How To Prepare for Your Ballet Summer Intesive: Advice from PNB Soloist Leah Terada

By Leah Terada

We’ve only just settled into the winter season, yet many young ballet dancers have begun preparing for a pivotal moment in their training: the ballet summer intensive. But what exactly makes a ballet summer intensive such a game-changer and why should you consider attending one? Whether you’re applying for your first one or are a seasoned dancer looking to enhance your technique, a summer intensive can be a transformative experience that shapes your growth as an artist and an individual. In this post, we’re going to unpack a few of the benefits and challenges worth considering when planning your summer. Here are our topics:

What’s the Point? | Exposure to People | Exposure to Movement Styles | Do Your Research | Performing for an Audience (or not): Opportunities and Workarounds | Heavy vs Light Schedules | Classes for Flat Shoe Dancers vs. Pointe Shoe Dancers | Be Intentional | Failing Well | 🩰 Other Bullet Pointes for Consideration