“[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
Frequently Asked Questions
Auditions
How do I register for a 2022 audition?
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If your dancer is 12 years old and requires a barre to safely execute pointe work, register for the 9-12 age group. -
If your dancer is 12 years old and does not require a barre to execute pointe work, register for the 12-14 age group.
Is there a fee to audition?
The Audition fee for 2022 is $40 for In-Person / Virtual and $45 for Video. All Fees are non-refundable. Please visit the Auditions Page for more information.
Are video auditions accepted?
While attending an in-person or virtual audition is highly encouraged, video auditions are accepted when a dancer can’t attend either of these options. You must register for a video audition first and then submit your video in accordance with the Program's instructions. BBASI accepts video auditions in the form of links (uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, etc). For instructions on registering and uploading a video audition, please visit the Auditions Page.
What are the requirements for a video audition?
Video auditions should be no longer than 10 minutes long and filmed within 3 months of your submission date. Video audition requirements depend on dancer's age specific requirements CLICK HERE.
How should a dancer prepare for an audition?
- Please make sure your headshot and first arabesque photo are uploaded to the Program Portal!
- Please make sure you have stable access to the internet for the Zoom class if virtual.
Attire code:
- Female dancers should wear a black leotard and pink tights. Prepare your pointe shoes if you have been training for a minimum of 3 months. Hair should be in a bun or secured out of the dancer's face.
- Male dancers should wear dark tights/shoes and a white fitted shirt. Hair should be neat and secured out of the dancer's face.
Should my 9-15 year old dancer audition for BBASI CT or Bolshoi PREP?
Dancers are encouraged to specify the program they desire to attend. Please review below some key points about the programs and visit the respective pages on the website for more details. If a dancer is open to attending either of the programs, or is interested in a specific one, please indicate so during the on-line registration.
Both BBASI CT and Bolshoi PREP follow the same age appropriate curriculum designed by the Academy and are taught by its leading teachers. As such, they are both equivalent in the intensity, quality, and integrity of the ballet training.
BBASI CT offers a complete supervised residential experience and attracts dancers from all over the country and the world. The available openings in that program are more competitive and a greater number of groups allows for a more targeted approach to age/level appropriate placement. Dancers also participate in a performance showcase at the end of each session.
Bolshoi PREP attracts families who prefer to spend a summer in NYC. A limited number of residency options are available, with a requirement that a parent/guardian must fully supervise and live with the participant. This program has only 3 groups and is also a suitable entry point for serious dancers who have not been substantially exposed to Bolshoi’s rigorous training.
The two programs also differ in the extracurricular, non-ballet activities offered. BBASI CT is structured as a comprehensive cultural and summer experience with diverse activities throughout the day, off-campus trips, on-site routine medical care, and age appropriate supervision. Bolshoi PREP is structured strictly as a day program offering only ballet classes, with a possibility for optional Russian language classes at the end of the day.
What should a dancer expect at a in-person or virtual audition?
BBASI auditions are organized as a ballet technique class which will include barre and center work. For female dancers who have been training on pointe for 3 months or longer, there will be a section on pointe. Male and Female dancers audition together, but older male dancers will be requested to showcase some separate skills. As the Bolshoi Ballet Academy is in session, the auditions are taught by local teachers and not Academy Teachers. For more details visit the Auditions Page.
When will I be notified of my audition results?
You will be notified within 2 weeks of your audition via the email provided at registration. Please make sure to provide an accurate email and check it regularly. If after two weeks you have still not heard from BBASI, please email your Program contact.
Individual feedback on performance at the audition will not be provided.
Is there a limit to how many times I can audition?
Dancers who desire to re-audition may do so.
When will waitlisted dancers be notified of possible acceptance?
Those who are waitlisted will be notified via email ONLY in the event that their status changes. Program staff will start reviewing waitlisted candidates in mid-March. If a BBASI program is your dancer's first choice, please feel free to email that information to the Program Director.
If I have a birthday before the start of the audition, should I attend the audition for the age I am now, or will be during the audition?
You should audition with the age group you will be in by the start of the program, June 27, 2022.
