summer dance

Summer Dance Intensive Tips: Part 1: Packing List

Summer dance intensives are an exciting part of a dancer’s growth and development. You meet lots of other students that share your love of dance, you work with master teachers and you learn to become a bit more independent. It’s a great experience!

Going into the program with the right tools and supplies can alleviate some of the nerves that have a natural tendency to intermingle with your excitement.

Here is our suggested packing list (yes, you will need a large suitcase!):

  • Leotards: At least one per day. Check with your program to see if certain colors or styles are required. Bring your favorites that make you feel confident!
  • Tights: Lots! You will enjoy the feeling of a fresh pair mid-way through the day. Do not wear any tights with holes, stains, etc.
  • Wrap Skirt (check your program to see if there are required colors)
  • Character Skirt: if you will be taking character classes
  • Pointe Shoes: Plan on several pairs. They will wear out quicker in the summer humidity. Be sure to rotate them to let them rest and re-harden between wearings.
  • Other dance shoes: Make sure you have the right shoes for your classes: jazz, soft ballet shoes, tap, character, etc.
  • Studio Warm-ups: You never know how much AC you will have, so bring some form-fitting layering warm-ups for in the studio and for covering up outside.
  • Hairpins, ties, bun covers, hairnets, headbands, hairspray.
  • Hip Alignment belt (some ballet programs prefer you have one)
  • Manicure/Pedicure tools
  • First Aid kit: Icy Hot or other sore muscle ointment, band aids, ace bandage, quick ice pack, heating pad
  • Sewing kit
  • Dance bag
  • Water bottle
  • Therabands
  • Music playing device and headphones (include chargers)
  • Power bars and other healthy snacks
  • Laundry detergent: handwashing, or regular, depending on facilities
  • Yoga or Pilates Mat
  • Toe tape, toe separators, gel toes, toe pads and other point shoe accessories (some of these are good choices for other dance shoes, too!)
  • Drying rack or cording to line-dry your hand-washables
  • Make-up (for performances and everyday, if so inclined)
  • Toiletries and a shower bucket to transport them
  • Towels
  • Pillow
  • Alarm clock and a watch
  • Camera
  • Book, craft, knitting, playing cards, something quiet to do after curfew or in between classes to wind down.
  • The most comfortable walking shoes you own. No time to try out cute new shoes that will give you blisters. Give your feet a rest!

Luxery comfort suggestions available in our shop:

  • Happy Feet Foot Scrub
  • THE-Footstretcher
  • Bloch warm-up booties