From Acton To Moscow - A Dream Come True


Local teenager will be heading 2000 miles to join the Bolshoi Academy

ballet
Coralie Payne pic credit Johan Persson

A talented teenage dancer who trains in Acton, has been offered the opportunity of a lifetime.

Coralie Payne, a former pupil of St Benedict's in Ealing, has been given the chance to complete her studies at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow.

She had chosen to homeschool this year in order to dedicate more time to her ballet, and has been training at Masters of Ballet Academy on East Acton Lane which has a successful record of placing students in top class ballet schools. The teenager was also taken under the wing of Zenaida Yanowsky, former principal at the Royal Ballet in London. 

Coralie decided to apply to the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow because she felt suited to the Russian technique and believes it's the best in the world. She sent in a full video audition with exercises at the barre and in the centre as well as dance pieces and several application forms.

When she received the offer of a place the 16-year-old couldn't believe it. Moscow is over 2000 miles away from her home and everything will be in Russian which might be daunting but Coralie says she will relish the opportunity to train and learn Russia.

She said: ‘The rigour and discipline of the Russian method combined with their sense of artistry is too delicious an opportunity to turn down, at St Benedict’s School I learned that talent without hard work is nothing, I want to work hard and to improve, after all, quoting the school motto ‘a minimis incipe’ ( 'from the smallest beginnings' ).’

She will need to attend for four years to 'graduate' with the full diploma from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. This involves rigorous ballet training as well as a full academic programme.

coralie
Picture: Sian Trenberth

The Bolshoi Academy is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet schools in the world and is the affiliate school to the Bolshoi Ballet company. This September 2021, she will be joining in the footsteps of very few Brits to ever have the privilege to attend the Bolshoi Ballet Academy.

coralie
pic credit Johan Persson

Proud mum Isabelle said: '' Coralie has an older brother who is always very supportive and encouraging. 'Do it, where better than Russia for ballet?' he told her. I am obviously delighted for Coralie - though I will miss her enormously- as you can imagine.''

Together with fellow pupil Hector Moore, who has also gained a place, Coralie is overjoyed and feels that studying with the Bolshoi Ballet Academy is her '' dream come true’.

Many Congratulations to Coralie and Hector!

Annemarie Flanagan

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25 May 2021