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If your dancer is 12 years old and requires a barre to safely execute pointe work register for the 9-12 age group. -
If your dancer is 12 years old and does not require a barre to execute pointe work register for the 12-14 age group. -
If you are 15, you are eligible to audition and will be considered for all programs, Bolshoi PREP (9-15), BBASI CT (9-15), and BBASI NY (15+).
What does BBASI look for at auditions?
Which BBASI program should I choose for my 15-year-old Dancer?
BBASI offers three Program options for 15 yr old dancers. We welcome you to read more about the differences and similarities between the programs in this helpful chart.
BBASI NY, CT, & PREP
I am an advanced dancer, but am younger than 15 years old. Can I be considered for the resident program in New York City?
NYC housing regulations do not allow the Program to accommodate anyone under the age of 15 years. Additionally, in keeping with age-appropriate training, dancers who are not 15 years of age during the start of the Summer Intensive are not typically considered for BBASI NY.
Will I be able to choose where I live in New York and be able to select roommates in New York and at the Loomis Chaffee School?
Registered dancers will receive a Program Manual closer to summer time and will be able to select roommate preferences. The Program makes its best effort to meet such requests, but cannot make any guarantees. For 2022, two (2) roommates per bedroom are a reasonable expectation for housing options with a limited number of singles possible in some dorms.
How are placement levels determined for the accepted dancers?
Dancers are placed in levels appropriate for their age while taking their current training level into consideration. The audition process and/or past enrollment in a BBASI program serve only as a limited indicator for dancer's group placement. All dancers are evaluated during the first few days of the program and placement may be adjusted at the exclusive discretion of the program.
Is there an option for private instruction during the Summer Intensive?
Enrolled dancers will be able to sign up for private instruction with the Academy Teachers for an additional fee, subject to availability. Detailed information will be made available closer to program start.
Can I commute to the NY or the CT program or do I have to live in the residences?
Both the New York City and Connecticut programs have a Day Student option. Enrollment in Program housing is not a requirement.
Are there scholarships available for dancers who have been accepted into the Summer Intensive?
The Russian American Foundation offers a number of different types of scholarship opportunities. Please visit FAQ Page - Scholarships Tab for full details.
How many dancers are in a class?
Traditionally BBASI groups were subject to the studio sizes, but averaged around 30 dancers. For the summer '21, groups were capped at 18 dancers. BBASI Programs will continue to monitor guidance on social distancing, though it is a reasonable expectation that the group size will be larger than in summer '21.
Are there medical and other program forms required for enrollment?
Important program manuals and forms will be provided to BBASI NY, BBASI CT, Bolshoi PREP families during March. All programs (except TCP) have a thorough medical review process, which requires a Physician’s Report to be completed by the dancer’s regular physician and then be reviewed by the Program. If you will be requesting an exemption from immunizations, you MUST contact the program in advance. For 2021 summer, all programs (including TCP) should expect augmented health protocols and requirements.
Which Program (BBASI CT or Bolshoi PREP) is more appropriate for my 9-15 year old dancer?
Dancers are encouraged to specify the program they desire to attend. Please review below some key points about the programs and visit the respective page on the website for more details. If a dancer is open to attending either of the programs, or is interested in a specific one, please indicate so during the on-line registration.
Both BBASI CT and Bolshoi PREP follow the same age appropriate curriculum designed by the Academy and are taught by its leading teachers. As such, they are both equivalent in the intensity, quality, and integrity of the ballet training.
BBASI CT offers a complete supervised residential experience and attracts dancers from all over the country and the world. As such, the greater number of groups allows for a more targeted approach to age/level appropriate placement. Dancers also participate in a performance showcase at the end of each session.
Bolshoi PREP attracts families in the tri-state area and/or those from other areas who prefer to spend a summer in NYC. A limited number of residency option may be offered, with a requirement that a parent/guardian must fully supervise and live with the participant. This program has only 3 groups and is also a suitable entry point for serious dancers who have not been substantially exposed to Bolshoi’s rigorous training.
