For those intrigued by the rigorous training and dedication required to become a professional Russian Ballet Dancer, stepping into the life of a student at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy offers a unique glimpse. Follow along to discover what a typical day looks like at this prestigious institution, as experienced by a student in their second year of the three-year diploma program. The training regimen is intense, six days a week, providing an immersive experience into the world of classical ballet.
7:30 am – The Alarm Sounds in Moscow
The day begins early, at 7:30 am, with the sound of the alarm. Moscow mornings, especially for a significant part of the year, are characterized by a heavy darkness that lingers well into the day. However, waking up in the dormitory offers a compelling view overlooking residential Frunzenskaya.
The first task of the day is to prepare for the classes ahead. Breakfast becomes a crucial element, ensuring a substantial and nutritious start, as the day’s demanding schedule often leaves unpredictable gaps for meals. Fueling up properly is essential for the intense physical and mental exertion that lies ahead for a budding russian ballet dancer.
9:00 am – Mastering the Russian Language
The academic day commences at 9:00 am with Russian language class. The focus here is not just on conversational Russian, but on the intricacies of grammar and language skills specifically tailored for the State Russian exam. This exam, a significant milestone at the end of the academic year, determines proficiency in the language. While this marks the final year of formal Russian language classes, immersion in the Russian language continues as all subsequent classes are conducted in Russian, ensuring continuous learning and refinement.
9:50 – Academic Studies and the Art of Acting
Following Russian language, the schedule alternates between academic subjects and acting classes. Most mornings are dedicated to academic pursuits, with acting sessions scheduled twice a week. The acting class for Second Course students delves into the nuanced art of expressing emotions through classical dance movements, distinguishing it from everyday gestures. Currently, the class is engaged in interpreting and performing scenes from iconic ballets such as Giselle, enhancing their performance capabilities as future russian ballet dancers.
On academic days, the curriculum is rich and varied. One such subject is История театра (history of theatre), which traces the evolution of Russian theatre from its ancient Pagan origins through Russian Classicism, culminating in studies of luminaries like Pushkin. The broader academic syllabus also includes history, history of ballet, world history and culture, mathematics, science, geography, IT, and citizenship, providing a well-rounded education alongside intensive ballet training.
11:30 am – Pre-Ballet Warm-Up Ritual
Ballet, the cornerstone of a russian ballet dancer‘s training, is the next focus. An hour is dedicated to pre-ballet warm-up, a critical component of daily preparation. A personalized warm-up routine, emphasizing joint articulation, stretching, and strengthening of the core muscles (abdominals and back), is meticulously followed.
12:50 pm – Ballet Class: The Core of Training
Ballet class is a daily commitment, six days a week, and forms the heart of the training for a russian ballet dancer. Each class commences with a comprehensive barre session, lasting approximately 45 minutes, followed by centre work and allegro. Natalia Igorivna Revitch, the esteemed teacher, frequently incorporates pointe work or repertoire practice at the end. Currently, students are mastering the Clock Dance from Coppelia and have previously worked on variations from renowned ballets like Bluebird from Sleeping Beauty, Dulcinea from Don Quixote, the first Paquita pas de trois, and the Giselle first act solo. The Russian training methodology places significant emphasis on flexibility and turnout. Lasting nearly two hours, the ballet class is physically and mentally demanding, demonstrably enhancing stamina and mental resilience since commencing studies at the Academy.
The midday ballet class schedule presents a slight challenge for lunch timings. Typically, a light meal is consumed either immediately before or after class, supplemented by healthy snacks throughout the day to sustain energy levels vital for a russian ballet dancer in training.
2:40 pm – Duet Class or Rehearsals
Twice a week, duet class is scheduled, focusing on partnered routines and lifts, including iconic movements like the ‘shoulder-sit’ and Bluebird lift. Consistent partnership is a feature, with Andrei being the regular duet partner since the previous year. This sustained partnership has fostered improved coordination and teamwork, essential elements in duet work but challenging to develop.
The duet class slot is also utilized for rehearsals as needed, depending on the Academy’s production schedule, adding another layer to the multifaceted training of a russian ballet dancer.
4:40 pm – Character Dance: Exploring Diverse Styles
Character class offers a fresh perspective on dance. Under the guidance of Tatiana Vitalyevna, a graduate of the esteemed Moiseyev Folk Dance School, the focus is on instilling precise and refined technique in character dance. Lessons involve rigorous barre exercises aimed at strengthening technique and enhancing character dance knowledge, alongside working on various group pieces, such as the Fandango from Don Quixote. This broadens the dance vocabulary of a russian ballet dancer beyond classical ballet.
6:10 pm – Rehearsals: Preparing for Performances
Rehearsals are sometimes scheduled earlier in the day, but the 6:10 pm slot is preferred as most classes are concluded by this time. This year has included rehearsals for the annual production, La Fille Mal Gardee, and a character festival. Individual rehearsals with teacher Revich have focused on variations like Gulnare from Le Corsaire and the Spanish variation from Paquita, honing the performance skills of each russian ballet dancer.
8:00 pm – Evening Tea and Winding Down
After a demanding day, 8:00 pm marks teatime, a chance to finally have a substantial meal. This is followed by showering, attending to homework, or connecting with family via FaceTime.
9:30 pm – Post-Ballet Stretch and Relaxation
Relaxation and recovery are essential. From 9:30 pm, it’s time for post-ballet stretching, accompanied by music to unwind. This routine aids muscle recovery and prepares the body for the next day’s challenges, a crucial practice for a dedicated russian ballet dancer.
10:30 pm – Lights Out and Rest
Finally, at 10:30 pm, it’s lights out. Ensuring ample sleep is paramount to recovery and readiness for another rigorous day of training at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. The life of a russian ballet dancer in training is demanding but incredibly rewarding, filled with learning, discipline, and passion for the art of ballet.
