For those of you going off to a summer dance intensive like American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, or any other that lasts a good four weeks or longer, I’ve reposted here the guest blog I wrote for DanceAdvantage.com. Also, here’s a list of items to bring with you (in addition to what they tell you to bring)—in case you are still packing. (Julian and I are on the plane to New York as I write this.)
- camera
- umbrellas
- vitamins, minerals, herbs, and prescriptions (check if you can refill prescriptions)
- a refillable water bottle
- all types of dance shoes (if your program has more than one style or you can take classes at other studios; this is pertinent in NYC, LA or San Francisco, for instance)
- electrolyte packets
- sun block
- bathing suit (you never know…)
- all types of dance wear
- several pairs of ballet shoes
- backpack
- small bag for toting extra stuff
- a luggage tote with wheels (for carrying groceries long distances)
- several pairs of comfortable walking shoes
- nicer clothes for the theater or ballet
- a jacket
- a raincoat
- quarters for the laundry machines
- soap and shampoo (for at least the first day or two; most apartments aren’t equipped with these items)
- a laundry bag
You’ll want a good map when you get there as well, if you plan on getting around the city at all. It’s helpful to bring a computer, so you can research things like grocery stores, shows to see, classes to take, etc.
We start with a bang. We are off to see Marymount Manhattan and Juilliard on Thursday and Julian will take two classes at Broadway Dance Center. On Friday Julian is taking a master class with Desmond Richardson, Complexions Contemporary Dance’s co-artistic director, at DANY Studios on Friday and then up to Fordham for a tour and information session. Saturday we’ll be at Broadway Dance Center—class with Slam and then up to Steps on Broadway for ballet with Filipov! On Monday, ABT starts. Then I get back down to work.
By the way, despite my suggestion that kids gear up before an intensive, Julian took a week and a half off. He’d danced non-stop and his sprained toe needed to rest. It’s still swollen…and probably will be. But he’s ready to move!
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