Stephanie Kurlow is an Australian dancer and ballet student often credited as being the world’s first Hijabi Ballerina. She was born to an Australian father and Russian mother and grew up in the suburbs of Sydney. Stephanie’s passion for dance began at the young age of two when she started taking ballet classes.
However, at the age of nine in 2010, Stephanie made the difficult decision to stop dancing. The reason behind her choice was the lack of dance studios that catered to her beliefs and allowed her to wear the hijab. This setback did not dampen Stephanie’s spirit but rather ignited a determination within her to pursue her dreams.
Inspired by Stephanie’s unwavering dream, her mother, Alsu Kurlow, took matters into her own hands. In 2012, she opened a performing arts academy that offered ballet, martial arts, and aboriginal art classes for girls, including those who wear hijabs. This initiative not only provided opportunities for Stephanie but also created a safe and inclusive space for other young girls who share similar cultural or religious backgrounds.
Stephanie’s journey took a turn when she decided to wear the hijab full-time at the age of ten. This choice was a reflection of her commitment to her faith and identity. Despite the challenges she faced as a hijabi ballerina, Stephanie remained undeterred and dedicated herself to breaking barriers and challenging societal norms.
To fulfill her dream of becoming a professional ballerina, Stephanie launched an online campaign to raise money for full-time classical ballet training. Through her campaign, she managed to raise over $7000, demonstrating the immense support and belief people had in her and her talent.
Stephanie draws inspiration from various figures in the world of dance, including Misty Copeland, an African-American ballet dancer, Li Cunxin, a Chinese-Australian ballet dancer, and Zahra Lari, an Emirati figure skater. Their success stories serve as constant motivation for Stephanie as she aspires to achieve greatness in her own dancing career.
In addition to her dedication to dance, Stephanie is also an ambassador for the campaign Remove Hate From The Debate. This campaign focuses on assisting youth in identifying and addressing online hate speech. Her involvement in this initiative showcases Stephanie’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society.
Stephanie’s talent and determination have not gone unnoticed, as she has received several awards and recognitions. She is a recipient of the prestigious Aim for the Stars scholarship, which recognizes and supports young individuals who strive to accomplish their dreams. Additionally, Stephanie was honored with the Game Changer Scholarship by Björn Borg, further acknowledging her impact and potential to make a difference.
Throughout her journey, Stephanie has had the opportunity to share her experiences and inspire others. In 2017, she was invited as a guest speaker to the Resonation Women’s Empowerment Conference in Indonesia. Her powerful message of breaking barriers and pursuing dreams resonated with the audience, leaving a lasting impact.
Stephanie’s dedication to her craft led her to receive a scholarship to The Royal Danish Ballet summer school in 2018. This opportunity allowed her to further enhance her skills and learn from renowned ballet professionals.
In 2018, Stephanie was featured in a Lenovo campaign alongside designer Tarese Klemens for International Women’s Day. This collaboration aimed to celebrate the achievements and empowerment of women from diverse backgrounds.
Continuing her commitment to redefine societal norms and promote inclusivity, Stephanie was featured in the global campaign Love The Progress by Converse in 2019. This campaign invited women to redefine what it means to be a girl and challenged traditional stereotypes.
Looking towards the future, Stephanie envisions opening her own dance school geared towards diverse youths of various backgrounds. Through this venture, she aims to provide opportunities for aspiring dancers who may face barriers due to their cultural or religious identities.
Stephanie Kurlow’s journey as a Hijabi Ballerina is not only a testament to her talent and dedication but also a powerful example of pushing against societal boundaries and inspiring others to chase their dreams. Her story continues to make an impact in the world of dance and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.