Who is Misty Copeland Husband?
Misty Copeland's husband is Olu Evans, a New York-based attorney who she married in 2016 after a decade-long relationship. They first met in 2004 through Evans’s cousin, famed actor Taye Diggs, and kept their romance out of the spotlight for years. Evans is known for being supportive yet private, rarely appearing in Copeland’s social media or at high-profile public events.
Who Is Misty Copeland?
Misty Copeland is a celebrated ballet dancer who made history in 2015 as the first Black woman ever promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. She’s led performances in Swan Lake and The Firebird and published the memoir “Life in Motion” in 2014. Copeland’s ‘I Will What I Want’ Under Armour campaign in 2014 brought classical dance to the mainstream.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOmma2GiUPH/?
Misty Copeland's Husband: Who Is Olu Evans?
Olu Evans, full name Oluwatosin Olu Evans, is a corporate attorney who graduated from Emory University School of Law. He also owns a dancewear company, Muse Dancewear, catering to ballet professionals. Known for his discretion, Evans avoids the limelight he rarely appears on Misty’s Instagram and seldom attends public galas, though he did accompany her to the ABT Spring Gala in 2016.
While he keeps his current legal projects private, Evans remains a steady supporter behind Copeland’s career. In interviews, Copeland credits him for his grounding presence during stressful times she wrote in “Life in Motion” that Evans helped her navigate fame and injuries.
Misty Copeland's Final Performance
Yes, Misty Copeland announced her retirement from ballet in fall 2025, after 25 years at ABT. Her final performance was at a special gala at the Metropolitan Opera House in October 2025, where she danced as Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet”. Speculation about her retirement had intensified due to her age, 42 at the time, older for a principal dancer, and her recent return to the stage after several years focused on family and advocacy work.
Is Misty Copeland Retiring?
Yes. Copeland has officially retired from American Ballet Theatre as of October 2025. In a statement before her farewell gala, she said: “While I will be bidding farewell to the stage, my dedication to creating opportunities, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring ballet is a welcoming space for everyone remains unwavering”. This marks the end of her performing career at ABT, though she plans to remain involved in the arts through writing, advocacy, and mentoring young dancers.
How Old Is Misty Copeland?
Misty Copeland is 43 years old in 2025; she was born September 10, 1982. Age matters in ballet because most principal dancers retire in their late 30s or early 40s due to the extreme physical demands of the profession—Copeland performed beyond this typical window.
Misty Copeland Biography
-
Birthdate: September 10, 1982 (age 43 as of 2025)
-
Born: Kansas City, Missouri; raised in San Pedro, California
-
Started ballet: Age 13, after joining a class at a Boys & Girls Club program
-
Joined ABT: 2000
-
Became soloist: 2007
-
Became principal dancer: 2015
-
Obstacle: Faced criticism for starting ballet late and for her muscular physique; openly discussed body image battles in media and her memoir
-
Memoir: “Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina” (2014)
Misty Copeland's Ballet Career Highlights
-
Odette/Odile (“Swan Lake”), American Ballet Theatre at the Met
-
Firebird (“The Firebird”), ABT, Met, 2012
-
Juliet (“Romeo and Juliet”), final ABT performance, 2025
-
Clara (“The Nutcracker”), ABT
-
Major award: Named to Time 100 Most Influential People (2015)
-
Cultural moments: First Black female principal at ABT (2015); Under Armour campaign (2014)
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. All information is provided in good faith; accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed.
