“On behalf of the United States Government, I congratulate the Russian American Foundation and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy on 15 years of successful partnership. Your collaboration has deepened ties between the U.S. and Russian dance communities and encouraged cross cultural understanding through the arts, despite the challenges in the official bilateral relationship. Your success demonstrates that the Russian and American people can perform, learn, and thrive side-by-side. I wish you many more years of successful collaboration ahead.”
- Honorable John J. Sullivan, U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation, 2022
“The Russian American Foundation’s contributions to cultural, educational, and sports programs in the United States and Russia help foster greater understanding between the people. Such programs highlight the things that the American and Russian people have in common.”
- Honorable Michael A. McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation, 2012
In The News | 2017
Nov
13
2017
Are You Sabotaging Your Summer Intensive Audition?
Pointe Magazine: An audition is a first impression, and you want to look your best. Rina Kirshner, Director of the Russian American Foundation’s Bolshoi Ballet Academy Programs, looks for dancers who “stand out through hard work and talent.” Read More
Oct
27
2017
My Unforgettable NSLI-Y Experience
NSLIY Interactive: It all began at the JFK Airport when our group of thirteen in matching green t-shirts waited anxiously for the plane. I remember thinking before I got on the plane to Russia, “this is really happening.” It was going to be my first time abroad and I was anxious but excited not knowing what Russia held for me. Read More
Oct
13
2017
Local ballerina returns from summer training in Russia
Free Lance-Star: For Catherine Cata, the worlds of ballet and international relations share a deeply entwined relationship. This summer, the 17-year-old ballerina traveled to Moscow in the joint role of ballerina and diplomat to study language, culture and ballet for six weeks at the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Read More