The two programs also differ in the extracurricular, non-ballet activities offered. BBASI CT is structured as a comprehensive cultural and summer experience with diverse activities throughout the day, off-campus trips, on-site routine medical care, and age appropriate supervision. Bolshoi PREP is structured strictly as a day program offering only ballet classes, with a possibility for optional Russian language classes at the end of the day.
How do I get from the airport to the program?
The Program does not provide transfers to/from the airport to the program locations. Participants are responsible for their own transportation arrangements. Recommendations on different options will be provided to those enrolled.
Will there be Final Performances and Observation Days at the end of the Programs?
Programs are planned to have a Performance and/or Open Class Day (please check your Program's page to determine which). However, the number of possible invited guests may be limited.
Will teachers still come from the Academy?
The Academy's Teachers travel specifically from Moscow to be part of BBASI Programs and the summer 2022 dates have been officially confirmed by the Academy. RAF and The Academy are proceeding in the same manner as for summer '21 in addressing existing travel challenges timely and proactively. Successfully overcoming all obstacles to restart BBASI programs for the summer '21, enables us to apply those practices for '22. With that said, disruptions related to COVID-19 and international travel are a continued risk for 2022.
Were BBASI Programs conducted in-person for Summer '21?
Will there be any changes to program format for 2022?
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All programs are planned for a Mon – Fri, 4 classes/day schedule. Sample schedules are posted on Program specific pages. -
Showcase opportunities are planned as follows: BBASI NY - Final Performance at end of 6 weeks, BBASI CT - Final Performance at end of each 3 weeks. Bolshoi PREP - Open Class at end of each 3 weeks. -
For BBASI NY adjustments in the schedule/frequency afternoon classes may be considered. While the plan is for Pas de Deux classes to be part of the curriculum, they may not be offered daily to those attending only 3 weeks/younger groups. If such will occur, repertoire will be a daily class.
Scholarships
What type of scholarship support is offered for BBASI NY, BBASI CT and Bolshoi PREP Programs?
The Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive is a selective program which offers its Participants a one of a kind, unparalleled training and cross-cultural opportunity with the leading teachers of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy who have trained and continue to train some of the biggest stars on the world’s ballet stages. Because of our commitment to limited classes and the high caliber of the program, only a small number of scholarship opportunities are available as follows:
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MERIT-BASED FOR EXTRAORDINARY TALENT – RAF recognizes the enormous talent and dedication of many students interested in its Program. Due to a commitment for an impartial award process, RAF awards merit-based scholarships through the Youth America Grand Prix Competition. For further information and registration please visit YAGP.org. In rare instances, RAF may award merit-based scholarships to students participating in its live auditions. Such awards are by invitation only.
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NEED-BASED FOR EXTRAORDINARY TALENT – RAF recognizes that some extraordinarily talented students are prohibited from participating due to financial constraints. In such cases, RAF suggests that families contact the BBASI Program UPON RECEIPT OF AN ACCEPTANCE LETTER AND WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE ENROLLMENT DEADLINE. Please be advised that any request for financial aid must be accompanied by the following:
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Two (2) most recent official and filed Federal Tax Returns. Please do not submit W-2 or 1099 forms and black out your SS#.
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Please ensure that any submitted narrative is no longer than one page.
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For BBASI alumni, please let us know if you participated in the annual IEW Scholarship Opportunity. If you did not, explain why.
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Please verify that your 2022 Headshot and First-Arabesque photo are uploaded to your BBASI Dashboard
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Please send your paperwork to the Coordinating Director for the specific Program you are applying. Complete contact information is listed on the respective Program page.
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PLEASE AWAIT PROGRAM’S RESPONSE PRIOR TO REGISTERING. The response will be sent to the email address(es) on file.
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TRAINING AND PERFORMING SCHOLARSHIP AT THE MOSCOW BOLSHOI BALLET ACADEMY – RAF is proud to continue its tradition of awarding full scholarships for one female and one male student from its summer program to travel to Moscow, train for 2 weeks at the Academy, and perform in a Gala Performance alongside Academy's students. The recipients are selected during the Summer Intensive by the Program’s Master Teachers and RAF Executive Staff. To be eligible, the student must successfully complete the six-week program. *1st Place Male and Female Winner will be provided with visa support, economy air travel from NYC to Moscow and back, accommodations at the Academy, and training at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy for a 2 week period;**2nd Place Male and Female Winner assumes all costs associated with the travel.
