Renowned dance conservatory and performance venue Jacob's Pillow has announced that ballerina Misty Copeland will be receiving their 2023 Dance Award. The award is given to an artist who epitomizes the essence of dance through their life and work, and is coupled with a monetary prize.

Located in Becket, Massachusetts, Jacob's Pillow has been a safe-haven for dancers of varying backgrounds and talents to display their artistic talents, hone their skills and commune through the spirit of dance. Since its inception, they have hosted a stellar cohort of exceptional dance masters such as Camille A. Brown, Kyle Abraham, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and many more.

In a post on Instagram, Jacob's Pillow shared a quote from Copeland about receiving the honor. “‘First and foremost, I’m a dancer. To receive an award in the dance community is everything to me. This is like my family. This is what I’ve dedicated the last 25 years of my life to.’"

In a statement obtained by Broadway World, Jacob's Pillow's Executive and Artistic Director Pamela Tatge expressed, "We are honoring Misty for her immense artistry and achievement as one of this country's premier ballerinas. We are also recognizing her work as an activist and change-maker. As the Pillow and our field as a whole seeks to address systemic racism and the need for greater equity, inclusion and access in all aspects of our work, we are excited to honor one of this country's greatest champions of expanding the ranks of who belongs in ballet on both sides of the footlights. Misty persevered when many would have given up. She has been such an astonishing role model for young dancers around the world, and it is truly thrilling to announce her as the Jacob's Pillow Dance Award recipient this year."

Copeland first made history for becoming the first African American woman to become a principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre in 2015. She has since been involved in a plethora of philanthropic efforts and started the Misty Copeland Foundation, which she will donate her prize money to.