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.

Press acclaim for Hayley’s success:

BBC News
“A Renfrewshire teenager who is the first Scot to win a place at Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet Academy has secured the funding to fulfil her dream. Hayley Stobo, from Renfrew, said she was “ecstatic” that the Genesis Foundation had agreed to back her.

Daily Express
Tutors at the Bolshoi offered her a place after watching a 10-minute DVD of her performances which Hayley sent them. She said: “I was absolutely ecstatic when I found out. I still don’t think it’s sunk in. “I think when I’m on the plane, that’s when it will really hit me. I’ve always dreamed about becoming a ballet dancer from the age of two when I started lessons and to be given a place in such a prestigious school is an honour.”

Daily Record
Hayley said: “I can’t explain how grateful I am. It’s a career I can’t wait to enjoy.”

Evening Times
Hayley said: “My mum has been having sleepless nights about finding a sponsor but thankfully the Genesis Foundation has come forward.”

Scotland Herald
Hayley’s time at the academy will be funded by the UK-based charity, which aims to develop emerging talents until they reach a point of sustainability. She said: “I can’t explain how grateful I am to them for enabling me to achieve my dream.”
John Studzinski, founder of the Genesis Foundation, said: “It is 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. “We are delighted to see how their hard work and dedication has reaped rewards.”

The Press and Journal
After training in Moscow, Hayley could end up dancing anywhere in the world. She said: “Wherever companies are, I will be auditioning. It will be amazing to experience different parts of the world. It is a career I can’t wait to enjoy.”

Blogs

Women’s Views on News
“Young Scottish girl to attend Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet Academy”
The Genesis Foundation is also funding Natalie Carter, from Watford in Hertfordshire, who won a place on the Bolshoi’s full diploma course. A UK based charity, the Genesis Foundation aims to nurture and develop emerging talents.

Twitter

Bellafigural Lovely Story! RT @bachtrack Hayley wins funding 2 secure place at Bolshoi Ballet Academy & fulfill dream RT @Genesis_Fndn http://bit.ly/bN03n4

Bachtrack Heartwarming story Hayley wins funding 2 secure place at Bolshoi Ballet Academy to fulfill dream RT @Genesis_Fndn http://bit.ly/bN03n4

Balletbabble Another talented girl off to Bolshoi http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/editor-s-picks/hayley-s-off-to-the-bolshoi-1.1044234

BALLETNEWS another British success story – well done Hayley http://bit.ly/bt6b68 #bolshoi #ballet

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