Misty Copeland, the first African American principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre, unveils her new Barbie doll.
If you don't know Misty Copeland's name, you've probably seen her. She was Prince's muse. She starred in his Crimson and Clover cover video and has danced on stage during his shows.
She's also the first African American ballerina to be made a principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre's 75-year history. And today she unveiled a new Barbie doll made in her likeness.
The doll features a Firebird costume, similar to what Copeland wore in her first performance as a prima ballerina. The doll's limbs move and bend, perfect for first positioning or plié-ing. Copeland hopes to inspire young dancers to follow their dream with the release of her doll.
"I always dreamed of becoming an ABT ballerina and through Barbie I was able to play out those dreams early on," Copeland said in a press release. "It's an honour to be able to inspire the next generation of kids with my very own Barbie doll."
Part of the Barbie Sheroes line, these dolls honour women who inspire girls by overcoming obstacles and breaking down barriers.
Read more:
Searching for empowering books for little girls
How to talk to girls: 8 ways to improve your daughter’s self-esteem
Does your child challenge traditional gender roles?
Keep up with your baby's development, get the latest parenting content and receive special offers from our partners
Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail.