By Ewelina Lepionko
These days women, Muslim women in particular, have taken it upon themselves to prove they can do anything they want to. One of them is Stephanie Kurlow who hopes to become the first professional ballerina in a hijab.
Stephanie Kurlow is an Australian dancer and ballet student often credited as being the world's first Hijabi Ballerina. Time and time again, she has proved that when you believe, nothing is impossible. She is ready to do anything she sets her mind to. Kurlow has certainly set the barre high for herself.
"Be the person you want to be, and the world can change for you" - Stephanie Kurlow
On Wikipedia, we read Kurlow was born to an Australian father and a Russian mother. She grew up in the suburbs of Sydney and began dancing at the age of two, but ceased classes at the age of 9 after her family converted to Islam. Unable to find a dance studio that catered for Muslim girls, she didn't think it possible to continue. In response to seeing her daughter struggle, her mom opened a ballet academy where she could practice freely.
Her decision to adorn traditional Islamic headwear and modest dance clothing while training and performing have caught the world's attention.
In the interview with Pointe Magazine she said:
I find that my faith makes me really appreciate this beautiful art form and notice how all things are connected. Dance is another way in which I can bring my spirituality into the world, and so performing can really bring a feeling of transcendence.
Ballet is meant for everyone!
— Pointe & Ribbon (@PointeRibbon) May 21, 2020
First hijabi ballerina @stephaniekurlow is one outstanding, fierce woman who likes to speak up and to be heard!??♀️?? pic.twitter.com/3keRxtpSfP
When asked about difficulties in wearing hijab she said:
I think people who see me for the first time in a ballet class or onstage in hijab are a bit shocked because it's not something that they've really ever seen before. It would be so wonderful to see the school and company directors being more open about the topic. I really do have a lot to offer as not only a hijabi woman but as a ballet dancer.
Speaking to NY Times, she said about her belief that "everything made sense for me in Islam […] I like to be modest and I like to keep my dignity. I like to know the purpose of my life. I like to live a healthy lifestyle and avoid harmful things.”
Kurlow told Mashable Australia: "If people have the right to dress down then I have the right to dress up and my hijab is my expression of love to my creator and I believe it covers my body but not my mind, heart, and talent."
Asked about who inspires her the most she highlights Misty Copeland has been one of the most inspirational people to her ever since she was 13.
Stephanie told The Urban List that currently, she is working towards being in a professional ballet company. "One day I would like to open my own ballet company and school that is inclusive of all backgrounds, races, and religions. To bring a safe space where diverse people can come together and create art."
MuslimGirl.com asked her for advice to other young Muslim women who are sometimes afraid to completely put themselves out to the world.
My advice would be to trust in yourself and what you do. If you are passionate about something or have a dream you want to achieve, you must find that inspiration and trust from within yourself in order to go for it.
"Once I am a professional I would also like to open my own ballet company and performing arts school that caters towards people of different religions, races, or backgrounds," she once told Emirates Woman.
