Dear BPG,
As the school year and ballet season comes to a close, many of my ballet friends are excitedly talking about preparations for their summer intensives. My friends and I are all around 13 years old and for many of them, this is their first or even second summer intensive experience. I, however, was not able to commit to attending one even though I got into two great programs. I'm very concerned that I am going to fall behind this summer compared to my friends when they go off to amazing training experiences. I've tried to argue with my parents about attending even a shorter program close to home but they both keep saying that money is too tight right now.
Will I fall too far behind if I don't attend a Summer Intensive?
Casey in Anchorage
Dear Casey,
I can understand your frustrations with not being able to attend a summer intensive. The first summer intensive is a big milestone and a fun experience for many dancers. From my perspective as a director who has seen both dancers stay home for training and go away for the summer, it all depends on how you use your summer wisely.
If you are staying home for the summer, the key is to stay engaged with dancer and continue to find avenues to grow and learn. Make sure you attend weekly ballet and pointe classes to stay in shape and push technique. This would be a great time to take up cross-training in Yoga and swimming as well. Also try to find ways to get involved with your ballet school. Being a teacher's assistant or helping with camps will allow you to work closely with studio staff, and that will always reflect positively on you. I would recommend checking out this guide Skipping Summer Intensive to learn more about how you can fill your summer with ballet. As long as you are wisely using your summer to stay active, you will most likely keep up with your friends who are attending a summer intensive.
Additionally, for many families right now, money is very tight with rising inflation costs. If attending a Summer Intensive next is a goal you wish to achieve, ask your parents now how you can help make that dream a reality. This might include finding ways to save money and contribute like helping to babysit, mowing lawns, or housesitting. Your parents might appreciate the initiative your taking to help come up with solutions and act upon them.
Keeping dancing this summer and let us know about how your summer went!
Niki Maple
BPG
Comments