Summer Intensive packing list

For those of you headed off to ballet intensives this summer, starting the packing process can be daunting, especially if you have never been to an intensive before.  Most programs send a list of dress code requirements and dancewear items necessary for the classes you will attend.  However, it can be hard to determine how many of each item are needed.  There is also a whole host of other things that you need, but aren't explicitly stated in the program's list.  In this post, I give a comprehensive list of everything a dancer needs for a 5 week ballet program.

1.  Pointe shoes (if already en pointe).  Plan on taking 5 pairs.  If you have been en pointe for less than 6 months prior to the intensive, you can get away with as few as 3 pairs.  If you wear a shoe with a short lifespan, like Freed, you may need more (possibly up to one pair per day if you are very advanced).  It's better to be prepared and have more pairs than you need.  Check with your local dancewear store before you leave for your intensive; some stores can ship your shoes to your address at the intensive if you run out before the program is over.  If your intensive is somewhere like New York City, you will probably have access to dancewear stores there where you can find your shoe if you need more (but don't count on this option; try to bring as many as you can).

2.  Pointe shoe accessories.  Take at least 2 pairs of toe pads and 2 sets of spacers or any other padding you use.  Take a whole roll of your favorite toe tape, and a new box of band-aids (expect blisters).  Don't forget a stitch kit and extra ribbon and elastic, just in case.  Pointe shoe glue is also a must.

3.  Ballet slippers.  Take at least 2 pairs.  You will wear them out quickly with dancing several hours a day every day.  Male dancers take at least 4 pairs.  If you are an advanced female dancer, you may have all of your classes en pointe and not need ballet slippers very often.  To be safe, still take two pairs.  You may end up wearing your flats for warm up only, but it's better than being left with holey shoes or no shoes just in case your instructor decides it's time to work on a contemporary piece or something else not en pointe.

4.  Other dance shoes.  Your program will specify if you need jazz shoes, character shoes, or any other dance footwear.  If your program includes modern class, consider taking your favorite form of modern footwear.  Take one pair each of any other dance shoes you need.

5.  Street shoes.  This depends slightly on the weather of the city where you have your intensive.  Take one pair of sneakers (to wear sightseeing or exercising), one pair of casual sandals or slides (for walking to the studio, etc.), one pair of waterproof flip flops (for the shower), and one pair of dressy shoes (if your program has any formal events, like going to see a Broadway show).  Make sure all the shoes you take are comfortable.  Wear them a few times before traveling to make sure they fit and don't hurt your feet.  If you are flying to your intensive, wear comfortable shoes on the plane (Toms shoes are a good choice; they are comfy, slip on and off easily, and don't cut in if your feet swell).

6.  Tights.  Take at least one pair of tights per day of class per week, and one extra.  This will probably be seven pairs.  Plan on doing laundry once a week.  Make sure your tights comply with the program's dress code (for ladies, usually pink, for men, black).  You may take pairs of tights that are not brand new, but leave the holey ones at home.  Male dancers may substitute jazz pants, leggings, capris, or shorts if the program allows.

7.  Leotards.  Again, take at least one per day of class per week and one extra.  This will probably be about 7.  Make sure they comply with the dress code requirements of the program, and plan on laundry weekly.  Added to that, you need to take any "specialty" leos that the program requires, like a white tank for a certain class or a special leo for the end of program show.   If you have a total of 20 leotards or fewer, consider taking all of them.  That way, you will have plenty of choices and may have to do less laundry.  Male dancers may substitute dance shirts.

8.  Warm-ups.  This is really based on your preference for wearing warm ups and what the program allows.  Unfortunately, you may not find out what the program (or individual teachers within the program) allows until after you get there.  If you like to wear warm ups, plan on taking one or two items of each type (legwarmers, shorts, pants, shrugs).

9.  Skirts.  This also depends on your preference and what the program allows.  If you want to wear a skirt sometimes, bring three.  One black chiffon wrap, one white chiffon wrap, and a fun patterned or colored wrap or pull on.  Your program will specify if you need any other skirts, like black character skirts.

10.  Your regular dance bag (and everything in it).  This is what you will take from class to class.  It should also contain everything that you regularly use before and during class, like therabands and foot rollers.  You will want this bag as your carryon or personal item if you are flying (but check with TSA guidelines as to whether your nail clippers and other random items are "weapons" as you may have to put them in your checked bag).

