Heading to an intensive this summer?
You’ll meet new people, learn from new teachers and choreographers, experience a slice of dance company life… and perhaps even explore somewhere new.
And to help you get ready, we’ve compiled these top tips and a handy checklist so you can head to your programme knowing you’ve got everything you need to feel confident and do your best.
Tip 1: check your programme’s requirements
If you need to follow a dress code, or bring specific items for classes or costumes, the organisers should let you know in advance.
Tip 2: check your class schedule
If you’re training in several styles at your intensive, choose versatile pieces to help you move easily between classes.
For example, Roch Valley’s Elise leotard pairs well with shorts for commercial or contemporary class, black stirrup tights for jazz and musical theatre, or ballet tights and a wrap skirt for a more classical look. That’s three classes, three genres with just one leotard!
Tip 3: pack extra dance shoes
Which shoes you bring will depend on the genre of your intensive. But one thing’s for sure - your dance shoes will be working as hard as you are, and they may need time to rest too.
Alternating a couple of pairs will allow your shoes time to air out, which keeps them fresh and helps them last longer – so you can feel comfortable and supported and all week.
Summer intensive checklist
Here’s a checklist to help you shop and avoid the “I’ve forgotten something” stress (usually arriving midway through the journey). If you need any last-minute essentials – place your order by 3pm and choose Royal Mail Tracked 24 to get it the next day.
Dancewear
| ▢ | Leotard for every day of the intensive |
| ▢ | Tights for every day – plus a few extras |
| ▢ | Warm up tops |
| ▢ | Warm up bottoms |
| ▢ | Skirts or shorts to pair with your leotards |
Shoes
| ▢ | Ballet shoes |
| ▢ | Jazz shoes |
| ▢ | Character shoes |
| ▢ | Pointe shoes |
| ▢ | Tap shoes |
| ▢ | Dance heels |
| ▢ | Warm up booties |
Accessories
| ▢ | Sewing kit and safety pins |
| ▢ | Hair accessories |
| ▢ | Foot roller |
| ▢ | Resistance bands |
| ▢ | Toe tape |
| ▢ | Any pointe shoe protection you need |
| ▢ | Pointe shoe glue |
| ▢ | A dance bag big enough for all your kit |
Other
| ▢ | Snacks |
| ▢ | Water bottle |
| ▢ | Hairspray |
| ▢ | Towel |
Have a brilliant summer intensive!
Make lots of progress, make lots of memories, and tag us on Instagram @Dancewear_Central to show us your summer school looks!