Irvington Teenager Chosen to Study at Bolshoi Ballet Academy

Irvington ballerina Zicole Zadra was one of only 15 American dancers selected to participate in a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program dancing with the renowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow.

She'll spend six weeks of the summer studying language, culture and, of course, dance in Russia.

According to the Russian American Foundation's announcement, the program: "seeks to increase Americans’ capacity to engage with native speakers of critical languages by providing language learning and by promoting mutual understanding through educational and cultural activities."

Seventeen-year-old Zadra is a senior at and a full-time student at Manhattan Youth Ballet in NYC. 

Get to know Zadra better from the following Q&A:

1) When did you start dancing?

I was around 4 years old.
  
2) What is your favorite aspect of dancing and performing?

I love just getting on stage and expressing myself through the movement. There are many emotions we can express and many stories that we can tell without words.  

3) When did you become interested in Russian culture and language? Do you already speak any Russian?

I had many Russian teachers growing up in ballet and they would always tell us about Russia and the dedication they put forth and I knew I wanted to experience going to Russia and learning more about it. I do not speak a word ofRussian. I'm excited to learn though.  
 
4) How do you balance your arduous school schedule with your extra-curriculars?

My school let's me out at 1 p.m. everyday so I can make it to dance. I arranged my schedule so that my classes wouldn't conflict. I would do how and study on the train or when I get home at night. This year it worked out well becasue I had a few periods off so I was able to get school work done. It wasn't that difficult.

5) What is your favorite academic subject?

Global History because I love learning about different cultures and history.

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