Stars Arrive for Misty Copeland's Final American Ballet Theatre Performance
The stars twirled onto the blue carpet just as gracefully as the dancer they came to celebrate ahead of Misty Copeland's final performance.
Several celebrities - including Emmy winners - and longtime fans showed up in style in honor of The American Ballet Theatre's 2025 Fall Gala, which was held in New York City on Wednesday, October 22, turning the Lincoln Center into a glittering dreamscape.
Copeland was among the stars who posed for photos at the soiree honoring her legacy as the first Black woman to serve as a principal dancer at the ABT in 2015.
From dazzling gowns to dapper tuxedos, the night shimmered with old-Hollywood charm. Guests like Brooks Nader and Iman lit up the arrivals line as cameras flashed.
While looking back at her illustrious career leading up to the highly anticipated event, the performer told USA TODAY that she would advise her younger self to enjoy "the ride and the process and the journey, because that's what it's all for."
"I've been preparing for this night, I've been rehearsing and rehearsing," she shared. "That's what it's about. It's those moments in the studio, those moments with my coaches and my partners that make this (experience) what it is."
In addition to her performances at the ABT, Copeland worked with the late Prince, did national campaigns for Under Armour and hit the stage with Taylor Swift at the 2019 American Music Awards - which she fondly described as an "incredible" experience.
"You know, I have to say that Taylor Swift was one of the most humble, down to earth [individuals]," Copeland shared during a March 2024 interview on Who's Talking to Chris Wallace? "You know she spent hours and hours just hanging out with me and my dance partner, Craig Hall, before the performances and was just so invested."
In August, the dancer teased that fans haven't seen the last of her as she'll continue to work with her foundation and advocate for inclusion.
Us Weekly has photos of the stars who arrived for Misty Copeland's final ABT performance:
Brooks Nader
Brooks Nader stunned in a backless green gown styled by Kristina Askerova with a flawless updo courtesy of Mitchell Ramazon.
Gayle King
Gayle King wowed in an off-the-shoulder black velvet gown paired with Azalea Wang rhinestone pumps.
Iman
Iman served elegance in a NARDOS Fall 2025 gown featuring layers of fabric and red floral embroidery.
Misty Copeland
Belle of the ball Misty Copeland turned heads in a corseted Carolina Herrera by Wes Gordon gown with a tutu-inspired bottom.
Jim Parsons
Jim Parsons was suave in a tailored tuxedo with a white button-up and black bow tie.
Julie Halston
Julie Halston looked polished in a black silk gown paired with a pink cover that had a bow tied around her waist.
Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad
Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad were dressed to impress in flowing black gowns, adding vibrant coats to their ensembles.
Danielle Brooks
Danielle Brooks beamed in a patterned white top and a matching black skirt.
Tamron Hall
Tamron Hall oozed confidence in a Bibhu Mohapatra green number that had a flowing train, accessorizing with Mateo jewelry.
Kylie Vonnahme
Kylie Vonnahme turned up the heat in a maroon polka-dot design with frills by L'IDÉE.
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This story was originally published October 23, 2025 at 1:51 PM.