Mattel has created a Barbie doll in Misty Copeland’s likeness as part of the Barbie Sheroes program, honoring female heroes who inspire girls. Copeland is the first African-American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) and joins an esteemed group of diverse Barbie Sheroes, including Ava DuVernay, Eva Chen, Kristin Chenoweth, Sydney “Mayhem” Keiser, Trisha Yearwood, and Zendaya.
The fashions for the doll were inspired by Copeland’s Firebird costume from her first ABT principal role, which she is performing again on May 18 and 19 as part of ABT’s annual spring season at the Metropolitan Opera House. Copeland was intimately involved in the doll’s design and partnered with the Barbie design team on all the details.
This initiative furthers the Barbie “You Can Be Anything” campaign message, echoing that a girl imagines anything she can become when playing with Barbies. The doll is available now on www.thebarbiecollection.com and will be available at retailers nationwide.
