Mattel Launches Misty Copeland Barbie Doll

Mattel has launched the Misty Copeland Barbie doll. The doll is part of the Barbie Sheroes line. Misty is the he first African-American female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT). She is a role model to young girls.

The fashions for the new Barbie were inspired by Misty's Firebird costume from her first American Ballet Theatre principal role. The fire red bodysuit features sunburst orange tulle cutouts. It has layers of red and orange tulle that tease a luxurious red tail as well as a vibrant tulle headpiece. Mattel says she was intimately involved in the doll's design and partnered with the Barbie design team on all the details.

Misty says in a statement, "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 Misty Copeland Barbie is available for pre-order from Barbie Collector. It retails for $29.95. It will also be sold at other retailers later this summer.

Misty says she was playing with Barbie dolls until she was 13. She says she was a very shy girl and felt an instant connection with Barbie. Take a look: