The Summer Intensive is designed to provide expert training for ballet students through unique exposure to the experience and expertise of Master Teachers from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Classes will be conducted in groups, organized by students' skill levels as demonstrated by their auditions. A student's level placement may be adjusted during the course of the program at the discretion of the Bolshoi Ballet teachers. At the conclusion of the training program all students will undergo final interviews with the Master Teachers, who will provide the students with an assessment of their progress and advice for furthering their training.
A Final Performance will give students enrolled in the six-week and the second three-week sessions the opportunity to showcase their repertoire for invited guests and professional ballet teachers. An open-class, which parents are welcome to attend, will be held at the conclusion of the first three weeks of the program.
Students will have a unique opportunity to audition for enrollment in the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. Furthermore, one Female and one Male Student, enrolled in a five or six-week session of the Summer Intensive, will be selected to go to Moscow to dance with the Bolshoi Ballet Academy at their Gala Performance!
Accommodations in Moscow will be provided at no cost to the students!
Locations and Levels
The program will take place in two locations:
Elementary and Intermediate Level (Ages 9-15*):
The Elementary and Intermediate Levels will continue at the Westover School in Middlebury, Connecticut and will offer a full-time/live-in or day student option. The program is designed as a complete summer experience specifically catering to younger ballet lovers. While intensive ballet classes will dominate most of the students' weekday schedule, exciting and educational extracurricular activities are planned throughout. Russian Language Studies, as well as lectures/workshops on Ballet History, Performance Skills, Musical Appreciation and others will be offered in the evenings. Outdoor and indoor athletic activities, including Swimming, Bonfire, and others are also planned. Weekends will allow some downtime, as well as weekly trips to museums, theme parks, New York City, Broadway and dance performances. Resident Students will enjoy life at the beautiful, scenic Westover Campus located in the quaint town of Middlebury. All facilities are located on the secure campus and the program staff resides with the students. Any trips beyond the campus grounds will be chaperoned. Day students will be welcomed to join the others for lunch, as well as some of the extracurricular activities Monday – Friday.
A separate Male Technique class is offered, as well as Introduction to Partnering for students age 13-15.*
Advanced Level (Ages 15 and older*):
A parallel Intensive at New York's prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy will take place during the same time frame. It is designed for two groups of Advanced Level Male and Female students ages 15-17 and 17+. The students applying to this program should be mature, focused, and able to engage in independent time outside of class and fewer organized activities. While organized weekend activities will still be included, the schedule outside of class is open, giving the students ability to enjoy everything New York City has to offer. Nevertheless, an evening curfew, class attendance, healthy eating and lifestyle, and other rules will be strictly enforced by the chaperones and program staff. The Advanced Levels will also include separate Male Classes and Partnering.
* Some exceptions may apply. Bolshoi Ballet Academy Teachers reserve the right to change a student’s placement at any time during the program. An audition is required for placement. Enrollment is limited. Introduction to Partnering will include students age 13-15, by invitation only.
Male and female students of all ages and levels are encouraged to apply.
Student Curriculum
Beginner Level
Ballet Stretching
Rhythm Development
Classical Ballet
Historic Dance
Intermediate Level
Classical Ballet
Pointe
Variations
Repertoire
Character Dance
Introduction to Partnering - NEW!
Male Technique (Male Students) - NEW!
Advanced Level
Classical Ballet
Pointe (Female Students)
Male Technique (Male Students)
Variations
Repertoire
Character Dance
Partnering
Dress Code
Girls
- Black leotard
- Pink tights
- Pink ballet slippers and Pointe shoes
- Hair securely fastened and pulled away from face
- No jewelry (small ear studs allowed)
- Black character shoes
Boys
- White T-shirt
- Black tights
- White or black ballet slippers
- Black character shoes or boots
