BBA Summer Intensive in Connecticut

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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. While unfortunately nationally and globally Covid-19 infections are resurgent, we do see positive trends and encouraging progress being made. Undeniably, some degree of uncertainty and program modifications will mark the path over the next months. Having said that, RAF's strong collaboration with its long-standing partners and medical professionals, as well as candid and regular communication with families, will be the formula to reunite us all!

The Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive in Connecticut (BBASI CT) provides expert training for serious ballet students (ages 9-15) through unique instruction by leading teachers from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. BBASI CT is a rigorous ballet training program conducted in Russian language, with the assistance of English-speaking interpreters, and is designed to offer pre-professional ballet training through class instruction and showcases. The participant's summer experience is supplemented by extracurricular activities at locations on and off campus.

The Program is designed to achieve individual progress in ballet training through a strong focus on clarity of technique, increased strength, and greater musicality. The overall environment is non-competitive, with an emphasis on teamwork and building friendships that last a lifetime. To supplement the ballet training, BBASI CT offers an exciting summer experience comprising of extracurricular activities, introduction to Russian language, and off-campus trips. Dancers from all over the world attend BBASI CT.  Residential and day program options are available (day students may be limited in the non-ballet activities they participate in). 

Learn more about how BBASI CT and Bolshoi PREP Programs compare.

At the conclusion of the Program, all participants will receive an assessment of their progress from the Academy’s Teachers. Dancers exhibiting exceptional talent may be recommended for year-round study at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow.

For questions please contact:

Sofia Kutceva - Coordinating Director, BBASI CT

skutceva@russianamericanfoundation.org

212 687 6118 x 208 (Through January 2021 email is the recommended form of communication.  All emails will be addressed within 1-2 business days.)

Curriculum

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BBASI CT is tailored for serious male and female dancers, ages 9-15. Participants must have prior ballet training. Training is conducted through group classes consisting of: individual participation, observation, interactive participation with other participants, and hands-on corrections and demonstrations by the Academy’s Teachers. Dancers applying to this program are expected to be mature, focused on achieving individual progress in ballet, and willing to work hard to obtain progress within the context of a collaborative and supportive environment.

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Ballet classes are conducted in groups and organized by the participants’ age and skill levels, as demonstrated during the audition process. The participant’s level placement may be adjusted during the first few days at the exclusive discretion of the Program. Training is conducted through individual participation, observation, interactive participation with other participants, hands-on corrections and demonstrations by the Academy’s teachers. In partnering and at other points of the training, participants will be paired with other participants, all of whom are at a pre-professional level. All dancers are expected to monitor and moderate the rigor of their training within the context of instruction, which is aimed at assisting participants to achieve individual progress.

A showcase will be held at the conclusion of each session, giving participants the opportunity to demonstrate the repertoire acquired during BBASI CT. While all participants will be featured, the extent of one’s participation in the performance may be based, in part, on merit, in-class participation, and artistic decisions. The schedule of the last week of each session may change in order to accommodate rehearsals. At the conclusion of the program, all participants receive an assessment of their progress from the Academy’s Teachers.

Intermediate Level

Classical Technique  -  Pointe  -  Repertoire  -  Character Dance  -  Male Technique  -  Partnering* -  Organized Warm-up**  (View sample schedule)

*Introduction to Partnering will be offered by special invitation to select participants ages 13-14 enrolled in the 6 week program. ​

Beginner Level 

Classical Technique  -  Pointe/Pre-Pointe  -  Repertoire  -  Character Dance  -  Male Technique  -  Organized Warm-up**  (View sample schedule)

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**Organized Warm-up is conducted by Program staff and not by the Academy’s teachers.  Participants are welcome to follow own warm-up routine if done in a non-disruptive manner.

Supplemental Activities:

In addition to ballet classes, BBASI CT offers supplemental activities which enhance the ballet training and build a collaborative and fun environment. For resident students, attendance at all supplemental activities is mandatory. For non-resident students, attendance is limited (schedule permitting) for all non-ballet activities. Non-ballet supplemental activities typically include: Russian Language, Musical Theatre, Modern Dance/Jazz, Swimming, Outdoor Fun, Arts and Crafts, Bonfires, and off-site trips. 

Weekends:

There are no ballet classes on weekends. Private lessons are available for an additional cost. For residents only, one day of each weekend will be an off-site trip. Past trips have included travel to a nearby city, mall, and/or amusement park, weather permitting. 

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When July 4th falls on a weekday, the regular class schedule applies.

Loomis Chaffee School Campus

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The BBASI CT Program takes place on the open campus of the Loomis Chaffee School, in the quaint town of Windsor, CT. The beautiful 300-acre private school campus includes studios, theater, athletic facilities, indoor swimming pool, dining hall, health center, and encompasses natural fields, woods, and lake areas. All students and staff are housed at the Loomis Chaffee dorms.

