Barbie reveals Misty Copeland doll, hopes to inspire 'next generation of kids'

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., May 2 (UPI) -- Barbie is set to launch a new doll made in the likeness of ballerina Misty Copeland.

Announced Monday, the collaboration was described as a way to "continue to show girls they can be anything." Copeland is famous for becoming the first African-American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre in 2015.

"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 statement about her partnership with the iconic doll brand. "It's an honor to be able to inspire the next generation of kids with my very own Barbie doll."

"Misty Copeland is at the center of a cultural conversation around how women continue to break boundaries," added Lisa McKnight, general manager and senior vice president of Barbie. "As a brand, we want to honor women, like Misty, who are inspiring the next generation of girls to live out their dreams. We know role play often leads to real 'play' in life and we're thrilled to celebrate Misty with her very own doll."

Copeland's doll will feature the dancer's signature red Firebird costume from her first ABT principal role. Copeland worked closely with designers to capture the look and feel of the performance.

The doll is available online starting at $29.95 and will begin rolling out soon to store shelves nationwide. Copeland's Barbie release is a part of the brand's Sheroes line which looks to honor women who have broken boundaries and proven girls can be anything they want to be.

Other inspirational women represented by the line include director Ava DuVernay whose Barbie sold out within hours, actresses Emmy Rossum, Kristin Chenoweth, singer Trisha Yearwood, 5-year-old designer Sydney "Mayhem" Keiser and fashion editor Eva Chen.