Garbed in a red leotard with a fiery tutu, the barbie is a replica of Copeland’s costume from her performance of Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird.” The role, which Copeland will reprise this month, was pivotal for her career.
“I was hands on with making sure that she really looked like a dancer and looked like me,” Copeland told Robin Roberts Monday morning on Good Morning America.
Barbie’s new line, released in January, incorporated Barbies of various body types, skin color and hair. In continuing with Barbie’s new looks, the ballerina Barbie is complete with athletic-looking physique with muscular legs.
The Copeland Barbie is also part of the “Sheroes” campaign which has included Barbie replicas of Emmy Rossum, Ava DuVernay, Kristin Chenoweth, and Zendaya, according to Time Magazine.
The American Ballet Theatre’s spring season opens this month with “Firebird,” the first big role for Copeland that launched her career.
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