Misty Copeland is officially stepping away from American Ballet Theatre, the company she joined as a teenager and helped transform from within. In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press, the barrier-breaking ballerina announced her retirement after 25 years, capping off a career that made her the first Black female principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year history.

“It’s time for me to move to the next stage,” Copeland, 42, told the AP. “It’s been 25 years at ABT, and I think it’s time.”

Copeland will make her farewell appearance on October 22, in a special performance featuring ABT dancers, film clips, and speeches—culminating in her return to the stage for the Romeo and Juliet pas de deux with longtime partner Herman Cornejo. Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy will serve as honorary chairs for the night.

Copeland became a household name in 2015 when her promotion to principal was announced in a rare press conference, following her lead performance in Swan Lake. That moment brought a new level of visibility—and diversity—to ballet’s traditionally white spaces.

Her rise wasn’t just about solo performances. “I feel like this is me saying thank you to the company,” she told the AP. “But it won’t be the end of me dancing. Never say never.”

While her visibility has opened doors, Copeland acknowledged that systemic change has been slow. “It’s definitely concerning,” she said, referencing the lack of other Black female principals at ABT since her historic promotion. “There’s only so much I can do on a stage.”

Since becoming a mother three years ago, Copeland says her outlook has broadened. “I just have a lighter and brighter outlook on life,” she said, adding that ballet prepared her well for parenting—teaching her patience, resilience, and empathy.