A ballet summer intensive can be of the most formative experiences for anyone interested in pursuing ballet in a serious and professional manner. Enrolled students will explore advanced strength exercises and techniques to achieve goals and surpass their own personal expectations. Once you’re registered for your upcoming summer intensive, it’s time to begin packing for the program.

So, where do you begin?

First, it’s important to clarify what type of dress code you must adhere to. According to well-traveled and experienced ballet experts, packing at least two suitcases is optimal.

Your Main Suitcase

The main suitcase you pack for your ballet intensive program should include the following:

• Leotards: You should pack at least one leotard for each day you intend to participate in your intensive program. You may require specific colors, which can be clarified by reading the CPYB dress code.
• Tights: Consider packing a pair of tights for each day, along with extras in case of a tear or hole. Tights with holes and visible runs should not be worn during the intensive.
• Skirts: Both wrap skirts and character skirts may be required during the program.
• Warm-Ups: Studio warm-ups can help you to feel comfortable while getting ready for your routine.
• Pointe Shoes: You will probably need several pairs of Pointe shoes for a traditional ballet intensive program. Rotating Pointe shoes is also essential to allow the shoes to possibly last longer.
• Additional Shoes: It’s never a bad idea to pack additional shoes such as soft ballet shoes, jazz shoes, or any other type of shoe that you typically wear and perform in.
• Socks, socks, socks: Pack at least one pair of socks for each day, and additional socks that are suitable for leisurewear outside of class.

Your Second Add-On Suitcase

If you are permitted to bring a second suitcase, consider using the space for the following items:

• First Aid Kit: Always pack a first aid kit with muscle ointments, bandages, ice packs, heating pads, and other wrap bandages for potential sprains or injuries.
• Hair Accessories: Include hairpins, accessories, bun covers, and hairspray to manage your hair.
• Sewing Kit: Pack a sewing kit to manage any new technique shoes or pointe shoes .

Tips for Staying in a Dorm

When you’re enrolled in a lengthy ballet intensive program that requires you to live on-site in local dorm rooms, there are a few tips to keep in mind, such as:

• Toiletries: Pack items such as shampoo, conditioner, shaving gel, razors, towels, and other necessities you will need while living in a dorm.
• Pack Comfortable Clothing and Shoes: During your downtime, it’s important to stay comfortable, especially when you are walking and remaining active. Pack comfortable shoes and clothing for times when you are not training.
• Pack at Least One Nice Outfit: At some point, you might want to head out for a night on the town during your intensive. Packing a nice outfit to wear to a restaurant or a local coffee shop is a plus.
• Bed and Bath Items: Packing additional pillows, bedding, and towels can also help you to feel more at home during any summer ballet program.

Making the most of your ballet intensive program is much easier when you are properly prepared. When you have everything you need to help streamline the process of adjusting to your new ballet program, you can focus on the program’s goals while feeling comfortable in what you wear and confident in your decisions.

Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet’s 5-Week Summer Ballet Intensive Program provides unparalleled training by our prestigious faculty and guest faculty. As a summer ballet intensive student, you will experience a program focused on advancing your strength and technique using the proven Teaching Syllabus© of our founder, Marcia Dale Weary. Build your confidence as a dancer through our comprehensive curriculum that brings together the finest in technique and artistry. Supplemental classes have included character, pointe, variations, modern, partnering, and hip-hop.​ Learn more about CPYB’s Summer Ballet Intensive.