Summer Dance Intensive Packing List Tips

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 may 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, lyrical shoes, dance socks, 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

  • Freshify spritz: all-natural, good smelling, refreshing spritz for fabric, skin and your most important dance assets (your feet).

  • Dancers Dots and toe tape: for skin abrasions, cuts, blisters and hot spots. Recommended for all dance genres.

  • 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

  • Rosin: even a small amount can save the day if you find yourself performing on a slippery floor. Use proper etiquette and request permission to use it from the space manager.

  • 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!

Luxury comfort suggestions available in our shop:

  • Bloch warm-up booties

Check our shop page for some suggestions our staff put together:

https://www.the-station-dancewear-kalamazoo.com/collections/summer-intensive-packing-list-tips