FRANCESCA HAYWARD
Royal Ballet principal dancer
When, three years ago, Francesca
Hayward was promoted from first
soloist to principal at The Royal Ballet,
it was the latest in a stream of industry
firsts for the Nairobi-born, Worthing-
raised 27-year-old. “I’m very proud
of the colour of my skin and that I’m
inspiring people from all backgrounds,”
she says, “but I think it will be great
for the next mixed-race or black female
principal dancer if she doesn’t have to
be asked about that. In ballet, it doesn’t
matter who you are. If you’re good,
it’s such a rare thing, so unusual, that
the talent will go wherever you want
it to go.” Hayward’s gift is set to send
her star soaring even higher: this
Christmas, she appears in the film
adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s
Cats. But it’s on stage that her influence
over young fans is most magical – and
where she is at her most confident.
“It just feels like where I’m meant to
be. I feel at my most brave.” GH
Wool coat, £2,250, Loewe. Leather
boots, £895, Nicholas Kirkwood.
Socks, £12, Falke. Fashion editor:
Edward Enninful. Hair: Serge
Normant. Make-up: Val Garland.
Nails: Lorraine Griffin09-19-WELL-ForcesForChange.indd 246 09/07/2019 12:18