Five Summer Intensive Must-Haves

1. Notebook

Though cell-phones these days can accommodate our random thoughts at any moment, you should still consider brining a good old-fashioned note pad with you to your SI. You are about to embark on a journey that is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you want to make sure that you get the most out of it. 

This may seem like an obvious one, but you know the saying, “Dress for success”? Why wouldn’t this apply to ballet as well? When you feel good in class, your confidence is higher, you are able to work harder, and you are able to focus on what really matters, instead of how you feel. So throw that hair in a nice tight bun and flaunt your favorite color.

You choose this summer intensive in order to try something different: something challenging. In order to take full advantage of your new environment, be open-minded! The teachers and students have so much to offer you, so embrace it.

That work ethic that brought you to this point, don’t forget to pack it, and let your teachers see it. Contrary to what you may think, teachers in these programs aren’t drawn to the most talented dancer in the room, they are often drawn to those who prove potential by willing to work for it. You can do quadruple pirouettes for days, but if you don’t work hard to perfect the weaknesses in your technique, a teacher can only help so much.

You are about to meet a lot of new people, who are likely good dancers. But remember, you got into this summer course too! They picked you! The school saw something in you that they want to nourish and expand on. You are walking into the studio on a level playing field.

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