Francesca Hayward is a British ballet dancer and actress who rose to fame for her commercial work. Born on July 4th, 1992, in Nairobi, Kenya, Hayward began dancing at the age of three. She grew up in Sussex, England, and trained at the Karen Clarke Theatre School before joining the Royal Ballet School at the age of 11.
In 2010, she became a member of the Royal Ballet and was promoted to principal dancer in 2016. Hayward's performances in ballets such as Romeo and Juliet, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and The Nutcracker have garnered critical acclaim and admiration from fans and critics alike. In 2020, she took on the lead role of Victoria in the movie adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical, Cats.
However, it was Hayward's work as a commercial actor that brought her to the attention of global audiences. She has featured in advertisements for major brands such as Burberry and McQueen, winning admiration for her unique combination of dance and acting skills. In particular, her Burberry Christmas advert, titled "What Is Love?" in 2019, earned her widespread acclaim and cemented her position as one of the most captivating performers in the industry.
Aside from her commercial work, Hayward is also a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the arts. As a mixed-race dancer, she has spoken out about the importance of representation and the need for more opportunities for performers from diverse backgrounds. In 2021, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her services to ballet and diversity in the arts.
In summary, Francesca Hayward is a talented ballet dancer and actress who has become a popular commercial actor thanks to her unique combination of dance and acting skills. Her passion for diversity and inclusivity in the arts has made her an inspiring figure for fans and fellow performers alike.