What To Bring To A Dance Summer Intensive

What to Bring to a Dance Summer Intensive (and How to Thrive While You’re There)

Summer dance intensives are an exciting, transformative part of any dancer’s journey. Whether you're attending your first one or you're a seasoned intensive-goer, being well-prepared can make all the difference. Packing the right gear and cultivating the right mindset will help you get the most out of your experience. Here’s your ultimate guide to what to bring—and how to thrive—at your summer dance intensive.

✨ The Essentials: Dancewear & Shoes

You'll likely be dancing 6–8 hours a day, so bring enough clothing to avoid doing laundry constantly. Intensives often have strict dress codes, so double-check requirements ahead of time.

✔️ Dancewear Checklist:

  • Leotards (at least 5–7): Choose a mix of basic styles and a few unique ones for variation.
    Recommendation: Yumiko Leotards – Stylish, durable, and a dancer favorite.

  • Tights (6–8 pairs): Convertible tights are versatile for ballet and contemporary.
    Recommendation: Zarely or Capezio Ultra Soft – known for comfort and longevity.

  • Black camisole leotard (if required for auditions/masterclasses).

  • Warm-ups: Knit shorts, leg warmers, or trash bag pants for keeping muscles warm.
    Recommendation: Gaynor Minden Warm-Up Booties and RubiaWear Legwarmers.

  • Sports bras (if needed), nude undergarments for performances.

  • Dance skirts or ballet wrap skirts (if allowed).

  • Tank tops or loose layers for contemporary or jazz classes.

✔️ Dance Shoes:

  • Ballet flats (2 pairs)

  • Pointe shoes (3–6 pairs depending on your program and intensity)
    Recommendation: Bloch, Suffolk, or Gaynor Minden – depending on your fit.

  • Jazz shoes, sneakers, or contemporary half-soles (as needed).

  • Flip flops or slides for the studio and dorms.
    Recommendation: Adidas Adilette Slides – comfy and durable.

🎒 Studio Survival Kit

These items will keep you feeling fresh, focused, and injury-free.

✔️ Dance Bag Essentials:

  • Water bottle – Hydration is key.
    Recommendation: Hydro Flask or Takeya 32 oz. with a straw lid for easy sipping.

  • Snacks – Think protein bars, fruit leather, trail mix.
    Recommendation: RX Bars or LaraBars (clean ingredients and filling).

  • Towel – For sweat or floor work.
    Recommendation: Manduka eQua Hand Towel (quick-drying and soft).

  • Deodorant and face/body wipes for long days.
    Recommendation: Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes or YUNI Shower Sheets.

  • TheraBand or resistance bands for warm-ups.
    Recommendation: BalletBand by SuperiorBand.

  • Tennis ball or massage ball for rolling out muscles.
    Recommendation: RAD Rounds or TriggerPoint MB1 Ball.

  • Mini first aid kit: Blister pads (Compeed or Band-Aid Hydro Seal), band-aids, nail clippers, antiseptic wipes.

  • Notebook or journal: For tracking corrections, combos, or reflecting on the day.

🛏️ Dorm Life & Downtime

If your intensive includes overnight stays, dorms or shared housing come with their own packing list.

✔️ Dorm Necessities:

  • Twin XL sheets, blanket, pillow.

  • Towel set (quick-dry recommended)
    Recommendation: Dock & Bay Microfiber Towels.

  • Laundry bag and detergent pods.

  • Shower caddy and flip-flops for communal showers.

  • Portable fan (some dorms aren’t well-ventilated).

  • Phone charger with long cord or a power strip.

  • Snacks and water pitcher for in-room hydration.

  • Book or Kindle for quiet time.

  • Extra pointe shoe supplies: Jet glue, toe pads, sewing kits, lambswool.

💡 Tips for a Successful Intensive

Packing is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some tips for thriving mentally and physically.

1. Take Care of Your Body

  • Prioritize sleep. Your body repairs during rest!

  • Stay hydrated throughout the day.

  • Eat balanced meals with protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

  • Use your warm-ups and cooldowns wisely—injury prevention starts there.

2. Stay Open to Corrections

  • You’re there to grow. Take corrections as gifts, not criticisms.

  • Write them down so you can review and apply them later.

3. Be a Good Roommate & Classmate

  • Respect quiet hours.

  • Keep your shared space clean.

  • Be encouraging to others—intensives can be emotionally intense.

4. Network and Make Friends

  • Introduce yourself to dancers from other cities or studios.

  • Exchange social media or contact info—you never know who’ll become a lifelong friend or professional connection.

5. Take Notes and Reflect

  • Journaling about your classes helps you internalize corrections.

  • Reflecting on your progress will boost your confidence.

Final Thoughts

Attending a dance summer intensive is an incredible opportunity to refine your technique, gain exposure to new teachers and styles, and deepen your love for dance. By arriving prepared—both in your suitcase and in your mindset—you’re setting yourself up for a truly enriching experience.

Whether you’re dancing in the heart of New York City or a quiet campus in the mountains, remember: every sweat drop, every sore muscle, and every breakthrough moment is shaping you into the dancer you're becoming.

