What you bring to a ballet summer intensive is often just as important as what you will learn. A successful summer intensive experience relies on having the right attitude and preparation. If you are looking to make the most of your summer intensive experience, here are some essential tips.
1. Attitude: The right attitude can make or break your summer intensive experience.
You should not approach it with a sense of entitlement or as an easy way out to get ahead in ballet. Instead, come prepared to work hard, learn new things and be open-minded about different styles and approaches to ballet.
2. Physical Preparation: It is important for you to be physically prepared for the intense training that comes with a summer intensive program. Start preparing ahead of time by taking regular classes and conditioning exercises such as stretching, strengthening and balancing activities that will help your body adjust to the demands of intense summer training.
3. Mental Preparation: Just as important as physical preparation is mental preparation for a successful summer intensive experience.
Make sure you are well rested before attending classes, so that you can stay focused and alert throughout the day’s activities. It is also important to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things without judgement or expectation of perfectionism; allowing yourself the freedom to assess new ideas without judgement will help you grow artistically during your time at the summer intensive program.
4. Clothing & Supplies: Having the right clothing and supplies is essential for a successful ballet summer intensive experience.
Make sure you have all of the necessary items such as ballet shoes, leotards, tights, skirts/shorts/pants, proper dancewear for class and performance attire if required by the program director(s). Additionally it’s always best practice to bring extra supplies like bandages/tape for pointe shoes, extra tights in case of tears, water bottle/snacks (as needed) etc…
Conclusion:
Attending a ballet summer intensive requires more than just physical preparation; having the right attitude and mental preparation are just as important factors in making sure that your time at this type of program is productive and rewarding . Additionally making sure that you have all of the necessary clothing items & supplies on hand helps ensure that your physical needs are met so that can focus on learning & growing artistically during your time at a ballet summer intensive.