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NSLI FOR YOUTH RUSSIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE THE RUSSIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION AND BOLSHOI WAY MOSCOW SUMMER INTENSIVE– The Russian American Foundation is a long-term implementing organization of the highly prestigious NSLI FOR YOUTH, a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. NSLI FOR YOUTH offers merit-based full scholarships for intensive study of the Russian language and culture and ballet training from Teachers at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Students must meet specific criteria to be considered. For detailed information please refer to the NSLI for Youth Program page.*
All scholarships are subject to availability.
International Education Week Scholarship
The International Education Week (IEW), is a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education that celebrates the exploration and appreciation of diverse cultures in today’s global world.
As part of the RAF / BBASI family, participants experience firsthand the impact of a cultural exchange. In support of IEW's mission, RAF engages all of our Program participants, past and present, to participat. Every year RAF awards Finalists $250 scholarships to BBASI and/or NSLIY alumni for outstanding presentations. The opportunity is announced early October to all Program alumni in good standing.
*While participation in this opportunity is voluntary, RAF reserves the right to consider alumni's IEW scholarship participation if they apply for any future scholarship/support for BBASI Programs.
RAF's Training and Performing Scholarship at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy
RAF proudly continues its tradition of awarding full scholarships for one female and one male student from its summer program to travel to Moscow, train for 2 weeks at the Academy, and perform in a Gala Performance alongside the Academy's students. The recipients are selected during the Summer Intensive by the Program’s Teachers and RAF Executive Staff. To be eligible, the student must successfully complete the six-week program. *1st Place Male and Female Winner will be provided with visa support, economy air travel from NYC to Moscow and back, accommodations at the Academy, and training at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy for a 2 week period;**2nd Place Male and Female Winners assume all costs associated with the opportunity.
Who do I contact for further questions?
Please contact the specific Program Director for the Program that you are interested in. Full contact information is available on the Program page.
If I was offered a scholarship in previous years, does that scholarship carry over to the current year?
No, scholarships are applied only for the year they were awarded, however, we welcome dancers to audition for the program again, and families can indicate if they are interested in scholarships for the current year.
Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholarships for High School Students
NSLI-Y Moscow
What is the main focus of RAF's NSLI-Y Program?
The goal of RAF's NSLI-Y Program is to immerse American high school students in Russian language and culture and to inspire a lifelong pursuit of such studies. RAF's unique program combines intensive ballet instruction with the study of Russian language and culture. While the training offered by the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow distinguishes RAF’s NSLI-Y Program from other NSLI-Y programs, the primary focus remains on Russian language acquisition and cultural immersion.
What are the components of RAF’s NSLI-Y Program?
The NSLI-Y RAF and Bolshoi Way Program is designed to integrate classical ballet training with immersion in Russian language and culture. The program focuses on the study of Russian language and building awareness of local culture. A typical day has 4 hours of Russian language classes and 3 hours of ballet classes. All ballet classes are taught in Russian by Academy’s teachers with no translation, allowing for maximum immersion in Russian language. Participants reside at the Academy during the week and with local Russian host families on the weekends. Host family stays allow participants to experience firsthand the customs, traditions, and life in Moscow. On some evenings and weekends, participants also enjoy cultural opportunities including day trips, visits to cultural institutions, seminars, and more. Many of the activities emphasize interaction with Russian peers.
What costs are covered by RAF's NSLI-Y Program?
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Economy domestic round-trip transportation (air/train/bus) from home city to New York;
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Economy international round-trip air-ticket to Moscow and back to home city, and fee for one piece of luggage (if not included in ticket fee);
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Pre-departure orientation in NYC and virtual activities;
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Travel arrangements in Moscow for all organized group activities;
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Tuition and related academic program costs in Moscow;
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Educational and cultural programming in Moscow;
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Dorm type housing, host family accommodations and three basic meals each day in Moscow;
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Visas for entrance into Russia;
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Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefits as described at https://www.sevencorners.com/gov/usdos.
