Ballet: How to pack for a summer intensive

As the summer gets under way, the dancing days are not over for many. In fact, the start of summer intensive season is about to begin and many dancers and their parents are asking themselves a very important question, “What do I pack?”

With the new restrictions on airline baggage, people can be stingy about packing for summer intensives. However, my experience from both sides of the summer intensive experience, as both a student and staff member, has taught me that you can never overpack. There are things you can purchase once you or your child arrives at the intensive, but make sure the essentials are in the bag before the student arrives.

Usually the summer intensive has a list of things to bring to the program. They often have a dress code which is to be observed. This should be followed to the letter of the law. Dance is a discipline and ought to be followed as such. With that in mind don't forget that the program usually has extracurricular activities for the students and one doesn't want to be held back because he or she forgot to bring their swimsuit.

See what kind of stores are near the dorms and if there is transportation to and from the store. If the housing in a college dorm, usually there is a convenience store nearby so toiletries are often  within reach. However, the hard part is locating dance items. Sometimes the dance store is near the studio but if it's not, it may be harder to get that emergency pair of tights that the dancer may need.

Here's a basic list of things you really ought to pack:

• Dance shoes and several pairs of them just in case. Pointe shoes especially die faster during intensives than
• Tights in assigned colors, always pack more than you think you need. Washing and drying tights is time consuming and many school do not allow runs in tights during class. You want to be able to have those brand new tights at the ready in the event of an emergency.
• Leotards in assigned colors with extras to boot.
• Warm – ups to layer on before class
• Normal clothes, including something nice to wear for special occasions
• Bathing suit
• Towels
• Sheets

Things you should pack but can be bought upon arrival:

• Toiletries
• Snacks
• Hair pins
• Sun screen
• Journal for notes

Extras:

• Things to decorate your room with
• Pictures
• Books

This list goes on and on but this is not meant to be a comprehensive list. The summer intensive ought to already have a list for you to look over. This is just to help narrow down the essentials because you really can't pack up your entire house when you go away so being selective is key. Once all of the packing is done, though, you can be sure that you or your child will be prepared for the summer intensive.