American ballerina Misty Copeland's long-awaited return to the stage is also turning into one of the most exclusive cultural events of the year. With her final performance at American Ballet Theatre set for October 22, 2025, ticket prices for the farewell gala are climbing and fast.
Copeland, the first Black woman ever promoted to principal dancer in ABT's history, will take her final bow at the company's annual Fall Gala at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater. The event, titled A Celebration Honoring Misty Copeland, will feature her in a special performance of the Romeo and Juliet balcony pas de deux, a role that helped define her legacy.
But if you're hoping to be in the room for this historic night, be prepared to pay.
According to ABT, gala packages begin at $5,000 for individual patrons, while premium tables start at $50,000. These high-tier options include VIP seating, access to the black-tie cocktail reception and dinner, and recognition in the gala program. For major donors and arts patrons, it's a celebration of both Copeland's career and ABT's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the classical arts.
For the general public, ABT has announced that a limited number of performance-only tickets will be released later this summer. Although official prices have not yet been confirmed, similar events suggest that they may range between $200 and $500.
That's if you're lucky.
On the secondary market, tickets are already commanding premiums. Listings on Expedia and other verified resellers show prices between $525 and $900, with some high-demand seats topping $1,000. Many buyers aren't waiting for the official box office drop.
@nytimes Misty Copeland is retiring from American Ballet Theatre after a groundbreaking career. In an in-depth conversation with The New York Times, she discussed preparing for her final performance, her unstable childhood, after-parties with Prince and more. Watch our full conversation with @mistycopeland for “The Interview” at the link in our bio. Video by Pat Gunther, Eddie Costas, Alfredo Chiarappa, Abhita Austin, Felice León and Brooke Minters #mistycopeland #americanballettheater #ballet
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"This is the ballet equivalent of Beyoncé's final tour," said Jennifer Morales, a longtime ABT supporter from Brooklyn. "We've never seen this level of interest for a classical dance performance — but Misty changed the game."
Copeland's retirement marks the end of a groundbreaking 25-year career. Since joining ABT in 2000, she has not only captivated audiences with performances in Swan Lake, Firebird, and Giselle, but also helped push ballet into mainstream culture, partnering with brands, writing bestselling books, and launching the Misty Copeland Foundation to increase dance access for underserved youth.
With Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy serving as honorary gala chairs, the evening promises to be one of the most high-profile nights in ballet history. But for many fans, it's more than just a farewell — it's a chance to witness history.
"If I can get a ticket, I'll be there," said Daryl Green, a young ballet student from Harlem. "Misty showed me I belong on that stage too."
For those hoping to attend, ABT advises signing up for alerts and purchasing tickets directly to avoid inflated resale prices. The curtain may be coming down on Copeland's ABT career, but the standing ovation is just getting started.
