Misty Copeland Has a Barbie Doll And It Is All The Things
Prima Ballerina Misty Copeland’s new Barbie doll — a part of Mattel’s “Sheroes” Collection – shows that Black women with unconventional life experiences can still achieve their goals, no matter how impossible they may seem.
The new doll is wearing Copeland’s iconic red Firebird costume and features the principal dancer’s muscular frame and shapely body, two features the dancer is particularly proud of. Just a few months ago, Mattel released a Barbie inspired by magical Black girl Ava Duvernay, another barrier breaking doll from the leading toy manufacturer.
RELATED: Misty Copeland is First Black Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre
While speaking with The Root, Copeland explained that having a doll who is brown and shaped like many young girls coming up today was important to her. She notes that these images are becoming normalized and she is grateful to be a part of that change.
Mattel desribes the doll on their website noting that,
“As the first African American female Principal Dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland is an inspirational star, paving the way for future dancers all over the world! Her fire red bodysuit, with sunburst orange tulle cutouts, stretches over her perfectly poised body, while layers of red and orange tulle tease a luxurious red tail. A vibrant tulle headpiece tops off her elaborate look, adding drama and flair. The doll features a brand-new ballerina body, with a face sculpted to Misty’s likeness!”
The new doll is available for pre-order at many online and in-store retailers.
Photo: Promotional release from Mattel.