Misty Copeland is taking a step down from being the American Ballet Theater's principal dancer. Copeland broke the record for being the first Black female principal dancer for the dance company at the age of 32. At 43 years old, she is heading towards retirement. However, she does have some words of wisdom to share with the younger generation of dancers.During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the ABT's 2025 Fall Gala, she shared some advice for the young and upcoming dancers:"Try to find the joy... It's one of the hardest things in the world to do, but you have to remember the joy and why you do it."Copeland ended the night by making a final appearance as the prima ballerina and danced her final number with the American Ballet Theater. The final performance was called "A Celebration Honoring Misty Copeland," and it was held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, NYC.What did Misty Copeland say after her final performance?Misty Copeland was greeted by a throng of Black dancers who showered her with flowers. Virginia Johnson, Debbie Allen, and Desmond Richardson were some of the dancers who greeted her with bouquets. She said that it was a "super emotional" moment for her, and that it was because of dancers like them who "have opened the doors for me to be on that stage."Copeland also said that it was a "very full-circle moment" for her, especially that her husband and three-year-old son were there to watch her dance.She told PEOPLE:"To have my husband and my son [there], it was just incredible... I mean, I feel like he was a different boy the next day, having seen me dance for the first time and being on the stage. Literally, my husband and I were like, 'Who is this transformed?'"She continued to explain the change she saw in her son:"It was really fascinating to see the shift in him, but it was amazing... It was overwhelming, and I think that it takes me time to process things, and so I think this is something that I'll be processing for a while."Misty Copeland also spoke about keeping her son away from the spotlight by saying:"Definitely with my son, I wouldn't have him probably be on camera for anything... But when it comes to my career and what I'm doing, I'm really open."Misty Copeland is stepping away from the stage after making history at the American Ballet Theater. Her final performance was emotional, and she shared advice about finding joy in dance. As she moves toward retirement, she hopes her journey inspires young dancers everywhere.Also read: Why is Misty CopeLand retiring? Ballet star hangs up Pointe shoes following NYC Performance