Nusrat Jahan
Stephanie Kurlow, a head-scarf or hijab wearing Muslim teenage has had quite the week with a video of her letting her gain the support of many people on an international level. Yes, I am talking about that girl from the online crowd-funding campaign video who is on a mission to become the first ever hijab wearing ballerina. Stephanie has been on her toes since she was two but had to stop in the year 2010 when her family decided to convert to Islam. Her strong willpower to become successful as a ballerina while still practicing her Muslim faith peaked the interests of Bjorn Borg, Swedish sport Fashion Company. Bjorn Borg has awarded the talented Ms Stephanie Kurlow its first ever ‘Game Changer’ scholarship. The scholarship amount is approximately $8400 AUD, and is expected to cover one year’s ballet tuition.
Jonas Lindberg Nyvang, the marketing director of Bjorn Borg, felt inspired after listening to Stephanie’s story and realizing how hard the 14 year old had to fight for her right to practice ballet despite her religious beliefs and appearance.
Last week, the Swedish executives flew to Sydney to film a promotional video of Stephanie Kurlow dancing away at her ballet studio.