What costs are NOT covered by RAF's NSLI-Y Program?
- BBASI NYC Tuition/Housing
- Costs associated with obtaining a valid U.S. passport or other documents required for the visa;
- Required medical examinations and immunizations for the NSLI-Y medical review and/or visa requirements;
- Pocket money for personal items;
- Excess/Overweight baggage fees;
- Funds required for payment of rendered medical services, if the Program medical insurance is not accepted at the facility and/or the service is not covered
- Exclusions specifically enumerated in the Participant Terms and Conditions;
- All other expenses not listed in the previous section.
Who funds this full-scholarship opportunity for the selected students?
Program implementation is subject to available funding of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
What are the eligibility requirements for the RAF NSLI-Y Program?
Please click here for detailed information regarding NSLI-Y eligibility requirements.
What are the requirements regarding possession of a U.S. passport?
*Passport requirements may change at any time*
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Participants’ passports must be valid for a minimum of 18 months-after the date of the program’s end (i.e. until at least February, 2023) and must have at least 2 blank visa pages. -
A participant is responsible for covering all the costs associated with obtaining or renewing a U.S. passport -
A participant is responsible for submitting a copy of the passport along with the NSLI-Y Program application. The copy of the passport must be in high quality and in color. The passport must be signed.
What are the requirements regarding U.S. citizenship?
All participants must be U.S. citizens. Due to Russian regulations for holders of dual U.S-Russian citizenship and those born in Russia, such individuals cannot be admitted to this program.
What are the requirements for obtaining a visa to Russia?
Russian Educational Visa: If selected, participants are required to provide the following materials as part of the educational visa application. It is the participants’ responsibility to ensure that the passport is valid as per stated terms, and to provide RAF with the necessary completed forms and materials in a timely manner. Participants are responsible for covering all the costs associated with obtaining or renewing a U.S passport and other documents required for the visa.
Required Visa Application Materials (*may change at any time):
- Participant’s US passport (must be at least 2 blank visa pages in the passport. Passport should be valid for at least 18 months after the visa expiration date). The passport must be signed.
- 2 recent passport-size photos
- An application form visa.kdmid.ru
- Original HIV blood test (AIDS) Certificate. This certificate is valid for three months oly (HIV blood tests should taken not three months before applying for a visa)
- Additional documents for participants younger than 18 years old
- A copy of student’s birth certificate
- Copies of both parents’ passports (first page). The passports must be signed.
- If student’s mother changed her maiden name, a copy of a marriage certificate is required.
What are the Medical and Immunization requirements for RAF's NSLI-Y Program?
All finalists are required to provide medical forms and required medical test results at their own expense. Finalists are provided with necessary forms to be filled out by their physician. In order to comply with all host country and host institution laws and policies, it is mandatory for the participant to show proof of certain required vaccinations/medical tests. No exemptions for those vaccinations/tests will be granted.
What is the application and selection process?
Please click here for information about the application and selection process. If you are interested in applying for the program, please submit the Notification for Intended Application. Application materials and instructions will be sent out by mid-January.
Do I need special Health Insurance?
Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefits, secondary travel insurance (not a full health insurance plan as described at www.usdos.sevencorners.com, provided by NSLI-Y is supplemental insurance. It is strongly advised that families obtain their own medical insurance for overseas travel. Each family is also required to have medical insurance in order to be enrolled in the preliminary BBASI NY Program. For the RAF NSLI-Y program in Moscow, each participant will be enrolled in the Health Plan offered by the Program at no cost for the overseas portion of the Program. It is the participant’s responsibility to become thoroughly familiar with all relevant policies and procedures. Information on the Health Plan offered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs can be found here (https://www.sevencorners.com/gov/usdos).
What can I expect in terms of safety and guidance in Moscow?
Please click here for information regarding supervision and program preparation.
Can students with alternative eating, medical, religious, and lifestyle requirements participate?
