New York’s American Ballet Theater (ABT) celebrates its 75th anniversary with two exclusive performances this summer. ABT Soloist Misty Copeland will perform the lead roles in both Romeo & Juliet on June 20 and Swan Lake on June 24. Copeland will be the first Black woman to play Juliet in Romeo and Juliet and to play the role of Odette/Odile, the Swan Queen, in Swan Lake for ABT. She is also the third Black female soloist ever to dance for the American Ballet Theatre.
From ABT: Kenneth MacMillan’s masterful interpretation of Shakespeare’s endu
ring romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, has become one of ABT’s signature productions. Against a sumptuous setting in Renaissance Italy, MacMillan weaves a dance tapestry rich in character nuance and sensuality, and Sergei Prokofiev’s stirring music underscores the lyric beauty and passion of this beloved ballet’s star-crossed lovers. Copeland will perform as Juliet during the matinee performance on June 20 at 2:00pm in the Metropolitan Opera House.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, Swan Lake’s romantic tale of love and forgiveness is often considered the world’s most beloved ballet. With breathtaking choreography, lavish costumes and visually spectacular sets evoking a lakeside Renaissance court, ABT’s production “glides to the forefront of stagings all over the world. The fabled lake of the swans has risen into view, inspiring awe for its mystery and magic.” (The Wall Street Journal). Copeland will perform as Odette/Odile, the Swan Queen, during the matinee performance on June 24 at 2:00pm in the Metropolitan Opera House.
Misty Copeland made history earlier this year at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC when she and fellow dancer Brooklyn Mack performed the lead roles in Swan Lake, the first Black duo in American ballet to do so. More about their groundbreaking performance can be seen HERE.
