The Academy Hosted the Intensive Summer Course in Choreography Disciplines

“I do hope that students and teachers of professional dance institutions and arts schools enjoyed the collaboration with the wonderful members of the Academy faculty and masters of the Bolshoi Theatre”

Marina K. Leonova, Principal of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy

In August 2022, the Academy hosted the Intensive Summer Course in Choreography Disciplines for students of professional dance training institutions and children’s arts schools across Russia one of the earliest events within the framework of festivities dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the Academy’s foundation, which will be the highlight of 2023.

Over a hundred students from the Republic of Tuva, Yaroslavl, Kyzyl, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Perm, Zhukovsky and Moscow attended the Summer Intensive Course. According to Ms. Leonova, the Academy prioritizes the nurturing of young talents, and its teachers spare no effort in sharing their priceless experience with peers from other educational institutions.

Thorough the two week-long course, students attended classes in dance and choreography-related disciplines, while their teachers participated in educational seminars. Creative master classes by Nina Kaptsova (Honored Artist of Russia, Prima of the Bolshoi Theatre) and Denis Zakharov (Premier Dancer of the Bolshoi) were well received by the participants. Lectures in the History of Choreography Arts by Violetta Maynietse, the famous ballet researcher, teacher and critic, became one of the highlights of the Course. Guests of the Academy enjoyed a variety of tours and excursions.

On August 25, the Academy hosted a gala at its theater, where students trained by the Academy’s teachers demonstrated their talents. The gala became a bright pinnacle of the Summer Intensive Course. Students showed new skills and techniques they had mastered at the Academy.

Darina L. Olchey, Principal of the Children’s Dance School from the city of Kyzyl, shared her impressions: “I am ever so grateful to Ms. Leonova and all departments of the Academy for the professional organization of the Summer Intensive Course and for a chance to feel the chemistry of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy for students of dance schools. Both our students and we got a lot of new knowledge, and we go back home with a wealth of new knowledge, hoping to come back here over and over again”.

Anastasia A. Glebova, dance teacher from the L. Sobinov Arts School (Yaroslavl), also noted the intensity of teaching and training process: “We had a great chance to watch the techniques of interaction with the kids used by the BBA teachers. That should help us make certain corrections in our teaching techniques and further boost professional growth of students we train”.

The L. Sakhyanova and P. Abasheev Dance College from the Republic of Buryatia sent the most numerous delegation to Moscow – 52 students. “We told our students that a trip to the Academy is a lucky and unique chance that must be used. During the course, I got answers to all my questions in the teaching/training techniques. The teachers of the Academy were very open and friendly in sharing their expertise”, said Elena V. Hishiktueva, classical dance teacher from the College.

All the teachers who attended the Course are sure that the kids will show everything they have learned and mastered at the Academy during the next academic year at their institutions. They also praised Ms. Leonova and the BBA faculty for their attention, delicacy and friendliness toward students, as well as professional presentation of the complex material.

Participants of the Summer Intensive Course unanimously point out that teaching and training techniques applied at the Academy help promote and develop dance arts across Russia. They are especially valuable in the regions where professional dance training has just started. A chance to come to the Academy and not just watch but become a part of the Academy’s daily routine will definitely become a pivotal point in creative careers of many students who will strive to perform to their utmost adhering to the standards they learned at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy.

“I do hope this project will have a continuation, since we see how much new and thrilling experience it brought us all”, said Ms. Leonova in conclusion.

Photos: Alexey Brazhnikov and Elizaveta Emelkina

Text: Elizaveta Emelkina

Translation: Dmitry Linyaev