Misty Copeland Injury Update: The Heartbreaking Hip Damage That Left the Ballet Icon Unable to Walk

Misty Copeland, the trailblazing ballerina and first Black female principal dancer of the American Ballet Theater, has revealed that she suffered a severe hip injury that left her unable to walk after her final performance. The revelation came in a recent interview with The New York Times, where Copeland described the pain and physical struggle she faced before her farewell dance on October 22, 2025.

Despite her condition, the world-renowned dancer pushed through her last routine, performing Twyla Tharp’s “Sinatra Suite” with grace and strength. Yet, she admitted that “everything just kind of plummeted” in the days leading up to the event as her injury worsened. Copeland confessed that she was “in so much pain” but chose to finish her final performance for her fans and colleagues.

Misty Copeland Describes the Severe Hip Injury

According to Copeland, the hip injury began affecting her mobility in the week before her last American Ballet Theater show. During rehearsals, she had to adapt her choreography in real-time to manage the pain. “I was changing things in the moment,” she said, emphasizing that her focus shifted from technical perfection to emotional connection with her partners on stage.

However, the toll became unbearable after the curtain closed. Copeland revealed that following the performance, she “physically couldn’t walk.” Her hip had locked up completely, leaving her unable to move without assistance. “It just needs to calm down. It’s really inflamed,” she told The New York Times. Despite the severity, Copeland remains optimistic and plans to consult a team of doctors to aid her recovery.

The acclaimed dancer, celebrated for breaking racial and artistic barriers in classical ballet, confirmed she already has a new opportunity lined up in Los Angeles. While she did not share specific details, she described it as “a really cool opportunity” that would allow her to stay creative without the demands of traditional ballet. “I want to find a way of doing things that I enjoy and that don’t include ‘Swan Lake,’” she said, hinting at a new phase of her artistic journey.

Misty’s Reflections on Movement and Recovery

Even while recovering from her hip injury, Copeland remains committed to movement and dance in some form. “I realized I have to keep moving my body,” she told The New York Times. “And I want to keep moving my body, but it can look like whatever I want it to look like.”

Her message resonated deeply with fans and fellow dancers. Copeland framed her injury not as an end, but as a transformation—an opportunity to redefine what movement and artistry mean to her as she continues to evolve personally and professionally. “Once you’re in shape and you’ve really focused on the artistry and the people and the relationships, it’s like, ‘Ah, this is what it’s all for,’” she reflected.

Misty Copeland’s injury may mark the end of one chapter, but her resilience and creative spirit ensure her story as an artist is far from over. Her fans and the dance world await her next move, both literally and figuratively.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Misty Copeland’s current injury update?

Misty Copeland revealed she suffered a severe hip injury that left her unable to walk after her final American Ballet Theater performance in October 2025.

Q2: Did Misty Copeland retire due to injury?

Copeland performed her final show with the American Ballet Theater but has not retired completely. She plans to continue creative work in Los Angeles.

Q3: What dance did Misty Copeland perform before her injury worsened?

Her final performance was Twyla Tharp’s “Sinatra Suite,” which she completed despite being in extreme pain.

Q4: Will Misty Copeland continue dancing after recovery?

Yes, she has said she intends to keep moving her body and explore new artistic expressions beyond classical ballet.

Q5: What’s next for Misty Copeland?

She has hinted at a new project in Los Angeles that offers a different kind of creative opportunity, though she has not shared details.