Ballet dancer, author and philanthropist Misty Copeland will speak at the Wake Forest commencement ceremony on May 18, 2026.
In 2015, Copeland became the first Black woman to reach the rank of principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), the most prestigious ballet organization in the United States. After 10 years in the role, Copeland retired from the ABT in 2025.
“As someone who spends a lot of their time dancing, this really feels like recognition for the arts and for dance, which isn’t something that is normally prioritized at a schoolwide event like graduation,” senior Haley Feiereisel said.
Copeland was raised in San Pedro, Calif., and famously began her ballet career at the late age of 13. She never looked back: within three months of her first class, Copeland had progressed to en pointe, and within a year she began performing professionally. She studied at the San Francisco School of Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive Program on full scholarship.
Feiereisel, a member of the Wake Forest Dance Company, said she is thrilled to hear Copeland speak at her graduation ceremony.
“Some people are probably thinking, ‘who is that?’ but they should know who she is and the adversity she has experienced in her life,” Feiereisel said. “She can use that adversity and success to propel us into the real world on that amazing day that we’ve all worked so hard toward.”
Beyond facing challenges as a Black dancer in a predominantly white field, Copeland also experienced bouts of homelessness as a child. In addition, her mother and her ballet teacher fought a highly-publicized legal battle over custody of Copeland when she was a teenager. She has experienced health and body image problems as a dancer as well.
Copeland is the author of the New York Times best-selling memoir “Life in Motion,” as well as “Letters to Misty,” which includes her advice for young dancers. She also wrote the children’s books “Bunheads” and “Bunheads 2.”
Nina Lucas, chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Wake Forest, believes all attendees will connect with Copeland’s insights.
“Her strength, courage and humanity is humbling,” Lucas said. “Our students will be able to connect with her on some level. Whatever she decides to talk about, I am confident she will inspire our students.”
In addition to her many accomplishments, Copeland has a heart for philanthropy. She supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where she took her first dance lessons at 13 years old. She launched the Misty Copeland Foundation in 2021, which includes the BE BOLD initiative, which strives to make ballet accessible and affordable for children of color.
“Copeland’s influence comes from her approachability and genuine nature,” Associate Professor of Ballet Christopher Martin said. “Her humility and perseverance inspire those around her, making her a timely role model for the graduates. I am grateful that someone with her artistic spirit will be speaking at our commencement.”
