Misty Copeland, who made history this summer when she became the first black woman to become a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, is heading to Detroit. The 32-year-old is joining ABT’s cast of The Sleeping Beauty at the Detroit Opera House in spring 2016, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Before Copeland’s spring appearance, she’ll be in Michigan in October to perform a portion of Sleeping Beauty as part of a fundraiser for the Michigan Opera Theatre’s annual Opera Ball Gala.
Copeland’s star power is shining brighter since her promotion with the ABT, but neither it nor the MOT has confirmed what role Copeland will play in The Sleeping Beauty.
Walter Brown, an MOT official, noted that Copeland will bring to the stage exactly what the area needs: diversity.
At the time of her promotion in June, Copeland said she wanted to inspire diversity throughout ballet.
“So many young dancers of color stop dancing at an early age because they just don’t think there will be a career path for them,” Copeland said. “I hope that will change.”