By Anagha Madhan

Photo – Ballet Arizona

Attending a ballet intensive can definitely be a transformative and enriching experience for any dancer. An intensive will offer rigorous training, exposure to new techniques, and the opportunity to learn from seasoned dancers and esteemed instructors. However, for many Indian ballet students and their parents, the prospects of attending an intensive abroad is usually out of the question, and even if possible, extremely daunting. This comprehensive guide aims to inform and educate both students and parents alike about what to pack for a ballet intensive – your must haves and nice to haves, how to go about choosing the right program, and overall how to prepare effectively to ensure a successful, enriching, and enjoyable experience.

Choosing the Right Intensive For You

Choosing the right ballet intensive will enable you to make sure you put your time and research into an intensive that will fit your specific goals and needs. Here are some key steps and questions to help you make a well-informed decision.

What do you want to achieve from this experience?

Do you want to improve specific techniques, gain performance experience and flair, explore different styles of ballet, or apply your skills in ballet toward something like musical theatre or drama? Defining these goals will help narrow down your options and ensure you select an intensive that aligns with your aspirations. This should be the first question you ask, since enhancing your skill-set towards your final goal is the ultimate aim.

Does the curriculum align with your interest and skill set?

Look into course offerings, the backgrounds of faculty, and the daily schedules of potential intensives. Ensure that the program you select covers the areas you want to focus on and that the instructors have the expertise you seek. Remember that while all intensives have some common elements, they all differ slightly in what they offer. For example, if you’re interested in incorporating flamenco or character dance into your ballet training, seek out intensives that offer dedicated sessions for these styles. Additionally, if you want to explore different ballet methods like Cecchetti or Balanchine, finding programs that focus on these specific techniques can help narrow down your choices.

Photo – Colorado Ballet

What are the accommodations and facilities like?

Research the location of the intensive and if accommodation and living arrangements are provided. If not, consider where you will stay according to the proximity to the intensive venue, availability of a kitchenette or other healthy food options, and overall living conditions. Ensuring all these are in place is very important, considering you will be abroad and under strict pressure from the long days of the intensive.

What are the costs involved, and are there any scholarships available?

Calculate the total cost of attending, including the tuition, accommodation, travel, and other miscellaneous daily expenses. Ensure to investigate if the intensive offers scholarships or financial aid to help offset these costs. Most intensives do offer some form of financial aid, which may not cover the entire cost of the intensive, but will definitely offset the cost by a good amount.

What are the audition requirements and deadlines?

Familiarise yourself with the application process, including audition dates, requirement materials (eg. headshots, videos, photos), and submission deadlines. Knowing this beforehand, even if it is just a read-through, will give you an idea of how much time you will require to prepare and submit all the necessary documents.

The Importance of Preparation

Proper preparation can make the difference between a stressful experience and a successful, enjoyable intensive. Being well prepared will allow you to completely focus on your training without the stress and distraction of missing essentials or dealing with unexpected issues. There will always be a chance that something unforeseen will crop up, but being prepared will make sure that you are well-equipped to handle it. Being prepared will enhance your performance and ensure that you make the most of the learning opportunities.

Mental and physical readiness is crucial for coping with the training schedule of an intensive. Preparing thoroughly will help you manage the physical demands and reduce anxiety, hence allowing you to immerse yourself in the experience.

Photo – The Station Dancewear

The Packing List

Packing the right items is essential for a smooth and successful intensive. Here is a detailed list compiled from interviews with experienced dancers.

The Essentials – Your Must-Haves

Dancewear

Leotards: Pack enough to account for daily use, your favourite ones, and some spares!

Tights: Bring multiple pairs, to make it easy to rotate throughout the week

Skirts and Shorts: Depending on the intensive’s guidelines, and what you’re comfortable in, bring skirts or shorts to wear throughout the day over your leotard.

Uniform Specific: Make sure to check the intensive’s requirements for specific class attire, such as flamenco or character skirts.

Shoes

Ballet Flats: Remember you will be dancing for almost the whole day, bring your pair of flats and a spare, in case you need to rotate.

Pointe Shoes: If you will be dancing en pointe daily, bring multiple pairs

Other footwear: Depending on the classes specified by the program, bring other shoes you know you’ll be comfortable in – jazz shoes, character shoes, flamenco or other shoes as specified.

Accessories

Hairpins, Hairnets, Hairspray/gel: Keeping your hair neat and secure during class will help you throughout. Hair can be distracting, and managing it can be very helpful in class.

Toe pads, Tape, Blister pads: Protect your feet during these long days of dancing, especially if you’re doing so en pointe. Tape can be helpful to protect pre-existing blisters even if you’re dancing on flat!

Shoe-care: Darning thread, a pair of scissors, and anything else in your pointe shoe kit for maintaining them.

Personal Care

Water Bottle: A filled water bottle will be your best friend throughout. It’s exceedingly important to keep hydrated throughout your intensive. An insulated water bottle would keep water cold too.

Electrolytes: Electrolytes and supplements like Fast&Up to maintain your energy and hydration. They can be mixed with your lunch as well.

Healthy Snacks: Energy bars like Yoga Bars or fresh fruit for quick energy boosts.

Lunchbox: Healthy mixes of fruits, veggies, and protein, along with any supplements would be good lunch options if meals are not provided. Regardless of that, carrying a healthy snack in a lunchbox is always good!
First Aid Kit: Make sure to include bandages, personal medication, feminine hygiene products, antiseptic wipes.

Your Nice-to-Haves

Recovery and Maintenance

Stretch Bands and Rollers: For helping you stretch and soothe muscles after a day of class

Active Muscle Gel: Balms like Tiger Balm help provide relief for aches from sore muscles which might be helpful throughout

Clear Nail-Polish: To deal with runs in tights, and prevent them from running, clear nail polish around the run will stop it from getting any worse.

Additional Items

Extra shoes: If you have room, backup pairs of shoes are always handy.
Dance Journal: A must-haves for some, take notes during class to maximise your learning and make sure you don’t forget anything.

Health and Well-being

Maintaining your health is absolutely crucial during an intensive. It is a taxing experience on your body and your brain, and you must be able to stay in tip-top shape.

Ensure you eat a well-rounded diet that includes carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle maintenance and repair, and fats for overall health. Fruits and dry fruits are your best friend throughout, since they provide healthy sugar, energy, hydration, and antioxidants, while also being extremely snackable. This will help keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.

Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your classes. Use electrolyte supplements if needed. Going abroad would mean facing climates your body is not used to, and accounting for that is extremely crucial. Additionally, know how to handle common injuries like blisters, sprains, and strains. Keep a first-aid kit handy and don’t hesitate to seek professional help, regardless of where you are. Make sure to keep your instructors and teachers informed as well, so you don’t worsen the condition and risk delayed healing.

Mental well-being is also crucial throughout your intensive. Remember to stretch your muscles, practice mindfulness, and manage stress. Getting enough rest and sleep will help you recover both physically and mentally.

Attending a ballet intensive is most definitely a significant milestone in a dancer’s journey. With proper preparation, this is an achievable and immensely rewarding experience. A ballet intensive is not just a possibility but a completely achievable feat for any dedicated dancer. Embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with the global ballet community!

Preparation is key to making the most of your time. Pack wisely, stay organised, and maintain your health to ensure a successful experience! Believe in yourself and your abilities. That is your first step. Remember that this is a completely achievable feat. With the right preparation and mindset, you can embark on your intensive training with confidence and enthusiasm.

Pack Like a Pro: Essential Gear for Dance Intensives