Your flexible friend

It’s a Barbie suite of symphonies

What?: Introducing Barbie At The Symphony, a new programme aimed at exposing classical music to a young audience – from 3-year-olds upwards. The anatomically- implausible princess of plastic extends her classical bow in a live experience centered around the successful eight-year run of Barbie classical CGI-animated DVDs. Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, 12 Dancing Princesses and Rapunzel have all being retold in some from and aimed squarely at capturing those all-important Christmas DVD sales.

The live shows aim to capitalise on this successful product line. With an emphasis on education, families can now enjoy the classical music from the films played live by a full symphony orchestra; and all whilst simultaneously watching their favourite
DVD scenes on a cinema screen.

So what?: As the desire for toy dolls diminishes amongst increasingly tech-savvy tweens, Mattel is consciously moving away from a reliance on plastic effigies. Bratz destroyed its monopoly on the doll market and competition breeds diversification. A range of Barbie MP3 players, increased web activity, and the use of classical music to leverage DVD sales are all attempts to captive the Tween set. Disney’s High School Musical dolls highlight how music is now a driver to toys and not the other way round.

“Barbie has never been very flexible – as every boy who attempted a collaboration between his sister’s doll and Action Man will testify. It’s time for her to break the mould now. With Barbie eying up that Zac Efron doll, Ken’s days are numbered.”
Giles Fitzgerald, Deputy Editor, FiveEight

http://barbie.everythinggirl.com/arts