Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

English girl is admitted to study ballet at Bolshoi

Matt Williams
Friday 18 June 2010 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A young ballerina is celebrating after becoming one of the first English girl to be accepted for a full diploma at the Bolshoi.

Natalie Carter, 17, found out last week that she had passed her first-year traineeship at the prestigious Russian ballet academy. The dancer, from Watford, Hertfordshire, said she was "shocked" to learn she had been granted a three-year place. She will continue her training in September.

Natalie was one of two Britons to to take up places at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow last summer. She joined Daniel Dolan, from Widnes, Cheshire, who became only the third British boy to study at the school in its 233-year history.

Miss Carter had not come from a specialist dancing school, so she was placed on a preliminary course to help improve her technique. Despite suffering stomach, foot and hip injuries during the year, she was one of the top five in her class.

She will become only one of two British girls to train for a full diploma at the Bolshoi, along with Hayley Stobo, 15, from Glasgow. She said: "After the year of injuries, I had many doubts, but to have achieved something I fought so hard for is both fulfilling and relieving."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in