Fans hope Misty Copeland will be promoted

With the recent retirements of American Ballet Theatre prima ballerinas Paloma Herrera, Xiomara Reyes and Julie Kent, the dance world can’t help but wonder what those new openings might mean for the remaining female dancers in the company – particularly prominent Soloist Misty Copeland.

As evidenced in this culture column published by The Wall Street Journal, there is a lot of speculation on whether or not Copeland will be promoted to principal status this summer. If promoted to principal, she would be the first black woman to reach the company’s top rank – a major milestone in a world of predominately white swans.

Known as a barrier-breaking ballerina, Copeland has risen to celebrity status over the last few years. In 2015 alone she has had many new milestones in her career. To name just a few, she was chosen for the cover of Time magazine in April, she was interviewed for 60 Minutes in May, and this month, she was a celebrity presenter at the 2015 Tony Awards. With more than 500,000 Instagram followers, Copeland also boasts a best-selling memoir, a popular children’s book and TV and film offers.

As a dancer, she is constantly traveling and guesting at prestigious events, in addition to staring in ABT’s mainstage seasons. She recently celebrated her debut as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. Then this Wednesday, she will dance the lead role in Swan Lake for the first time with the company at the Met.

Many fans suggest these principal roles seem to signify an upcoming promotion, as typically soloists are given these coveted top roles leading up to their official advancements.

Copeland, age 32, is content either way though, as she told The Wall Street Journal in December, “If I had to stop [dancing] today, I would be so proud of what I’ve done.”

Photo: Misty Copeland with Alex Hammoudi in Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Gene Schiavone.