“[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
We celebrate the global community of dancers and educators in their perseverance this year!
RAF is excited to be planning in-person programs for 2021. All program elements are being evaluated and planned within the context of the most current guidance of relevant health authorities. Reasonable program modifications, as well as augmented health-related protocols, should be expected. For information on how our facility partners are presently supporting their students and staff please visit your program's page.
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.
Summer Programs
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.
BBASI NY
6/28 - 8/06/2021
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
6/28 - 8/06/2021
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
6/28 - 8/06/2021
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
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
8/08- 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 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.