BBASI NY provides expert training for serious ballet students (ages 15 - 22 years) through unique instruction by teachers from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy.  BBASI NY is a rigorous ballet training program, conducted in Russian language with the assistance of English-speaking interpreters. The program offers pre-professional ballet training through class instruction, a final performance, and other related activities.

BBASI NY is designed to ensure that students achieve maximum individual progress with a focus on clarity of technique, strength, and musicality. The Program’s overall environment is non-competitive and teamwork is emphasized. 

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Ballet classes are conducted in groups and organized by participants’ age and skill levels.  Level placement may be adjusted during the first few days at the exclusive discretion of the Program. At the completion of the program, participants receive an assessment of their progress from the Academy's Teachers.    

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BBASI NY offers both a residential and a day option.

Dancers exhibiting exceptional talent may be recommended for year-round study at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. Furthermore, one female and one male participant enrolled in the 6-week session of the Summer Intensive will be awarded an RAF Training and Performing Scholarship which will give them the opportunity to perform at the Academy’s Gala Performance in Moscow!  

For questions please contact:

Geneva Bernal - Coordinating Director, BBASI NY & BBA Teacher Certification

gbernal@russianamericanfoundation.org

212 687 6118 x 207 (Through January 2021 email is the recommended form of communication.  All emails will be addressed within 1-2 business days.)

Curriculum

The BBASI NY Program is designed for male and female dancers (15 - 22 years) who are at an advanced level. Training is conducted through group classes which consist 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 should be mature, focused, and able to monitor and moderate the rigor of their own training.

At the conclusion of the Program, all participants receive an assessment from the Academy’s Teachers. An Observation Day will be held at the end of the first three-week session. A final performance will give participants enrolled in the 6-week and the second 3-week sessions the opportunity to showcase their newly acquired repertoire. 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 6th week schedule is adjusted for afternoon  Performance rehearsals. 

Female Dancers - Intermediate Advanced / Advanced Levels*

Classical Technique  -  Pointe  -  Repertoire  -  Partnering*  -  Character Dance

*Partnering class is taught jointly with male dancers.  (View sample schedule)
 

Male Dancers - Intermediate Advanced / Advanced Levels*

Classical Technique  -  Variations  -  Partnering  -  Character Dance

*Partnering class is taught jointly with female dancers.  (View sample schedule)
 

Weekends:

No classes are conducted over weekends.  (Summer 2021 - Class schedule may be adjusted to include weekends.) When July 4th falls on a weekday, the regular class schedule applies.

Extracurricular Activities:

The following optional extracurricular activities are offered: 

• Russian language classes twice a week at no additional cost. 

• An injury prevention workshop at no additional cost.

• Private classes for an additional cost and subject to availability.

Location: Upper East Side of Manhattan, NYC

For information on how our facility partners are presently supporting their students and staff please visit their pages: MMC | YU

Studios

Advanced students (15+ years) will have the opportunity to study ballet in the one and only New York City! BBASI NY studios are located on Manhattan’s beautiful Upper East Side. While some organized activities may be offered, participants will have ample free time to explore and enjoy New York independently. BBASI NY is ideal for students who are comfortable navigating a major city, are independent, mature, responsible, and are excited to have more personal time in lieu of planned activities. 

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CLASSES WILL BE HELD IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS*:

• Hunter College:  Lexington Avenue between 68th and 69th Streets

• Marymount Manhattan College:  221 East 71st Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)

*As RAF does not own or operate program's facilities, locations may change as a result of circumstances beyond RAF’s control. The Program cannot ensure an allergen-free environment at any of its facilities.

Housing

BBASI NY offers two housing options conveniently located on the residential East Side of Manhattan, a short subway ride to the studios.  Housing is subject to availability.  Program reserves the right to adjust/modify housing assignment in accordance with availability.  All questions should be directed to BBASI NY Staff – please DO NOT contact the residence directly.

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YESHIVA UNIVERSITY (YU) / Brookdale Residence / 50 East 34th Street
A modern residence with air-conditioned suites, community lounges, a private outdoor yard, and a laundry room. The 1-2 bedroom suites have a private bathroom and house 2-3 participants per bedroom (SUMMER 2021: Planned 1 participant/bedroom).  Rooms are equipped with a small refrigerator, a microwave, desk and chair, dresser, closet space, and wifi. Bedding, kitchen, and bathroom supplies are NOT provided. The building is used exclusively by the BBASI program and has 24-hour on-site security along with Program chaperons/staff residing there. The facility is located within a few blocks of  cafes, supermarkets, movie theater, and shopping and main subway lines.  

MARYMOUNT MANHATTAN COLLEGE (MMC) / 231 East 55th Street
A modern residence with air-conditioned 2 bedrooms suites (SUMMER 2021: Planned 1 participant/ bedroom), private bathroom, kitchen, and a common dining area. Rooms are furnished with twin beds, desks, dressers, and wardrobes. The kitchen area has a table and chairs, a full-size refrigerator, an electric stove, and microwave. Bedding, kitchen, and bathroom supplies are NOT provided. Amenities include common lounges and a laundry room. The residence has a 24-hour security checkpoint and is within a few blocks of cafes, supermarkets, shopping, and main subway lines.  

Meal plans are not provided. Participants will have access to the neighborhood cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores. Transportation costs are not included.

Supervision

Participants attending BBASI NY are expected to be mature, focused, and able to function independently and responsibly at all times. While some organized activities may be offered, the schedule outside of classes is open and unchaperoned, giving participants the ability to take full advantage of everything New York has to offer. NO individual supervision will be provided (except in some cases requiring medical care).

Suggested Links for Navigating NYC

Program Chaperons & Staff are available for:

• Group supervision to and from class/Yeshiva University Residence

• Group supervision of official organized Program activities

• Attending to program rules while classes are in session

• Attending to curfew/program rules in the Yeshiva University Residence

While New York City is one of the most exciting cities in the world, working knowledge of city life will assist your participant in managing his/her experience in this great city. In preparation, and in addition to your own resources, a review of the following useful tips and suggestions is recommended:

• NYS Travel Advisory

• NYC.gov – Tips for Visitors to NYC

• NYC Parks – Parks and Safety in NYC

• NYC Parks – Water and Sun Safety in NYC

• Fodors.com – NYC Travel Tips

Tuition & Fees 2021

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Read more about housing and the corresponding ages above.

Enrollment in the Program and Housing

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:

Friday, 4/9/2021

Remainder of Tuition Fees

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.

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

Options for BBASI U.S. Families:

Option 1 - Day & Resident Programs

A+ Program Protection (Cancel For Any Reason NOT available at this time)

Option 2 - Resident Programs Only

Activity Insurance Cancel For Any Reason (except NY Residents)

Options for BBASI Overseas Families:

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Option 1 - Cancellation/Interruption & Medical/Evacuation 

There is a Covid Exclusion - No Cancel For Any Reason

Option 2 - Liaison Travel Plus - Medical Travel Insurance for Covid

No Cancellation/Interruption - No Cancel For Any Reason

NOTE: RAF/ BBASI is NOT affiliated with the insurance companies, nor does RAF/BBASI assume any responsibilities, liabilities or make any representations regarding their products and/or services. This information is offered to all BBASI families solely on an OPTIONAL and INFORMATIONAL basis. It is the sole responsibility of each family to obtain full information regarding the costs, terms, coverage and any/all other relevant matters. Please do not contact RAF/BBASI program staff with any questions regarding the insurance as we are not authorized to make any representations and/or give out information.