Now go pack—and break a leg! 🩰

What to Bring to a Dance Summer Intensive (and How to Thrive While You’re There)

Summer dance intensives are an exciting, transformative part of any dancer’s journey. Whether you're attending your first one or you're a seasoned intensive-goer, being well-prepared can make all the difference. Packing the right gear and cultivating the right mindset will help you get the most out of your experience. Here’s your ultimate guide to what to bring—and how to thrive—at your summer dance intensive.

✨ The Essentials: Dancewear & Shoes

You'll likely be dancing 6–8 hours a day, so bring enough clothing to avoid doing laundry constantly. Intensives often have strict dress codes, so double-check requirements ahead of time.

✔️ Dancewear Checklist:

  • Leotards (at least 5–7): Choose a mix of basic styles and a few unique ones for variation.
    Recommendation: Yumiko Leotards – Stylish, durable, and a dancer favorite.

  • Tights (6–8 pairs): Convertible tights are versatile for ballet and contemporary.
    Recommendation: Zarely or Capezio Ultra Soft – known for comfort and longevity.

  • Black camisole leotard (if required for auditions/masterclasses).

  • Warm-ups: Knit shorts, leg warmers, or trash bag pants for keeping muscles warm.
    Recommendation: Gaynor Minden Warm-Up Booties and RubiaWear Legwarmers.

  • Sports bras (if needed), nude undergarments for performances.

  • Dance skirts or ballet wrap skirts (if allowed).

  • Tank tops or loose layers for contemporary or jazz classes.

✔️ Dance Shoes:

  • Ballet flats (2 pairs)

  • Pointe shoes (3–6 pairs depending on your program and intensity)
    Recommendation: Bloch, Suffolk, or Gaynor Minden – depending on your fit.

  • Jazz shoes, sneakers, or contemporary half-soles (as needed).

  • Flip flops or slides for the studio and dorms.
    Recommendation: Adidas Adilette Slides – comfy and durable.

🎒 Studio Survival Kit

These items will keep you feeling fresh, focused, and injury-free.

✔️ Dance Bag Essentials:

  • Water bottle – Hydration is key.
    Recommendation: Hydro Flask or Takeya 32 oz. with a straw lid for easy sipping.

  • Snacks – Think protein bars, fruit leather, trail mix.
    Recommendation: RX Bars or LaraBars (clean ingredients and filling).

  • Towel – For sweat or floor work.
    Recommendation: Manduka eQua Hand Towel (quick-drying and soft).

  • Deodorant and face/body wipes for long days.
    Recommendation: Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes or YUNI Shower Sheets.

  • TheraBand or resistance bands for warm-ups.
    Recommendation: BalletBand by SuperiorBand.

  • Tennis ball or massage ball for rolling out muscles.
    Recommendation: RAD Rounds or TriggerPoint MB1 Ball.

  • Mini first aid kit: Blister pads (Compeed or Band-Aid Hydro Seal), band-aids, nail clippers, antiseptic wipes.

  • Notebook or journal: For tracking corrections, combos, or reflecting on the day.

🛏️ Dorm Life & Downtime

If your intensive includes overnight stays, dorms or shared housing come with their own packing list.

✔️ Dorm Necessities:

  • Twin XL sheets, blanket, pillow.

  • Towel set (quick-dry recommended)
    Recommendation: Dock & Bay Microfiber Towels.

  • Laundry bag and detergent pods.

  • Shower caddy and flip-flops for communal showers.

  • Portable fan (some dorms aren’t well-ventilated).

  • Phone charger with long cord or a power strip.

  • Snacks and water pitcher for in-room hydration.

  • Book or Kindle for quiet time.

  • Extra pointe shoe supplies: Jet glue, toe pads, sewing kits, lambswool.

💡 Tips for a Successful Intensive

Packing is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some tips for thriving mentally and physically.

1. Take Care of Your Body

  • Prioritize sleep. Your body repairs during rest!

  • Stay hydrated throughout the day.

  • Eat balanced meals with protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

  • Use your warm-ups and cooldowns wisely—injury prevention starts there.

2. Stay Open to Corrections

  • You’re there to grow. Take corrections as gifts, not criticisms.

  • Write them down so you can review and apply them later.

3. Be a Good Roommate & Classmate

  • Respect quiet hours.

  • Keep your shared space clean.

  • Be encouraging to others—intensives can be emotionally intense.

4. Network and Make Friends

  • Introduce yourself to dancers from other cities or studios.

  • Exchange social media or contact info—you never know who’ll become a lifelong friend or professional connection.

5. Take Notes and Reflect

  • Journaling about your classes helps you internalize corrections.

  • Reflecting on your progress will boost your confidence.

Final Thoughts

Attending a dance summer intensive is an incredible opportunity to refine your technique, gain exposure to new teachers and styles, and deepen your love for dance. By arriving prepared—both in your suitcase and in your mindset—you’re setting yourself up for a truly enriching experience.

Whether you’re dancing in the heart of New York City or a quiet campus in the mountains, remember: every sweat drop, every sore muscle, and every breakthrough moment is shaping you into the dancer you're becoming.

Now go pack—and break a leg! 🩰

Back to blog

Leave a comment