RAF welcomes all qualified participants to its programs, regardless of race, ethnicity or religious affiliations. However, RAF’s NSLI-Y Program takes place in Russia, on the territory of Moscow's Bolshoi Ballet Academy, which is a Russian federal government institution. Like all foreign countries, institutions, and hosts, Russia and the Academy may have different laws, rules, and regulations which may not allow for exemptions, waivers, or other accommodations. By applying to RAF’s NSLI-Y Program, all participants and their families acknowledge and agree to abide by the Russian Federation’s and the Academy’s laws, rules, and regulations in all respects, and in addition to the laws, rules, and regulations of the United States, NSLI-Y, and RAF.
Are there health limitations which need to be considered?
All participants are required to have the physical, emotional and mental capacity to perform the essential functions of the Program for the full period of 9 weeks (3 weeks in NYC and 6 weeks in Moscow) without unreasonable disruption due to health problems and to be able to meet the relevant enrollment conditions of Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet Academy. It is important to keep in mind that the level of healthcare in Russia is substantially different than what you may be accustomed to in the US. Additionally, certain laws and/or regulatory restrictions of the Russian Federation and/or the Bolshoi Ballet Academy may preclude enrollment at the Academy for participation in the Program. RAF does not set nor does it control that process. Once a candidate is selected as a potential finalist, the medical records will be forwarded to the Academy for review that they comply with all local laws and/or regulations.
Can home-schooled students participate?
Home-schooled students are welcome to apply.
What are the requirements for teacher recommendation letters?
Teacher recommendation letters must be completed by an applicant’s academic teachers, not their ballet teachers. For home-schooled students, academic recommendations must be completed by an adult who is not related to the applicant, but knows them well and can attest to her/his readiness to travel and study in Moscow. Possible individuals may include, but are not limited to, scout leaders, coaches, clergy members, volunteer coordinators, and instructors.
View the Teacher Recommendation Letter requirements for your teacher.
What happens if I am not selected?
If an applicant is not selected to participate, an applicant remains enrolled in BBASI NYC and are able to take advantage of free Russian language classes and other peer-to-peer opportunities. Pending the availability of ongoing funding from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, those not selected are welcome to apply again to the Program in the future.
Will selected participants have any special privileges during the BBASI NYC program?
No. RAF is committed to treating ALL participants of BBASI NYC equally in order to make sure that the program is fulfilling, beneficial, and inclusive. However, RAF NSLI-Y Program participants are required to attend Russian language classes two times per week and pre-departure orientation sessions during the 1st three-week session. For other participants, Russian language classes are optional.
If I am selected for RAF’s NSLI-Y Program does that mean that I am accepted for a year-round enrollment at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy?
No. RAF’s NSLI-Y Program is designed according to the guidelines and goals of the NSLI-Y Program with the main emphasis placed on Russian language and culture immersion, with ballet training as a supplemental benefit. The participants are selected based on their interest and dedication to Russian language and culture, academic excellence, and demonstrated maturity. On the other hand, the Bolshoi Ballet Academy’s year-round program is solely designed and operated by the Bolshoi Ballet Academy with the goal of training professional classical ballet dancers. The Academy selects participants based solely on their talent, training, and Academy specific requirements. Within two weeks after the conclusion of the BBASI and NSLI-Y Programs, RAF will send out acceptance letters to participants invited for the year-round enrollment at the Academy. Unless otherwise expressly stated, RAF has no affiliation with other programs operated or sponsored by the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Russia or other parts of the world.
What is the difference between the RAF NSLI-Y Program and the RAF Training and Performing Scholarship in Moscow?
At the end of the 6-week session of BBASI CT and BBASI NYC, RAF awards one female and one male student who completed the 6-week session a scholarship opportunity to travel to Moscow to rehearse and perform with the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in their Annual Gala. The main focus of this scholarship is the opportunity to work with the Academy’s Teachers in preparation for the Gala performance and perform on stage among some of the most talented young dancers in the world. Find more information about this scholarship select the "Scholarship" tab on the FAQ section.
How is the Host Family placement organized?
