Barbie teams up with Royal Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet
Mattel Inc.’s Barbie® is teaming up with The Royal Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Barbie® in The Nutcracker, joining the trend of collaborations between big retailer brands and these UK and French ballet companies.
The Royal Ballet has been offering exclusive limited-edition Barbie products on its online shop and at The Royal Opera House in London.
It is also organising activities for families called Barbie | Royal Ballet - Storytelling on 29th-30th October 2026.
Paris Opera Ballet announced its collaboration with Barbie on 19th October. Étoile Dorothée Gilbert was named as the ambassador of the collaboration. The company said "a one-of-a-kind doll in the likeness of the Étoile dancer" would be unveiled on 18th November.
On the same day, Gilbert, who has jut concluded her career on stage, will lead a class especially designed to introduce ballet to children. To register for the class, click here.
Mattel is the first retailer brand that teams up with The Royal Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet simultaneously. Sporting gear maker Salmon has been supplying Paris Opera Ballet as the Official Equipment Partner. Cosmetics maker L'Oréal has just announced a partnership with The Royal Ballet and clothing brand Reiss collaborated with the company last year.
Separately, The Royal Ballet announced a creative partnership with British fashion and homeware maker Cath Kidston on 12th October 2026.
Cath Kidston's autumn collection, Waiting In the Wings, is inspired the often unseen artistry behind the performance and features Principal Guest Artist Lauren Cuthbertson.
