“[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
BBA Summer Intensive in New York City
2022 Program Dates*
June 27 - August 5, 2022
6-week session, In-person
Culminates in a Final Performance**
June 27 – July 15, 2022
3-week session, In-person
Culminates in an Observation Day
July 18 – August 5, 2022
3-week session, In-person
Culminates in a Final Performance**
Admission is by audition only.
*After a successful in-person Summer ’21, all Program elements for in-person Summer ‘22 continue to be evaluated and planned within the context of the most current scientific based guidance. Reasonable program modifications, as well as augmented health-related protocols, should be expected. Fully vaccinated status for all age appropriate vaccinations, including against Covid-19, is a requirement for all participants.
**Last week will have afternoon class time dedicated to rehearsals.
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.
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.
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
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. 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.
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.
YESHIVA UNIVERSITY (YU) / Schottenstein Residence Hall / 119 E 29th St
A modern residence with air-conditioned single bedrooms (doubles are limited) comprising a hallway suite of about 3-4 rooms. Two communal bathroom/shower areas are on each floor. Three community lounges, laundry room, and large community full kitchen are available for all. The bedrooms are equipped with a small refrigerator, a microwave, desk and chair, a small dresser, closet space, and wifi. The building has one elevator. Bedding, kitchen, cleaning, 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 for the duration of the program. The facility is located within a few blocks of cafes, supermarkets, movie theaters, shopping, and main subway lines.
MARYMOUNT MANHATTAN COLLEGE (MMC) / 231 East 55th Street
A modern residence with air-conditioned 2 bedrooms suites, 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:
2022 Tuition & Housing (Updated MMC housing fees coming soon.)
Enrollment Option | Enrollment Fee | Tuition | Additional Fees (If Applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
June 27 – July 15, 2022 | 3-weeks | $100 | $2,575 | Covid-Testing, if necessary |
July 18 – August 5, 2022 | 3-weeks | $100 | $2,575 | Covid-Testing, if necessary |
June 27 - August 5, 2022 | 6-weeks | $100 | $4,890 | Covid-Testing, if necessary |
Housing Option | 3-Weeks | 6-weeks | Parent/Guardian Housing | Additional Fees (If Applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Marymount Manhattan College | TBA (2021 - $1,550) | TBA (2021 - $2,880) | TBA | TBA |
Yeshiva University | $1,375 | $2,560 | TBA | TBA |
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:
Tuition Registration & Payment Dates
Within 2 weeks of Acceptance
50% Tuition
Housing Registration & Payment Dates
Friday, 3/11/2022
Friday, 5/6/2022
50% Housing
Remainder of Housing Fees
Friday, 4/15/2022
Remainder of Tuition Fees
For Auditions and Program Enrollment.
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 2022 only the following exception will apply: If prior to its start a decision is made by RAF Vice President that an in-person Program/Session is not feasible, a full refund option of amount paid to RAF for enrollment in that 2022 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 a credit. All special consideration requests will be reviewed in September following the completion of the Program. It is Participant's responsibility to submit to RAF, in September, 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 any 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.
(*Good Standing defined as being in compliance with Program's policies, inclusive of, but not limited to payments and form submissions.)
Given RAF’s no-refund policy, and general current events and developments, please consider obtaining insurance to protect your enrollment costs. Insurance information is provided on RAF’s website/Program's "Registration" tab and additional options may be available through general industry channels.
You are encouraged to research all available options.
CANCELLATION INSURANCE
Options for U.S. Families:
Option 1 - Coverage details here
Option 2 - Coverage details here
(Premium cancellation options available, excepting NY Residents)
Options for INTERNATIONAL Families:
Coverage details here. (COVID coverage for medical expenses only)
Sign up: Abroad Insurance
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.