Misty Copeland, one of the most prominent figures in ballet, has expanded her artistic pursuits by curating the Ballet Festival at New York’s Joyce Theater. This marks her first extensive foray into festival curation, following her recent retirement from American Ballet Theater (ABT). Opening this week, the two-week festival features a diverse roster of dancers and choreographers spanning various styles, generations, and backgrounds, reflecting Copeland’s vision for ballet’s evolving landscape.
The festival showcases established artists alongside emerging talents, presenting a broad spectrum of ballet and contemporary dance. Notable performers include Paris Opera Ballet étoiles Guillaume Diop and Sae Eun Park, who appear in selections from “Romeo and Juliet” and “Thais,” and Taylor Stanley, principal dancer with New York City Ballet, who performs solos choreographed by Kyle Abraham and Andrea Miller. The program also features excerpts from Dance Theater of Harlem’s production of “Firebird” and Bob Fosse’s “Percussion IV” danced by Shota Miyoshi of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
A key element of the festival’s programming is its emphasis on multiple generations of choreographers. Works by seasoned figures such as Alonzo King accompany pieces by newer voices including IJo, an Atlanta-based choreographer known for house dance, and Aleisha Walker, a dancer with ABT. Copeland has highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for younger artists through these commissions.
“This festival is not about defining one particular future for ballet,” Copeland said in a video interview. “It’s about showing that ballet’s future can encompass many different voices, identities, aesthetics, and experiences, mirroring the richness of the world around us.” She further expressed a desire to elevate Black, brown, and LGBTQ+ artists, aiming to create an inclusive platform that centers diverse perspectives.
Copeland worked closely with Danni Gee, director of programming at the Joyce Theater, and Ross LeClair, the theater’s producer, to assemble the lineup. Gee described the festival’s thematic focus as “uplifting everyone,” reflecting a collective ethos rather than highlighting any single community.
In addition to curation, Copeland is pursuing other projects that connect ballet with younger audiences. She plans to release a middle-grade novel titled “Firebird Waltz” this fall, which tells the story of students at a performing arts academy discovering magical elements tied to their art. The book is part of her broader commitment to engaging new generations and exploring ballet’s influence beyond the stage.
Copeland also serves on ABT’s board and has been involved in community outreach, including hosting children’s shows. Reflecting on these experiences, she noted the joy of bringing ballet to new audiences and her ongoing commitment to expanding access within the art form.
Through the festival and her other initiatives, Copeland aims to shape ballet’s future inclusively, emphasizing opportunity and diversity while honoring the tradition and evolution of classical dance.