Support the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet through our non-profit, Russian Artists International “RAI”
RAI is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your donation is tax-deductible
The Academy
of Russian Classical Ballet and Russian Artists International offers students of all ages, levels and backgrounds a world-class professional ballet education in the Vaganova (Russian) ballet method. Our senior instructors have received their Vaganova ballet training from the finest professional institutions in the world, and have all danced in professional ballet companies following graduation. Under the training and guidance provided by the Academy, students study both technique and artistry unique to the Vaganova method, and pursue careers as professional dancers, placement in international ballet academies, university dance programs, or obtain success in many other areas. The Academy’s programs include Children’s Division, Pre-Professional, Adult and Professional Trainee, as well as an academic program through a partnership with Oxford Virtual Academy. At the Academy, students of all ages develop skills including artistry, discipline and confidence to help them reach their fullest potential.
Located in Southeast Michigan, the Academy was founded in 2004 by Michigan native Jessica Morschakov. The Academy was honored with UNESCO inclusion, and named the Official Best Ballet Academy of Michigan. We are the only studio in Michigan with an instructor who has a degree in Pedagogy from Russia’s Moscow Choreographic Institute, widely recognized as the best teacher training program in the world. In addition to offering ballet classes, the Academy also offers students multiple performing opportunities through out the season, and Master Classes with international guest teachers and dancers. Academy students have been accepted to professional ballet academies throughout the world including the American Ballet Theatre, Ballet de Monte Carlo, Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Boston Ballet School, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Gelsey Kirkland Academy, Ellison Ballet, Hamburg Ballet School, Houston Ballet School, Joffrey Ballet School, Kirov Academy of Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, San Francisco Ballet School, School of American Ballet, Vaganova Academy among others, and have also been accepted to multiple summer intensives and university dance programs including Butler, Julliard, North Carolina School of the Arts and University of Michigan. Our students found positions with professional dance companies, dancing successfully with English National Ballet, Eugene Ballet, Nevada Ballet, Royal Ballet of London, Sarasota Ballet, Staatsballet Berlin, Stanislavsky Ballet.
New this to the studio is the Academy’s Professional Ballet Trainee Program, a highly specialized intensive year-round training program for serious ballet students who strive for the highest standard in classical ballet education with the goal of a professional ballet career. Under the expert guidance of famed Russian ballet masters, students will receive world-class training in the Vaganova method, studying both technique and artistry required for a career as a professional dancer, training 25-30 hours per week. Working daily under professional staff, students will develop the essential skills to fully explore and realize their greatest individual potential. Classes include Vaganova technique, pointe, variations, pas de deux, character, conditioning, private coaching for YAGP (Youth America Grand Prix), and performance opportunities throughout the year. Previously, students would have to move out of state (or country) to receive this level of training. Now, we are bringing the training here to Michigan. This is the only program of its kind in Michigan, and establishes Michigan on an international level for ballet training. Acceptance to the program is by audition only.
This year the Academy has established a Youth Scholarship Fund to help not only the students in the Professional Trainee Program, but also to assist the families of younger students who are in need. All students should have access to the best training available regardless of their financial situation. The annual tuition for the Professional Trainee Program is $10,000 per student. A small portion of the tuition costs are offset by the State of Michigan through our partnership with Oxford Virtual Academy. Our long-term goal is to have the Professional Trainee Program become fully supported by the Youth Scholarship Fund to allow us to provide free training to Michigan’s best ballet students. All scholarship students must maintain a B or above grade point average, and adhere to the Academy’s student code of conduct. We sincerely hope you will consider supporting the Youth Scholarship Fund and help to make a difference in the lives of children your local community
Please click here for Youth Sponsorship Levels and Benefits Youth Scholarship Sponsorship Levels
