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Summer Intensive Packing List

April 26, 2023

Whether staying local or traveling, summer intensives are a great way to continue your dance education through the summer months. There are some incredible programs to choose from across the states, and something for every style of dance. No matter what program you have chosen, and no matter what your goals may be, there are some items you should definitely have on your summer intensive packing list! Here are some of our favorites.

Warm - Ups

Summer intensives involve long days of multiple styles of dance, and warm ups will help keep your muscles cold throughout each class. We love these new Gaynor Minden microtech pants in limited sky blue.

Massage Tools

Long hours of high intensity classes can take a toll on your muscles. Make sure you are taking time to recover and rest in between these high energy bursts. The FLX line from RP Collection has some incredible products, but the set of two massage balls come with their own mesh carrying bag and the two sizes are great for pinpointing tight muscles big and small.

Sewing Kit

This seems pretty straightforward but keeping a sewing kit in your bag is a must. Not only will you be able to sew any popped ribbons or elastics, it’s also great for any other apparel mishaps you may encounter along the way. The RP Collection sewing kit is a great because it includes retractable scissors, two needles, and a carrying case with a magnet to make sure your needles don’t get lost in the bottom of your bag.

Pointe Accessories

If you are heading to a summer intensive that involves pointe, partnering, and/or variations, you will want to make sure you are stocked on your pointe essentials. These accessories may look different for each pointe dancer, but one of our favorite pairings are Gaynor Minden’s Dancer Dots and their Microfoam Toe Wrap. Shop these two and more here :

https://stlouisdancewear.com/collections/shoe-accessories

Hair Accessories

A clean hairstyle is key, and keeping some extra supplies will make your time much easier! Grab a bun builder, extra bobby pins, and extra hair ties, just in case they get lost in the shuffle.

Your Favorite Leotard

You want to be ready to conquer each day of intensives, so set yourself up for success with your favorite leotard in your bag! Above are some of our new arrivals and classics for you to love.

Back-Up Tights

Inevitably, something will happen to your ballet pink pair of tights if you only bring one. Make sure you’re prepared with an extra tucked away, maybe even still in the package when you pack!

The Right Size Dance Bag

You don’t want to be caught without something essential during your long day at the studio, so make sure your bag can handle all your items! The Gaynor Minden Studio Backpack and the Capezio Rock Star Duffel are two great bags to keep you organized.

Apolla Shocks

Does your intensive include a contemporary/lyrical class? Long days in the studio? Field trips or excursions into the city? If so, you’ll want to pack a pair of Apolla compressions socks! These are socks made by dancers to relieve pain from fallen arches, tendonitis, or overuse, and they will be a foot-saver during your intensive.

Make sure you are checking your program’s dress codes and class schedules to make sure you have all your bases covered! Lots of pointe-work may mean you want a second pair of pointe shoes, a character dance class means character heels and a knee length skirt, or any other color or shoe specifications that may arise!

And of course, after all the madness of packing and traveling and figuring out your schedule, make sure you enjoy every moment! Summer intensives are an incredible way to learn from new instructors, explore a new city, and expand your view on what dance means for you.