Misty Copeland Welcomes First Child

World famous ballerina Misty Copeland has welcomed her first child, a son named Jackson. Copeland announced the news via an interview with People Magazine, where she shared that she and her husband Olu Evans privately welcomed the boy three months ago.

Copeland, who draws a clear boundary between her public and private lives, is a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. In 2015, she became the first Black woman to reach the level of principal within the company, and Copeland has since gone on to become an icon for classical dancers of color across the country.

Also in 2015, Copeland made her Broadway debut as Ivy Smith (aka the elusive Miss Turnstiles) in the revival of On the Town. She followed in the footsteps of the original production and original Ivy Smith, Sono Osato. Osato was a Japanese American dancer, and the 1944 original Broadway production was one of the first musicals to feature a racially integrated ensemble.

In announcing the birth of her son, Copeland affirmed her commitment to keeping his childhood out of the spotlight, in addition to confirming her intention to return to the stage in fall 2023.

Our best to the happy family!