The Nutcracker snow has barely been swept from the stage and it's already audition season! Next up, summer intensives. I get an awful lot of questions almost every day at the store, so I thought I'd go straight to the source and get the scoop.
Here are the responses I received from some of our dancers who have spent the summer away. Big thanks to everyone who wrote in. I hope this helps!
First name and age:
Caitlyn, current age 13. Age attended was 12.
What summer programs have you attended?
Nutmeg & The Rock
Did you board there?
Yes
How many weeks were you there and did you feel it was too short or too long?
Nutmeg: 2 weeks, it felt like a good length for my first time away.
The Rock: 2 weeks, it felt too short.
Please give us some information about the classes. Levels, class size, Variety, etc.
Nutmeg: Class levels are assigned strictly by age. There were 20-30 girls in each class.
The Rock: Class levels are by placement determined after placement classes on the first day. There were 15 or so girls in each class.
How many hours a day did you dance?
Nutmeg: 10am - 8pm with lunch and dinner breaks.
The Rock: 10am - 3pm with an on-site lunch break. Some groups started later and ended later.
How much free time did you have and what were some of the things you did?
Nutmeg: Didn't have much free time, when we did it was spent walking for ice cream and to the dollar store. There is not much around there.
The Rock: Early evenings and nights were always free (unless we had an organized activity like the fireworks). We explored the neighborhood around the dorms and Philly as a group with a chaperone. Enjoyed being in the city. The RA/Chaperones were really nice and fun.
What extracurricular activities were offered?
Nutmeg: None
The Rock: Phillies Game, 4th of July Fireworks, Dorney Park. A trip every Saturday and some weeknight.
Tell us a little bit about your boarding experience. How many roommates, is housing on or off campus, specifics about accommodations, meal plans, supervision, etc.
Nutmeg: Boarding was cramped. 6 girls in a very small room. Bathroom was shared throughout the entire floor. All housing was in the same building as the studios. All meals are provided at an Elks club down the street (10 minute walk). RA/Supervisors were great and really fun, all were current full year students. Not air conditioned.
The Rock: I was in a dorm room with 1 roommate but had a suite with 4 rooms (2 per room) and we shared 2 bathrooms. Dorms were air conditioned and clean.
What was your favorite thing about your summer study experience?
Nutmeg: Movie night in the common area. Spending time with friends. Enjoyed the partnering classes.
The Rock: The trips and the friends I made. The teachers were very attentive and I liked that.
Least favorite?
Nutmeg: The floor wide shared bathroom.
The Rock: The walk from the dorms to The Rock studios was about 15-20 minutes each way.
Do you feel your technique and performing abilities improved?
Nutmeg: Yes
The Rock: Yes
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First name and age:
Ella 13 years old
What summer programs have you attended?
CPYB - Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet
Did you board there?
Yes
How many weeks were you there and did you feel it was too short or too long?
5 weeks, 5 was a little long - 4 would have been perfect
Please give us some information about the classes. Levels, class size, Variety, etc.
Many levels the classes were not too small or too big, depending on the level the size of class varied. Primarily focused on ballet but there were occasional classes such as modern, contemporary, hip hop, etc.
How many hours a day did you dance?
4 mandatory and then you can add an extra hour with optional night classes
How much free time did you have and what were some of the things you did?
Sundays completely free, Saturdays 1 class that was 1.5 hours
During free time, we would go explore the town of Carlisle - there are a bunch of different stores. Also, hung out in the dorm.
What extracurricular activities were offered?
One trip to Hershey Park
Movie nights were offered, and a “Prom” dance event
Tell us a little bit about your boarding experience. How many roommates, is housing on or off campus, specifics about accommodations, meal plans, supervision, etc.
1 roommate (for some people 2)
Dorms are on Dickinson college which is a quick walk to the studio
RA’s are in charge of the floors
Meals were offered on campus (in a location called The HUB) but they are not great with allergies
What was your favorite thing about your summer study experience?
Opened my eyes to a lot more technique around ballet, really helped coming back to my studio, feel like a stronger dancer
Least favorite?
Food
Do you feel your technique and performing abilities improved?
Absolutely, and have a much stronger appreciation for ballet
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First name and age:
Joy, 15
What summer programs have you attended?
I attended American Academy of Ballet (at SUNY Purchase in New York) in 2022, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (in Carlisle, Pennsylvania) in 2023.
Did you board there?
I did board there! :)
How many weeks were you there and did you feel it was too short or too long?
AAB offered a maximum of 4 weeks, and I did all 4 of them. AAB was my first boarding ballet intensive, so it was a bit of a new experience and I felt like it was just the right length for me. CPYB offered a 5-week intensive, which was fun because it was longer than my first intensive, but I felt like I was ready to go home during the end of the last week, so if it had been any longer it probably would’ve felt a bit dragged out.