11.  Street clothes.  You will need a casual outfit for every day of the week, plus one or two fancier outfits.  If you plan on hitting the gym, bring a few gym outfits too.  If you swim, you will need swimwear.  Remember that you can (and should) do laundry weekly, so don't feel the need to overpack.  Check the usual weather for the city you are going to, and make sure your clothes match the general climate.  Don't forget undergarments and socks.  You should also have a jacket (consider bringing a soft hoodie and a waterproof rain jacket), as cold and rain happen, even in warm/dry climates.

12.  Pajamas.  Take two sets of pajamas.  If you usually wear slippers, don't forget those too.  You can get some thin "packable" slippers to make it easier on your bag.

13.  Pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.  Summer intensives that board their students will provide pillows, sheets, and blankets.  However, these items are usually not high quality.  If you feel more comfortable with your own items, you will have to pack them.  I recommend taking your own pillowcase, one thin/ easily packable throw blanket, and a small stuffed animal.

14.  Hygiene, cosmetics, and first aid items.  Some programs provide towels, others do not.  You may need to take your own towel.  Make sure you take soap, shampoo, conditioner, other hair products, brushes and combs, all skincare you normally use (being in a new place with a different climate can make skin "freak out"), tooth brush, tooth paste, extra contacts and solution if you use them, etc.

If you wear makeup or nail polish, bring a few (emphasis on "few") products, as well as makeup and nail polish remover.  It can be super fun to do nails with your new friends during the evenings in your dorm rooms.  If you usually wear makeup to ballet class, bring the products you use for your simple class look (but don't go beyond concealer, tinted moisturizer, blush, lipstick, mascara, and eyeliner).  There is no need for heavy or fancy products, even if you have outings or formal events.

 Remember all of your prescription medications as well as all over the counter medications or vitamins that you regularly use.  It's a good idea to have some "emergency" medications like gas-x or imodium.  If you are prone to heat rash or eczema, take a soothing lotion.  You will need sunscreen, even if it's just for your sightseeing day.  If you will be swimming outdoors or doing things outside multiple days, you may need more than one tube of sunscreen.  You may also need laundry detergent.  I recommend the kind that comes in pre-measured capsules for ease of use and storage.

(Note: If you are flying to your intensive, you may want to leave your toiletries and such at home and simply buy new products at a drugstore once you reach your intensive.  This will free up room in your bag, but may be difficult to achieve, especially if you are traveling without your parents.  If you are driving to an intensive a few hours away, it can be easier to just bring your things from home so you don't have to worry about shopping.  Decide early in your packing which option works best for you.  Whatever you choose, do not forget your prescription medication and copies of your prescriptions so you can get them emergency-refilled if necessary while you are at the intensive.)

15.  Hair things.  You will need plenty of hair accessories (hair ties, hair nets, bobby pins, etc.).  Fun clips and flowers are good too.

16.  Entertainment.  Your program is designed to keep you engaged, but you will probably have some free time.  It's a good idea to take a book to read on your way to bed.  Don't forget your phone so you can stay in touch with parents and friends back home.  Make sure your charger makes it way into your bag too.  If you want, you can take an item like a laptop or tablet, but weigh the benefits against the risks of it getting lost or stolen.

17.  Snacks and treats.  If you are a fan of a certain kind of granola bar or a stick of gum after class, make sure you take some with you from home.  The intensive will have snacks, but they probably won't have all of your usual picks.  If you have a favorite water bottle, take that too.  You will need to stay hydrated.

18.  A backpack, tote bag, or purse.  On your sightseeing day, you will need something to hold your stuff.  In addition to this, you should have your wallet and ID if you have one.  You may pick up some extra stuff (like custom dancewear from the intensive), and you may need extra packing space for your trip home.

19.  Small gifts for your new friends.  You will make tons of new friends at the program, and it can be fun to give them a little token at the end of the summer.  You can find little things like key chains from your home town at convenience stores.  You may consider also taking Thank-you notes so you can write notes for your teachers.



If you are flying to the city where your intensive is held, try to put as many of your essentials as possible into your carryon bag.  You will not be able to fit everything, but put at least one pair of pointe shoes, one pair of flat shoes, two pairs of tights, and a couple of leotards into the bag.  This will ensure that if your checked bag gets lost, you will still be able to participate in the intensive for a few days while your checked bag is found or you replace your supplies.

If you have any other intensive musts, leave a comment down below!