7 TOP places to study BALLET in Russia 

At many educational institutions that train ballet dancers, training can begin from ages 9-11, combining general education with professional disciplines. An important requirement for applicants is passing a medical examination.

High school graduates must pass exams in Russian language and literature or provide their Unified State Exam (EGE) scores to be admitted. Creative auditions are mandatory for all applicants. As a rule, they must perform a classical dance routine, variations or excerpts from classical ballets. They also must pass an interview and demonstrate their knowledge of the history of ballet. Those planning to become choreographers must also complete a classical dance class, perform a dance routine, present a choreographic improvisation based on a given musical theme and pass an interview on the history of choreography and related arts.

1. Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, St. Petersburg

The oldest and one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. International students are also accepted to the Academy through its International Internship Program (https://vaganovaacademy.ru/training/vaganova-international-trainee-program.html). Applicants must pass an audition: They must submit a 20-minute video of a classical dance lesson. They can also submit recordings of variations or excerpts from classical ballets. A prerequisite for applicants to this program is having received ballet education in their home country. After reviewing the recordings, the Academy's admissions committee will decide whether they are accepted or rejected. The internship also includes an intensive Russian language course to help you master everyday and professional terminology.

2. Moscow Academy of Choreography (MGAKh), Moscow

A “talent incubator” for the Bolshoi Theater. Moscow's oldest theater school has been in existence since 1773, when the Moscow Orphanage signed a contract with choreographer Filippo Becari. Notable alumni include Léonide Massine, Olga Lepeshinskaya, Igor Moiseyev, Maris Liepa, Vladimir Vasiliev and Ekaterina Maximova.

3. Boris Eifman Dance Academy, St. Petersburg

The brainchild of renowned choreographer Boris Eifman is only 13 years old: a building was built specifically for the academy on the Petrogradskaya side of St. Petersburg. Its students are versatile dancers who are equally adept at both classical ballet and contemporary choreography. Students can begin their training with a three-day internship, which provides an introduction to the educational process. For those who successfully complete the internship, the academy provides a recommendation for admission. To be accepted into the internship, you must participate in in-person auditions or submit an application.

4. Perm Choreographic School, Perm

During World War II, the Kirov Opera, the Ballet Theater (now the Mariinsky Theater) and the Leningrad Choreographic School (now the Vaganova Academy of Choreography) all spent several years evacuated in Perm. During the war years, they continued to work, even far from home. And when they did return home, they decided to open their own educational institution in Perm so that children could continue their studies. Future ballet stars from Japan, South Korea, Great Britain, the U.S., Sweden, Slovenia, Ireland, Spain, Mexico and Taiwan all currently study at the school.

5. Novosibirsk Choreographic School, Novosibirsk

The school collaborates with international colleagues, including the South Korean universities of Kyungdong, Chung-Ang, Kyungsong, the Ulsan Graduate School of Arts and the Ballet School affiliated with the Liaoning Ballet Theater.

6. Lavrovsky Moscow State Choreographic School, Moscow

Students at the school learn about the dance profession not only in the classroom at the ballet barre, but also on the stage of the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theater. Graduates perform at Russia's most renowned theaters, including the Bolshoi, Mikhailovsky, Yakobson Ballet Theater and the Jalil Tatar Opera and Ballet Theater, among others.

7. Moscow State Institute of Culture (MGIK), Moscow

The faculty not only trains future ballet dancers, but also has departments of folk dance, contemporary dance and ballroom dance.