Please give us some information about the classes. Levels, class size, variety, etc.
At AAB there were about 5 different levels/classes, which had maybe about 10-16 people in each, give or take. The class schedule, names, and members changed each week. At CPYB there were a lot more classes/levels—maybe more like 14 or 15, each with maybe 10 or so people in them. The CPYB class schedule changed weekly, but the members of the classes and names of the classes didn’t change.
How many hours a day did you dance?
At AAB, since there were weekly performances, there were classes after dinner and a couple of different late-night classes you could take if you were in extra dances. I think I danced for maybe 7 hours a day. There was also an additional performing program at AAB called Performance Awards, which I did not participate in, but definitely took up additional time for the students who did it as well. At CPYB, there were no performances, but there were night classes offered that were optional to take. Excluding the night classes, I think I danced 4-5 hours a day (5 1/2-6 if you count the night classes).
How much free time did you have and what were some of the things you did?
At AAB, there were some classes with 10-15 minutes between each other, so we spent that time running around trying to find the correct one of the million classrooms for our next class :) The after-dinner classes ended at about 6:45pm if I remember correctly, so there was plenty of time for people to walk back to the dormitories and relax and stuff. We had 4th of July off, and I’m pretty sure that there was a class on Saturday (not sure if it was optional or not), because I was close enough to home that I spent the weekends at home and returned back on Sunday afternoons. At CPYB, other than the breaks between classes for lunch, dinner, etc., we had about a half-hour between classes, which we usually used for preparing for the next class (putting on pointe shoes, etc.). We had a mandatory morning class on Saturdays, and then had the afternoon off. 4th of July was also off for us there, and our RAs (residential assistants, adults in charge of the students in the dormitories and stuff) had tons of 4th of July activities planned, so we spent our time in a field on campus playing games and things. Additionally, on Wednesday afternoons, RAs took groups of students out into town for the weekly local farmers’ market, where we spent time looking at and buying the local sellers’ products and listening to the live music there. Sundays were off, and I spent the mornings going to church with a small group of students and an RA, and relaxed during the afternoon (hanging with friends, doing laundry, etc.). On the weekends, the curfew was later, so I used that time to watch movies with friends. (There was a large group of CPYB summer students who were from my studio, so we hung out at each other’s rooms a lot.)
What extracurricular activities were offered?
I don’t remember any particular extracurricular activities being offered at AAB, and the same thing for CPYB. Although, AAB did hold a few weekly talent shows, fashion shows, and solo competitions, which were a ton of fun to watch (I didn’t compete in them, but I always went to watch them, especially the solo competitions, which were incredible). At CPYB, RAs in charge of various floors in the dormitory I was in hosted their own different activities in the basement of the dormitory, but those were mostly informal parties or movies or things like that. Oh, also, CPYB took everybody to Hersheypark in Hershey (since CPYB is close to there) on the last weekend of the intensive, which was an all-day activity and so much fun.
Tell us a bit about your boarding experience. How many roommates, is housing on or off campus, specifics about accommodations, meal plans, supervision, etc.
At AAB, housing was on-campus, since the facilities we used (dining hall, performance stage, studios, etc.) were all part of the campus of SUNY Purchase. At CPYB, the warehouse of studios owned by CPYB was within walking distance of the campus of Dickinson College, which housed the dormitory halls and dining hall that we used. In both camps, most rooms were two-person, with a few three-person rooms. At AAB (the Purchase College dormitory hall), each room had its own bathroom, while at the Dickinson College dormitories, there were shared bathrooms. At both camps, there was a dining hall extremely close to the dormitories (as in, you can see it from your window), and a short walk to the dance building. Using washing and drying machines at AAB was free, while at CPYB you had to use an app to pay for use of washing and drying machines. Washing/drying machines were in the basement of the dormitory hall at both camps. At both AAB and CPYB, RAs were distributed two to a floor, one on each side, within easy access of students. There were regular fire drills at both camps, as well as regulations regarding behavior and lifestyle, although in my opinion I think CPYB was more thorough with laying out and enforcing these rules and making sure they were taken seriously.
What was your favorite thing about your summer study experience?
At AAB, my favorite thing was getting to know new people, learning how to absorb and memorize choreography quickly, getting more comfortable performing, taking classes from famous teachers, and just the overall experience of my first-ever sleep away camp. AAB had a ton of students from places other than the US, and I made lots of new friends from places like Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Australia, Israel, Argentina, and Jamaica. I think AAB’s reach is a lot farther than CPYB, and it was so cool meeting dancers from other places of the world. At CPYB, I also really enjoyed making new friends, and I also felt a lot more confident in my skills as a dancer.
