Entertainment
Misty Copeland Takes Her Final Bow—But She’s Far From Done
Orlando, FL (FNN News) – The curtain’s closing—but not on Misty Copeland.
After 25 trailblazing years at American Ballet Theatre, the ballerina who made history (and headlines) as the first Black female principal dancer is officially retiring. Her final performance? A star-studded, once-in-a-generation gala at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater on October 22, 2025.
Copeland hasn’t danced onstage in five years. But she’s coming back for one last breathtaking moment: a Romeo and Juliet pas de deux with longtime partner Herman Cornejo. Expect elegance, emotion—and maybe a few tears. The night will feature ABT dancers, surprise guest appearances, and video tributes that trace her iconic rise from late-starter to dance-world disruptor.
She helped choreograph the whole thing—because of course she did.
Misty’s journey has been anything but typical. She didn’t slip into ballet slippers at age three. She started at 13. But her power, poise, and refusal to be boxed in shattered the mold. In 2015, she broke one of ballet’s most stubborn barriers when she became ABT’s first Black female principal dancer. The world took notice, and suddenly young dancers everywhere saw themselves reflected in the spotlight.
Her retirement doesn’t mean she’s disappearing from dance. Not even close. “It’s time to move to the next stage,” she said. That means more time with the Misty Copeland Foundation, which she launched in 2021 to push for equity in dance education. More books. More film projects. More mentorship. And yes—possibly more dancing. “Never say never,” she teased.
But her departure also raises big questions. With Misty gone, ABT is once again without a Black female principal. It’s a reminder that one icon can’t fix an entire system. Which is exactly why Misty’s next act will happen offstage, where she plans to shape what ballet looks like for the next generation—at every level.
Tickets to the gala haven’t gone on sale yet, but when they do, they’ll be some of the hottest seats in the city.
So yes, October 22 will be emotional. It will be historic. But it won’t be the end.
It’s Misty Copeland—Act II.
_____________________
Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Entertainment
USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com
For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.
Central Florida News
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
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