“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 applaud the work of the organizers and the dedication of the students and teachers. I wish you many more years of successful collaboration ahead.”
- Honorable John J. Sullivan, U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation (2/10/2022)
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 are recognized for their focus on strength, musicality, clarity of technique, and personal expression.
The BBA Summer Intensive 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.
BBASI Programs welcome students from all over the world. Bolshoi participant families regularly represent: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Portugal, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Venezuela, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
Enjoy a special peek inside Academy's class in Moscow with the esteemed Rector of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Marina Leonova.
RAF's BBASI Programs proudly partner with the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) to award scholarships to its summer programs in NY and CT.
Summer Programs
BBASI NY
3 and 6-week sessions provide rigorous and expert training for advanced ballet students (15+ years). The first session culminates in an Observation Day. The second session and six-week session culminate in a performance. Residential and Day options are available.
BBASI CT
3 and 6-week sessions provide rigorous and expert ballet training for students ages 9-15. All sessions culminate in a staged showcase. Residential and Day options are available in a supervised and appropriate environment for younger dancers.
Bolshoi PREP
3 and 6-week sessions provide rigorous and expert ballet training for students ages 9-15 years who desire to train in NYC. All sessions culminate in an observation day. Limited Residential options are available for students accompanied by a guardian.
NSLI-Y Moscow
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
"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.
2022 Auditions
Being mindful of the health and safety of our families, dancers, and staff, auditions for summer 2022 will have in-person and remote opportunities. 2022 BBASI programs are planned to be in-person, with reasonable modifications and augmented health-related protocols.