The first African-American woman to be named the principal dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland, has just introduced the world to her mini me Barbie doll.
The 33-year-old comments: “I always dreamed of becoming an ABT ballerina and through Barbie I was able to play out those dreams early on. It’s an honor to be able to inspire the next generation of kids with my very own Barbie doll.”
The toy comes as part of the Barbie Sheroes Program, which honors the women who have broken boundaries and encouraged the next generation of diverse women to dream bigger. Movie director Ava DuVernay, actresses Emmy Rossum and Zendaya and singer Trisha Yearwood’s Barbie dolls are also part of the series.
Adorned in a replica costume from Misty’s first ABT principal role, Firebird, the doll was carefully crafted by Mattel Inc under the watchful eye of the Missouri ballerina. The manufacturer commented that Misty was very hands on throughout the whole designing process and partnered with Barbie on every detail.
Fans can catch Misty’s repeat performance of Firebird on May 18 and 19 at the Metropolitan Opera House during ABT’s annual spring season.
