The iron discipline of Russian ballet education is luring dancers to the east.

Around 100 foreigners from all over the world are enrolled at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow.

Seventeen-year old American dancer Joy Womack came to Moscow two years ago and embraced the demanding schedule of practice, acting classes and rehearsal, all in a new language and culture.

SOUNDBITE: Joy Womack, American dancer, saying (English):

"It is the oldest and the most famous school in the world for ballet and the traditions are kept so well here and they really get into what really is classical ballet and the technique and the artistry and the passion that I am learning here is something that is worth moving thousands of miles away for."

Twenty-one year-old Californian student, Mario Vitale Labrador, says his training has been a physical challenge and he has achieved things he never thought he could.

SOUNDBITE: Mario Vitale Labrador, American dancer, saying (English):

"Here at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy it's very strict and they don't tolerate with slack, and, you know, you're not allowed to be lazy. Even if you have an injury you're supposed to, you know, work through it and actually push more so that your muscles can be warm and work around it. It's a different thinking method but it actually really works."

During a rehearsal, academy director Marina Leonova calls out corrections and advice to a stage full of ballet students.

SOUNDBITE: Marina Leonova, academy director, saying (Russian):

"There's a whole system of education which has been handed down from generation to generation from the best to the best. And we invest this in our children. There's an education system, there are education programs; we have our author's pedagogical development how and what to work on. It's an unambiguous question that you can't answer. There are no secrets here - it's hard work, daily work."

Both Womack and Labrador hope to join the Bolshoi ballet troupe after they graduate this spring.

Alicia Powell, Reuters.