In today’s political climate, coming together as a people, not bound by race, color or gender, is more important than ever. One organization [RAF] has been striving to bridge the gap between cultures for 20 years, and it is right here in our own back yard…”
-The New York Post, 2017
“The Russian American Foundation’s continued contributions to cultural, educational, and sports programs in the United States and Russia help foster greater understanding between the people of the United States and the Russian Federation. Such programs highlight the things that the American and Russian people have in common.”
- Honorable Michael A. McFaul, former US Ambassador to Moscow, 2012
Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive programs
Congratulations to RAF's 2020 Virtual NSLI-Y & BBASI participants, representing numerous regions of the United States and countries around the world, for a successful summer of Russian language, culture studies, and acclaimed ballet training! RAF thanks its long-term partners; the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, American Councils for International Education, and Moscow's Bolshoi Ballet Academy for collaboration to provide impactful and valuable virtual programs, free of charge, to our families.
The acclaimed Bolshoi Ballet Academy (BBA) has produced some of the most accomplished stars of the current generation, including Natalia Osipova, Alexei Ratmansky, Polina Semionova, Vladimir Malakhov, Maria Kochetkova and many others.
With its nearly 250-year history, the Academy’s curriculum and pedagogy is recognized for its focus on strength, musicality, clarity of technique, and personal expression.
The BBA Summer Programs in New York and Connecticut follow the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy curriculum and are taught by the Academy’s leading teachers from Moscow. Each Program is specifically designed to achieve individual progress in ballet training through a focus on the clarity of technique, increased strength, and greater musicality.
RAF's BBA Programs welcome students from all over the world. In 2018 participants represented: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Portugal, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Venezuela, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
Polina Semionova
Bolshoi Ballet Academy Graduate
Photo by Stella de Monaco
“[The Bolshoi Ballet Academy’s] alumni include some of the most illustrious dancers in the history of ballet.”
– David M. Herszenhorn, The New York Times
“Since 2007, the Russian American Foundation’s U.S. summer intensives and government-funded scholarship program have helped pave the road from America to Moscow... Now, Bolshoi-trained Americans still in their 20s are making their marks with top international companies, bringing with them a distinct blend of Russian training and American spirit”.
- Wendy Perron, Dance Magazine
Summer Programs
BBASI NY
6/28 - 8/6/2021
3 and 6-week sessions provide rigorous and expert training for advanced ballet students (15+ years). The first session culminates in an open class. The second session and six-week session culminate in a performance. Residential and Day options are available.
BBASI CT
6/28 - 8/6/2021
3 and 6-week sessions provide rigorous and expert training for serious ballet students (ages 9-15 years). All sessions culminate in a staged showcase. Residential and Day options are available in a supervised environment appropriate for younger dancers.
Bolshoi PREP
6/28 - 8/6/2021
3 and 6-week sessions provide rigorous and expert training for serious ballet students (ages 9-15 years) who would like to train in NY. All sessions culminate in an open class. Limited residential options are available for students residing with a parent or guardian.
NSLI-Y Moscow
6/28 - 8/27/2021
A 6-week full scholarship program that combines Russian language instruction, cultural immersion, and ballet training at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. NSLI-Y is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs program, implemented by the Russian American Foundation.
Teacher Certification
8/8 - 8/15/2021
In-person and Virtual Options Available
"Methods of Teaching Classical Dance" is a one-week intensive program in New York City offering dance educators an opportunity to learn the authentic Bolshoi Ballet Academy methodology. Applicants need to demonstrate level-appropriate experience to be accepted into the program.
2021 Video and Virtual Auditions
January - February
Being mindful of the health and safety of our families, dancers, and staff, auditions for the 2021 summer will be held virtually and through video submissions.
2021 BBASI programs are planned to be in-person, with reasonable modifications and augmented health related protocols.
*Listed programs in the United States are a partnership between New York based Russian American Foundation (“RAF”) and Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet Academy (“Academy”). The Programs are operated by RAF, based on a ballet curriculum designed by the Academy and taught by its ballet teachers. Unless otherwise expressly stated, RAF has no affiliation with other programs operated or sponsored by the Academy in Russia or other parts of the world. The Programs are not formally affiliated with Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet Company. PROGRAM DETAILS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
NSLI-Y is a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implemented by the Russian American Foundation in Moscow, Russia in collaboration with local independent entities in Russia and U.S. Program implementation is subject to available funding of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. PROGRAM DETAILS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
In planning for an in-person 2021 summer all Program elements (including but not limited to housing & studio capacities, end of session events, extra-curricular activities, etc.) are being monitored and prepared within the context of the most current guidance of relevant health authorities. Reasonable program modifications, as well as augmented participant and staff medical review process, should be expected.