Welcome to our Summer Intensive Boot Camp! When our kids were younger, there were few resources to help our kids figure out where they should go for summer training. So we decided to put this guide together! We’ve got tools, articles and podcasts to help guide your dancer as they research, audition for and ultimately head off for their summer intensives.
Table of Contents
- What Is A Summer Intensive/How Do I Research Them?
- Researching/Scheduling Summer Intensive Auditions
- Specialized Summer Intensives
- The Boys Of Summer/Audition Photos
- BONUS: European Summer Intensives
- It’s Audition Time!
- Handling Acceptances and Rejections
- You’re Admitted, Deposit Is Paid And It’s Time To Go!
What Is A Ballet Summer Intensive/How Do I Research Them?
As you’re starting to think about summer intensives, let’s talk about what exactly one is, how to research and keep track of the various programs and what to consider when making that list. We also have a handy checklist for all the things to remember to get done in November!
Blog Post (Read this first): What The Heck Is A Summer Intensive?
Podcast: Brett & Jenny Talk About How To Get Started
As a first step in our Summer Intensive Boot Camp, tune in to this podcast episode. We talk about what actually matters in a summer program and how you can plan your strategy like a pro. Plus, we’ll help you figure out how to weigh all your options without losing your mind!
Audition Spreadsheet: This was our audition bible every year! Use this and fill it out! Download an Excel File or Google Sheet (download a copy to your Google Drive).
Ballet Summer Intensive Reviews: Nearly 2400 reviews covering more than 250 programs. Pour yourself a cup of tea and dive in! Be sure to check out our filters that let you look not only at techniques taught but also whether there is a dedicated men’s program, the number of boys in a level as well as the frequency with which partnering is taught.
November Checklist (Click to expand): A quick list of everything you should do to get prepared for summer intensive auditions!
- Have a family discussion about what kind of intensive your dancer would like to attend. Be sure to consider other commitments during the summer.
- Research programs on Ballet Help Desk Summer Intensive Reviews
- Download and populate our Ballet Help Desk spreadsheet
- Use Ballet Scout to research and plan audition dates
- Have your student speak to their teacher about SI options
- Take your dancer’s headshot and other required photos
- Work with your teacher to help you choose the best shots
- Order shoes for audition season (Girls: you want to have a broken-in pair of flats plus extra pointe shoes sewn and ready to go just in case. Boys: have an extra pair in case one pair rips or something weird happens to them)
Researching/Scheduling Summer Intensive Auditions
Ok, this is where things get meaty — we’re looking at all of the factors that go into researching and ultimately developing an audition list. And, don’t forget to check out our additional resources below!
Blog Post: A Guide To Researching & Scheduling Auditions
Podcast: A Guide To Researching & Scheduling Ballet Summer Intensive Auditions
Podcast: Audition Advice From Robert Fulton, Co-Founder Ballet Scout
Additional Resources (click to expand)
- Blog Post: Is My Dancer Good Enough?
- Blog Post: The Value Of The Parent Network – Get to know those other SI parents! You’ll be glad you did!
- Head over to Ballet Scout to research when auditions will be in your area!
SPECIALIZED Summer Intensives
More schools now offer specialized summer programs targeting specific training goals. We talked to directors about their Company Experiences, Pas de Deux intensives, Variations workshops, and Choreographic programs.
Blog Post: Is a Company Experience Right for Your Dancer?
Podcast: Washington School of Ballet: Summer Repertory Program
Podcast: Colorado Ballet Academy: Two Unique Summer Programs
Podcast: Kansas City Ballet ChoreoLab for Makers and Movers
Podcast: Miami City Ballet Choreographic Workshop
Podcast: Philadelphia Ballet’s Three Unique Summer Programs
Podcast: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Company Experience
The Boys Of Summer/Audition Photos & Videos
Parents of male ballet dancers! We’re talking with you to discuss what unique factors should be considered to ensure boys have the best summer experience possible. We also hear from Emily Brunner, a professional dance photographer to get advice on how best to shoot those all-important audition photos and videos! Also, be sure to check out our previous posts on boys in ballet. Scroll down to additional resources for links.
Blog Post: What’s Different About Boys And Summer Intensives
Podcast: What Boys Should Look For In Ballet Summer Intensives
Blog Post: Audition Photos Tips & Tricks
Podcast: Audition Photos And Videos: Advice From A Professional Photographer
Additional Resources (click to expand)
- Blog Post: What You Need To Know About Boys In Ballet
- Blog Post: Open Letter On Boys In Ballet
European Ballet Summer Intensives
Blog Post: Are European Summer Intensives Worth It?
Does it feel like everyone is talking about going to a European summer intensive? Read on to learn how these programs work, how to audition and when it makes sense to go.
It’s Audition Time!
The time has finally arrived! It’s audition season! We’ve got loads of tips on what both dancers and parents should do and not do during these crazy days! Also, tune in to hear two summer intensive adjudicators discuss what they love to see from dancers and what they’d prefer not to see.
Blog Post: How To Nail Your Summer Intensive Audition
Podcast: Audition Advice: Houston Ballet Academy’s Kelly Myernick
Podcast: Navigating Ballet Summer Intensive Auditions With Lauren Fadeley-Veyette, former head of Kansas City Ballet School
Additional Resources (click to expand)
- Blog Post: Potential, Facility And Body Type
Handling Acceptances and Rejections
It’s notification time! Acceptances and, unfortunately some, rejections are coming in. We go over everything you should know about timing, how to handle the acceptances, as well as how to decline programs you may not be attending, especially when scholarships are involved.
We also talk with a local studio to understand how they counsel their students on where to go for summer programs.
Blog Post: Acceptances, Rejections, Scholarships
Blog Post: Choosing Which Ballet Summer Intensive To Attend
Podcast: Summer Intensive Strategies With Deidre Byrne
You’re Admitted, Deposit Is Paid And It’s Time To Go!
Your dancer is in and it’s go time! Whether you like to read on your lunch break or listen to our podcast during your drive to dance class, we’ve got great information for you! These articles and podcasts give you everything you and your dancer need to think about before heading off for the summer. And, as a bonus, we’ve got an additional article to help get you thinking about what to do if your dancer wants to stay at their SI for year-round!
Blog Post: Sending Your Young Dancer Off To A Summer Intensive
Blog Post: How Teens Can Make The Most Of Their Summer Intensive
Podcast: Tips For Sending Your Young Dancer Off To A Summer Intensive
Podcast: Tips for Making The Most Of A Summer Intensive For Your Teen
Blog Post: Eeek! My Dancer Wants To Stay At Their SI For Year-Round!
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