggles
Copeland and her five siblings grew up in San Pedro, California, with single mother Sylvia DelaCerna who faced severe financial hardships. The family endured homelessness and uncertainty about basic necessities. She found inspiration watching the film “Nadia” about gymnast Nadia Comăneci and enjoyed choreographing routines to Mariah Carey songs.
Discovery of Ballet at Age 13
Following her older sister Erica, Copeland became captain of Dana Middle School’s drill team. Coach Elizabeth Cantine noticed her exceptional natural grace and recommended ballet classes at the local Boys & Girls Club. Cynthia Bradley, creative director of San Pedro City Ballet, immediately recognized Copeland’s remarkable talent. When training became intensive, Copeland moved in with Bradley’s family. Her progress was meteoric despite starting at the unusually late age of 13.
Teenage Success and Custody Battle
By age 15, Copeland won the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Award as the best dancer in Southern California. However, legal complications arose as her ballet teachers served as custodial guardians while her mother fought to regain custody. The situation involved emancipation filings and restraining orders. Both sides eventually dropped proceedings, and Copeland returned home, studying under a new teacher who was a former ABT member.
Rise Through American Ballet Theatre
After two summer workshops with ABT, she joined ABT’s Studio Company in 2000, the corps de ballet in 2001, and became an ABT soloist in 2007. Each promotion represented years of dedication and overcoming barriers. Critics praised her performances in Coppélia, Firebird, The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake. Her technical precision combined with emotional depth made her interpretations memorable.
Historic Principal Dancer Promotion
On June 30, 2015, Copeland became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year history. This groundbreaking achievement shattered barriers in classical ballet and sparked conversations about diversity. Following her promotion, she performed iconic roles in Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, Manon, and Don Quixote, drawing audiences who had never before seen themselves represented.
Recognition and Awards
In 2015, she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, appearing on its cover. She became the first dancer on Time’s cover since 1994. She received Glamour’s Women of the Year award, was named to ESPN’s Impact 25, and appeared on Barbara Walters’ list of most fascinating people. In 2021, she received the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal, and in 2023 received an Honorary Doctorate from New York University.
Beyond Ballet: Entertainment and Media
Copeland’s influence extended into mainstream entertainment. She filmed a music video with Prince in 2009 and performed on his Welcome 2 America tour. She made her Broadway debut in “On the Town” in 2015 and appeared in Disney’s “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” in 2018. She performed with Taylor Swift at the American Music Awards and narrated the documentary “A Ballerina’s Tale.”
Author and Best-Selling Books
Copeland became a successful author. Her memoir “Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina” became a New York Times bestseller in 2014. She wrote children’s books including “Firebird” and “Bunheads.” Her other books include “Ballerina Body,” “Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy,” and “The Wind at My Back,” a tribute to pioneering ballerina Raven Wilkinson.
Brand Partnerships and Business Ventures
In 2014, Under Armour launched Copeland in their “I Will What I Want” campaign, which went viral with over nine million views. She partnered with American Express, Coach, and became an Estée Lauder fragrance spokesperson in 2017. In 2023, she co-founded Greatness Wins, an athletic wear company, with Derek Jeter and Chris Riccobono.
Personal Life and Motherhood
Copeland married attorney Olu Evans on July 31, 2016, in California. They met in 2004 at an engagement party in New York. Olu is the cousin of actor Taye Diggs. They welcomed their son, Jackson Evans, in April 2022. Becoming a mother profoundly impacted her perspective. The family lives on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
The Misty Copeland Foundation
In 2022, she founded The Misty Copeland Foundation with its “BE BOLD” program. The organization aims to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to ballet. The foundation provides scholarships, mentorship, and resources to young dancers. She also serves as ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and MindLeaps, an arts education program in Rwanda.
Retirement and Historic Farewell
Copeland gave her final performance with ABT on October 22, 2025, at Lincoln Center during the Fall Gala. The event marked her first return in five years, following a back injury in 2020, the pandemic, and motherhood. Hundreds lined up for hours to attend a free livestream. She performed excerpts from Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, and Sinatra Suite. Her son Jackson joined her on stage during curtain calls. She symbolically hung up her pointe shoes, closing her performing career.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2025, Copeland’s estimated net worth is approximately $3 to $5 million. Her wealth comes from ballet, book sales, speaking engagements, brand partnerships, and business ventures. Her strategic partnerships and bestselling memoirs contribute ongoing revenue. Her co-founding of Greatness Wins represents long-term entrepreneurial success.
Conclusion
Misty Copeland’s journey from homelessness to ballet icon represents one of the most inspiring stories in performing arts. Her historic achievement as ABT’s first Black female principal dancer opened doors and changed perceptions about who belongs in classical ballet. Her legacy lies in advocacy for diversity and creating opportunities for future generations. At 43, she focuses on motherhood, philanthropy, and expanding access to dance education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Misty Copeland?
Misty Copeland is a retired American ballet dancer born September 10, 1982. She made history in 2015 as the first African American female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre. She retired from ABT in October 2025 after a 25-year career.
Q2: What is Misty Copeland’s age?
Misty Copeland is 43 years old as of 2026. Born on September 10, 1982, she is a Virgo. She began ballet at age 13, making her rapid rise to principal dancer even more remarkable.
Q3: Is Misty Copeland married?
Yes, Misty Copeland married attorney Olu Evans on July 31, 2016. The couple met in 2004 and dated for 12 years before marrying. Olu is the cousin of actor Taye Diggs.
Q4: Does Misty Copeland have children?
Yes, Misty and Olu Evans have one son named Jackson Evans, born in April 2022. Jackson appeared during her final performance in October 2025.
Q5: What is Misty Copeland’s net worth?
Misty Copeland’s estimated net worth is between $3 million and $5 million. Her wealth comes from ballet, bestselling books, brand partnerships with Under Armour and Estée Lauder, and her athletic wear company Greatness Wins.
Q6: Why did Misty Copeland retire?
Copeland retired from ABT in 2025 after 25 years. She stepped away in 2020 due to a back injury and focused on motherhood after her son’s birth in 2022. She returned for one final farewell performance in October 2025.
Q7: What is The Misty Copeland Foundation?
Founded in 2022, The Misty Copeland Foundation aims to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to ballet. Its “BE BOLD” program provides scholarships and resources to underrepresented young dancers.