The school’s facilities are managed and operated by its year-round staff. Loomis operates its own academic youth program and short term camps during the summer. Please note that BBASI CT cannot ensure an allergen-free environment at the Program’s facilities.

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The Loomis Chaffee School is conveniently accessible from CT / MA / NY Airports and by Amtrak.

Supervision

All Participants attending the Program are expected to be mature, focused, and able to behave responsibly at all times. To support the experience for all participants, BBASI Program staff, including the Program Directors, Senior Staff, Program Assistants, lifeguards, nursing staff, and athletic trainers work on site. Program Directors, Senior Staff, Program Assistants, and Teachers reside on campus. Volunteer parent chaperons are additionally used for off-site trips. In accordance with the CT Department of Early Childhood, the Program is overseen by an off-site licensed medical director.

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Participants ages 12-15 are allowed to navigate the campus on their own, in groups of three. All younger participants are required to remain with their assigned group at all times.  For the safety of all participants, BBASI CT has a no-visitor policy (excepting the official Visiting Day), and participants are not permitted to leave campus for any reason.

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Room and Board at Loomis

The dormitories have single/double/triple/quad bedrooms, shared bathrooms, common area, and laundry facilities. A limited number of air-conditioned rooms are available (additional fees apply and first choice will be given to 6- week residents). The rooms are typically furnished with a dresser and wardrobe for each resident, and a shared desk. The Program staff resides in the dorms with Participants. Program’s supplemental activities take place on campus, with the exception of off-site weekend trips. Showcases take place on campus.  Dining facilities serve daily meals and snacks.

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BBASI CT is a co-ed Program. Male and female participants are housed on separate floors within same dorms. Common areas are designated for group activities for all.

Suggested Information for Navigating Windsor, CT
Loomis Chaffee is conveniently accessible from the following airports/train stations:​

BRADLEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

• 9 miles from Loomis

• Direct national and international flights​​

JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

• Located approximately 120 miles from Loomis

• Direct national and international flights

BOSTON LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

• Located approximately 104 miles from Loomis

• Direct national and international flights

​AMTRAK (WINDSOR, CT STATION — WND)

• Walking distance from Loomis

• Amtrak train service to/from many cities

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RECOMMENDED LINKS:    

• CT Travel Advisory

• Welcome to Windsor, CT ​

• Learn About CT’s Wildlife

Tuition & Fees 2020 (2021 Costs TBA - January)

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All sessions culminate in a Final Showcase.

Room & Board includes; housing, 3 meals daily and snacks, activity & trip fees.  A/C rooms are limited, with priority given to those attending for 6 weeks.  Read more about room and board options above.

Enrollment in the Program and Room & Board (2021 Deadlines TBA- January)

Please refer to your acceptance letter for detailed instructions.  Upon receipt of an of acceptance, log into your BBASI Dashboard and click the Enrollment tab.  To reserve your space in the program, kindly be advised of the following deadlines:

Within 2 weeks of Acceptance

Friday, 4/10/20   

50% Tuition

Remainder of Tuition Balance

(Opening January)

PAYMENT

• By check or wire transfer only.  Other than payments for the initial audition and/or registration deposit of $100, credit cards are not accepted.

• Carefully review your registration invoice for important payment information.

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REFUND POLICY 

Subject to the Cancellation Period specified in Program's Registration Contract, RAF has a no-refund policy on payments received. (FOR SUMMER 2021 PROGRAM ENROLLMENT ONLY, THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION WILL APPLY:  If prior to its start a decision will be made by RAF that an in-person Program/Session is not feasible, a full refund option of amount paid to RAF for enrollment in the 2021 Program/Session (excluding Auditions) will be offered to Participants in good standing. For all other instances, RAF's standard no-refund policy on payments received, will apply.) There are absolutely no refunds for dismissal from the Program or for voluntary withdrawal. Withdrawal from the Program, 45 days or more prior to the beginning of the 6-week session, due to a severe injury or medical condition unrelated to a pre-existing condition and directly resulting in Participant’s inability to train, may be evaluated on a case by case basis for special consideration of credit. All special consideration requests will be addressed in September following the completion of the Program. It is Participant's responsibility to submit to RAF, in September, a written statement of the request, relevant medical documentation, and physician’s attestation that the injury or medical condition is not related to a previously existing condition.  Upon receipt of stated information, RAF will determine, in its sole discretion, whether a special consideration will be granted. Requests for session changes are not guaranteed, reviewed on a case by case basis, and are subject to RAF's Refund Policy.

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Given RAF’s no-refund policy, please consider obtaining insurance to protect your Program costs.  INSURANCE INFORMATION IS PROVIDED BELOW AND ADDITIONAL OPTIONS MAY BE AVAILABLE THROUGH GENERAL INDUSTRY CHANNELS.  You are encouraged to research all available options.

CANCELLATION INSURANCE