“[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
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
6/27 - 8/05/2022
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
6/27 - 8/05/2022
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
6/27 - 8/05/2022
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
2022 Dates TBA
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
8/07- 8/14/2022
"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
January - February
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.