Three Irish girls have been accepted for places at the prestigious Russian Perm State Choreographic Institute. The three girls are Megan Mullen (14), Alana Borza (15), and Victoria Young (15). They are the first Irish students to be accepted for places at the school in over 20 years. In August they leave their families behind for a year with the hope of securing a future in the competitive world of ballet dancing.
The institute is an internationally renowned ballet school that is associated with the Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre.
“It is a huge achievement,” explained Alana, “Russian ballet schools are very difficult to get into – it is a lot of discipline. It is a very strict school. Just to get accepted is an amazing achievement.”
Although the girls will be allowed to stay together in dorm accommodation, their new classes will have further challenges as the instructions will be in Russian.
Monica Loughman is the founder of the Monica Loughman Elite Ballet and the teacher of the three girls. She is one of the few Westerners to have danced for the Perm school’s attached ballet company and says, “I have no doubt they will face challenges during this experience but the resilience and commitment they have shown over the last few years will serve them well and they know I am always here to advise and support them as they spread their wings.”
