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