Sunday night, barrier-breaking ballerina Misty Copeland emerged from retirement to captivate both the live audience and millions watching worldwide at the Academy Awards. Appearing alongside Sinners star Miles Caton, Copeland delivered a striking performance during a special presentation of “I Lied to You,” the Oscar-nominated song from the film.
For the performance, Copeland wore the iconic Firebird costume originally designed in 1982 by legendary artist Geoffrey Holder for Dance Theatre of Harlem’s production of Firebird. The design remains one of the most recognizable visual expressions in the company’s history, emblematic of its bold interpretation of the classical ballet and its commitment to expanding representation within the art form.
Firebird itself has long stood as a powerful artistic work—its choreography and storytelling are visually striking and deeply symbolic, reflecting Dance Theatre of Harlem’s legacy of imagination, cultural pride, and breaking barriers within classical ballet.
Speaking on the moment, Artistic Director Robert Garland shared, “We are honored to see the legacy of Dance Theatre of Harlem represented on such a global stage. The Firebird holds a special place in our history, and it’s meaningful to see its imagery resonate in this contemporary context.”
Dance Theatre of Harlem recently revived Firebird, debuting the production in Paris this past February. The ballet will next be performed in Norfolk, Virginia (March 20–22), followed by a New York City run at New York City Center from April 16–19.
During the New York engagement, the company will also host its annual gala on April 17, where iconic choreographer and creative Fatima Robinson will be honored with the Arthur Mitchell Visionary Award, and Stephen Mills will receive the Virtuoso Award.