May 2015
May is always one of the most exciting times here at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, summer properly establishes itself and the final year student graduation is cause for a great deal of celebration and promise. It’s in this month that the graduation show takes place creating an atmosphere which is fantastic to be part of. All the while, we are preparing furiously for our exams which will take place at the beginning of June, consequently making this the hardest part of the year.
I felt extremely privileged to be part of this year’s graduation performance which takes place at the Bolshoi Theatre. I danced in Le Jardin Anime from Le Corsaire which made up the first act and, as the first number of the second act, I preformed one of my favourite pieces, Rhapsodia, which I also performed in February for the Character Festival – see my post here. The run up to the shows were tough due to the many late night rehearsals in addition to our increasingly intensive timetable.
However, it all felt worth it as we had our hair done each night by the make up specialists in the Bolshoi Theatre and wore the beautiful Bolshoi’s own costumes. And, of course, I got to perform on the Bolshoi Theatre stage again! As a member of Rhapsodia I also was able to stay until the end of the performances for the final bow which made the whole experience feel extremely special; I felt honoured to be included in a moment that launches these graduates into the professional world.
As for the structure of the graduation show, after Le Jardin Anime, the second act was a divertissement including a mixture of pas de deux and duets. The final act was saved for a new piece of repertoire for the Academy; Julietta which was choreographed by Luciano Cannito portraying a fresh, contemporary version of the classic that is Romeo and Juliet. It was a really poignant end to a fantastic show.
I’m now on the last push before returning home; my ballet exam is next week and my character and duet exams the following week. It’s incredible to think that second course and my third year is almost complete and that I’ll only have one more year left here when I return after the summer!
If you’d like to follow my career as a professional classical dancer, go over to my Instagram page here.
Well written, as always. Good luck in your exams! ???
Thank you, Gra – can’t wait to see you! xxx xxx xxx
Hi gorgeous it’s Claire – after being a part of your Bolshoi life for a few days you left me breathless in more ways than one. your stamina, attitude & self preservance in such a tough & competitive world & culture makes me admire you even more than I did originally – after seeing you in class I am totally aware how unbelievably dedicated you all have to be – good luck with the exams but will sale through them because you are AWESOME – love ya
Thank you so much, Claire – it was so lovely to have you here to see my life at the Bolshoi. I had such a fab five days with you and my Mum – it was a tough few days and you really helped me get through! I can’t think of a better person to come visit me! I can’t wait to see you all when I get back – and there be lots more doughnuts as well 😀 xxx
Good luck with your exams Tala, hope we can catch up with your Mum and Gra when you get home, take care Jen x
Thank you so much, Jenn – hope to see you over the summer too! x
Speechless…. See you over the summer.. big love Helen & Jacob xx
Thanks, Helen – I can’t wait to see you and Jacob when I’m home! Not long now xxx
Congratulations on your performances and good luck with your exams. XX
Thank you so much, Jazz! x
what an achievement to dance at the Bolshoi – congratulations – hard work and dedication pays off. You deserve every success – hope you continue your interesting blog – priceless information for young dancers especially.
Thank you so much, Monica – just got the exams to go now 🙂
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