There is no typical host family experience. RAF looks for host families who will actively immerse participants in their daily life, introduce them to Russian culture, and support them in the language learning process. Students are usually placed two to a family. In the cases where only one student is placed in a family, Program strives to ensure that at least one member has a minimal command of English language. Prior to placement, all families undergo an interview process and a site visit by the Program.
What is the status of the 2022 NSLI-Y Program?
The NSLI-Y is a national scholarship program of the US Department of State, Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs. RAF's NSLI-Y Russian Language & Culture RAF & Bolshoi Way is an official NSLI-Y program, but its application process traditionally opens in January. For the summers of 2020 and 2021, the NSLI-Y Programs have taken place virtually. RAF is actively communicating with all entities involved to determine the most appropriate format for the '22 Summer and will keep the community updated accordingly. We are hopeful for an in-person NSLI-Y program, though past summers' Virtual NSLI-Y was a resounding success and offered numerous valuable opportunities for all participants.
Health and Safety
How are BBASI facility partners presently supporting their students/staff?
All BBASI '22 program elements are being evaluated and planned within the context of the most current guidance of relevant health authorities and in close collaboration with our long-term facility partners. BBASI Programs take place on the campuses of highly respected educational institutions. For an indication of how BBASI facility partners are presently supporting their students and staff please visit their pages:
BBASI CT
Participants are expected to be mature, focused, able to function independently and responsibly at all times and respect all members of the BBASI community. Participants ages 12-15 are allowed to navigate campus in groups of three of their own choosing. Participants ages 9-11 yrs old are required to remain with their assigned group and Program Assistants at all times. The Program’s schedule consists of ballet classes and a variety of complementary extra-curricular activities which are mandatory in attendance/optional in participation. All participants and staff reside in BBASI exclusive dorms (excepting some cases where Loomis' year-round teaching staff may have adjoining apartments).
BBASI NY
The Program’s schedule outside of ballet classes is open and unchaperoned; giving participants the ability to independently and responsibly take full advantage of everything New York City has to offer. Program Staff and/or Parent Chaperons will be available to:
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Oversee general supervision while ballet classes are in session. -
Attend Program’s organized activities for general group supervision. -
Offer group supervision in Program's supervised residence options. -
Accompany participants for some types of medical visits if such need arises. -
Attend cases of emergency, if such arise.
The Program offers housing with different types of supervision:
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18 year old and older (and some 17year olds) are offered unsupervised housing at a college dormitory, conveniently located near BBASI studios. -
15 - 16yr olds are offered supervised housing option at a college dormitory used exclusively by BBASI Program. -
FOR 2022 ONLY: 15-16 yrs olds are offered an option to reside with own guardian in one of the Program residences.
General Program Safety
What are the health protocols for 2022?
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Vaccinated status for all age-appropriate vaccinations is required. No religious exemptions will be accepted. Requests for medical exemptions must be made in advance, inclusive of returning families, and will be subject to a review for consideration of an approval. -
Testing may continue to be part of the pre-arrival/on-program requirement and may entail additional costs which may/may not be covered by insurance. -
Augmented medical evaluation review, to include more thorough advance information on any concerns/conditions (including mental health, orthopedic). -
Present best practices such as mask-wearing indoors and during class, as well as other mitigation approaches, will be evaluated closer to the program start.
Bolshoi PREP
New York City is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Bolshoi PREP is a day program which takes place in a residential area of the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Limited housing options for families where a parent/guardian commits to residing and fully supervising own dancer outside of classroom time are available. Participants are expected to be mature, focused, behave responsibly at all times, and respect all members of the BBASI community.
During the Program hours, following supervision guidelines apply:.
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Participants are not allowed to leave campus premises.
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Parent(s)/Guardian(s) must be reasonably reachable for cases of emergencies.
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Participants must be dropped off and picked up in a timely manner.
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Participants ages 12 AND OLDER will be allowed to navigate the college campus during breaks in groups of three or more of their own choosing.
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Participants YOUNGER THAN 12 YEARS are required to remain with their group and assigned staff/chaperones.
