It was hard for me to part with my family at first when I arrived in Connecticut. The first days were extremely difficult. The classes were very intense and demanding. I loved every moment of them. I focused on my goals to improve my footwork and to be noticed by the Bolshoi Ballet Academy teachers and representatives. I was inspired to dance to my fullest and the classes seemed easier and fun. The three weeks I had enrolled for flew by extremely fast. I just could not leave. Then when I asked to stay for three more weeks, I was offered a scholarship for the second session.   I was overjoyed!  I cherished every second of the intensive. I am so grateful for the amazing opportunity to continue dancing at BBASI.

Furthermore, my teachers, Natalya Revich, Nika Sergeeva, and Andrei Alferov, were strict but kind and funny. They always stayed positive and encouraging. I received many helpful corrections from Mrs. Revich. She inspired me to continue learning Russian technique. Mrs. Sergeeva gave me a new appreciation for character dance. Every day I looked forward to her classes. As for partnering class, Mr. Alferov explained many new techniques to partnering that I did not know before. I was so thankful for their wise advice in class. When the end show arrived I was honored to perform many variations from ballets. I performed dances from Sleeping Beauty, Shades from La Bayadere, Don Quixote, and many other dances. I also danced a number of character pieces. They were exciting and enjoyable. A week after the program concluded, I was greatly surprised to receive an invitation to the full-study program in Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Moscow, Russia! It is my life-long dream to dance with the Bolshoi Ballet! I thank you again for the amazing opportunity and experience which I will treasure forever.