Misty Copeland: African-American Prima Ballerina Introduces Own Barbie Doll

Misty Copeland: African-American Prima Ballerina Introduces Own Barbie Doll
Misty Copeland unveils her new Barbie doll for Project Plie dancers at the American Ballet Theatre in New York City on May 2, 2016. (PRNewsFoto/Mattel)
Petr Svab
5/2/2016
Updated:
10/5/2018

Misty Copeland, the first African-American to become the principal dancer of the famous American Ballet Theatre, has had a Barbie doll made in her likeness, the doll brand announced on May 2.

The doll dons a costume inspired by Copeland’s role of Firebird from the ballet of the same name by Igor Stravinsky. It was her first leading role at American Ballet Theatre.

Copeland said she was involved in the doll’s production.

“I was hands on with making sure that she really looked like a dancer and looked like me,” she said while introducing the doll on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on May 2.