Who Is the Highest Paid Female Ballerina?

Ballet may not always be associated with vast wealth, but a select few ballerinas have broken that mould. So, who is the highest paid female ballerina today? And how does her earning power compare with legendary dancers of the past?

The Highest Paid Female Ballerina Today

Misty Copeland

As of the latest available data, Misty Copeland is widely considered the highest paid female ballerina. An American Ballet Theatre (ABT) principal dancer and cultural icon, Copeland has built a brand that extends far beyond the stage.

Misty Copeland at a Glance:

• Estimated Net Worth: £3 - £5 million

• Salary from ABT: Estimated £100,000 - £150,000 annually

• Major Brand Deals: Under Armour, Estée Lauder, Seiko, and Dannon

• Other Income Streams: Bestselling author, motivational speaker, TV appearances

Copeland’s landmark achievement as the first African American female principal dancer at ABT in 2015 skyrocketed her visibility, attracting major sponsorship deals and publishing opportunities. She’s also authored several books, including Life in Motion and Ballerina Body.

What Contributes to Her Income?

Ballerinas at the top of their game, like Copeland, often diversify their income well beyond theatre salaries. Key income sources include:

1. Performance Salaries

Top-tier dancers at national companies typically earn between £70,000 and £150,000 annually. This includes base salaries and per-performance fees.

2. Sponsorships and Brand Deals

Copeland’s partnerships with global brands like Under Armour have made her a household name, bringing in six-figure deals.

3. Books and Publications

Memoirs, fitness books, and children’s literature provide additional revenue and reach broader audiences.

4. Speaking Engagements and Media Work

From TED Talks to TV interviews and documentaries, these appearances often come with speaking fees or royalties.

Historical Comparisons: How Do Past Ballerinas Measure Up?

Margot Fonteyn

In the 20th century, ballet legends like Anna Pavlova, Margot Fonteyn, and Maya Plisetskaya were globally admired but operated in a very different financial landscape.

• Anna Pavlova was one of the first dancers to tour internationally, earning significant money for her time, though nowhere near modern celebrity levels.

• Margot Fonteyn, despite her fame, was reportedly not financially secure in later life, even continuing to perform into her 60s to support herself and her husband.

• Maya Plisetskaya was a Soviet icon, but much of her career unfolded under state patronage rather than market-driven earnings.

The Earning Potential of Ballet Today

For most dancers, ballet remains a passion-led career with modest pay. However, visibility through social media, brand collaborations, and cross-industry partnerships has created a path for ballerinas to earn considerably more.

In today’s landscape:

• A top-tier dancer at a national company might earn a £100,000 salary, supplemented by teaching, guest performances, and media.

• Dancers with public profiles like Misty Copeland or Svetlana Zakharova (Bolshoi Ballet principal and Chanel ambassador) can command much higher figures thanks to global reach and commercial savvy.

Final Thoughts

While the average ballerina earns a modest living, the highest paid female dancers today, like Misty Copeland, have redefined what is financially possible in the ballet world. By leveraging talent, personal branding, and strategic partnerships, they've turned grace into a global business.