“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)
BBA Summer Intensive in Connecticut
2022 Program Dates
At this time we share that the 2022 BBASI Programs will not take place this summer.
6-week session, In-person
Culminates in a Final Showcase**
3-week sessions, In-person
Culminates in a Final Showcase**
Admission is by audition only.
**Last week will have afternoon class time dedicated to rehearsals.
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 for serious dancers and is structured 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 a positive, supportive, lasting community of peers. To supplement the ballet training, BBASI CT offers a full summer experience comprised of extracurricular activities, an introduction to Russian language, and off-campus trips. Dancers from all over the world attend BBASI CT.
Residential and day program options are available (participation in non-ballet activities may be limited for day students).
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.
Curriculum
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.
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.
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Intermediate Level
Classical Technique - Pointe - Repertoire - Character Dance - Male Technique - Partnering* - Organized Warm-up** (View sample schedule)
*Introduction to Partnering may 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)
**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.
When July 4th falls on a weekday, the regular class schedule applies.
