Hayley and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy

Glasgow-born Hayley Stobo, 16, has become the first Scottish girl to secure a place at the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. Celebrating her success is the Genesis Foundation, the UK-based charity which is supporting Hayley’s professional development by funding this early stage of her career. Only two British girls have ever been taken under the wing of the esteemed Bolshoi Ballet Academy in order to train for a full diploma, both of whom are currently being developed and nurtured by the Genesis Foundation.

Hayley Stobo began to dance at the tender age of two at her local dance school in Scotland.  She soon developed a love of classical ballet and at 11 years of age was accepted into the “Dance School of Scotland,” where she trained for five years with outstanding results. Hayley’s nascent career has now reached a new high after being accepted into the Bolshoi Ballet Academy where she will reap the benefits of the Academy’s preeminent teachings. After sending out more than 100 letters looking for support, it was only when the Genesis Foundation spotted Hayley’s potential and decided to offer its assistance that she could finally realise her dream. Hayley comments “A family friend said that I reached for the stars and brought the biggest one home, and I believe I did. The Genesis Foundation is enabling me to hold on to that star and I thank them for that!”

The news follows on from that of fellow Genesis Foundation award recipient Natalie Carter, who, this June, became the first ever British girl to win a place on the Bolshoi’s full diploma course. Like Hayley, Natalie sent out hundreds of letters requesting support, but it was the Genesis Foundation that picked up on her talent and stepped in. Natalie will be beginning the three-year diploma in the autumn, now having successfully completed her first year of training at the Academy where she was awarded the highest possible mark.

John Studzinski, Founder of the Genesis Foundation, comments, “It is absolutely crucial that the exceptional talent of girls like Hayley and Natalie is recognised in order for them to gain the necessary support to become independent artists. The sheer dedication of such artists is amazing and we are delighted to see how their hard work and dedication has reaped rewards. For many young, aspiring artists it is incredibly difficult for them to fulfil their dreams without any assistance and we are very proud to see the Genesis Foundation’s commitment pay off.”