Least favorite?
I think my least favorite part about attending AAB was that the schedule and classes didn’t seem as organized as they should have been, and also I didn’t like how rushed I felt about learning the choreography for the weekly performances. Although it improved my confidence about performing, it was stressful remembering a new couple of dances every 5 days. At CPYB, I didn’t dislike much of it, but I felt like I had been put in a level that was too beginner for me. I think that the focus on CPYB is less on skill and more on the weaknesses of the dancers, grouping them into classes that focus on improving those weaknesses. After the experience, though, I think the level I was put into was the correct choice, and my turnout has improved.
Do you feel your technique and performing abilities improved?
Yep! (I expanded on this just now, in the above paragraph, so I’ll just leave it at that.)
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First name and age:
Emma - 17 years old
What summer programs have you attended?
Paris Opera Ballet, Ellison Ballet, Sarasota Ballet
Did you board there?
I boarded in Paris and at Sarasota Ballet. I was 13 when I boarded in Paris, Sarasota was this past summer. When I did Ellison my dad and I stayed in an Air BnB.
How many weeks were you there and did you feel it was too short or too long?
Paris Opera was two weeks. That went by super fast. Eliison was the longest one I did. It was six weeks long. We had the regular summer intensive for four weeks and I was invited to participate in the Classical Variations Intensive for an additional two weeks. That summer felt super long, but I still had a great experience. Sarasota Ballet lasted 3 weeks. I had such a good time this past summer. It honestly went by super fast.
Please give us some information about the classes. Levels, class size, Variety, etc.
At all three intensives the class sizes were pretty big. At Paris Opera, I was 13, so I was with mostly girls my age. There were no boys in my level. I think it was around 20 girls. We stuck together for all of our classes each day. I don't remember specific classes but I know we had ballet everyday, variations/rep, pilates (not everyday) contemporary, jazz, character. Paris had a lot to offer. At Ellison, it was around 20 girls I would say. I was again put in a level with girls my age. We had ballet, contemporary, variations, character/folk dance, conditioning (not everyday, I think out of the four weeks we probably had it twice). Also at Ellison every Thursday we had partnering with the boys in the higher level. Sarasota I was put in the highest level, 4B. I was with boys and girls. We had 20 people in my class I would guess. We had ballet, pointe, partnering, boys had a class for jumps/turns, contemporary, jazz, rep, variations, and more. Mostly at each intensive I went to the levels would stick together and be with each other all day.
How many hours a day did you dance?
Around 8 hours a day at each program. In between classes at Ellison we had longer breaks so sometimes our day would start at 9:30 and we wouldn't be done until 8 because of our breaks.
How much free time did you have and what were some of the things you did?
At Paris Opera, I mostly had free time after around 4 pm. we would eat dinner, hang out in the dorms, walk in the courtyard, etc. Ellison we got to leave for lunch, we would go out during breaks, and had free time after classes. At Sarasota we had not really big breaks in between, so we would finish around 3/4 and have the rest of the day free.
What extracurricular activities were offered?
Each intensive I went to offered excursions. In Paris I got to see the Eiffel tower, Ellison there was a cruise, and other city/toursity things. At Sarasota we went to Disney world for a day, went on a boat cruise, got to go to the beach.
Tell us a little bit about your boarding experience. How many roommates, is housing on or off campus, specifics about accommodations, meal plans, supervision, etc.
Paris Opera: In Paris I had two roommates. You were able to request so I was with a friend from my studio and then a girl I didn't know. We had a meal plan for breakfast lunch and dinner. The dorms were connected to the school so we were able to get lunch really easily. There were residential counselors who were super nice.
Ellison: I wasn't in the dorms at Ellison but mostly all my friends were. you had to take the subway to get to the studios, so the dorms were sort of far. I know that you are allowed to leave if you were a certain age and the counselors were pretty chill about going out by yourselves once you became familiar with the city. There was no meal plan as the dorms were in an apartment building. So you had to go grocery shopping every once in a while and each room had a little kitchen with a fridge and stove.
Sarasota: The dorms for Sarasota Ballet were at Ringling College. There were super nice. My dorm had two suites, so I had a roommate and then two suitemates. We all shared a bathroom and a small kitchen. We had two floors in the dorm building and the top floor (where I was) were the older kids and the bottom floor they were a bit younger. We got to go to the dininghall at the college which was super nice and we had meal plans. We did have to pack lunches every day because the studios were off campus. They drove us in shuttles to and from campus/studios. You also couldn't leave with a counselor unless you were 18. So I wasn't allowed to leave but my residential counselors took us to the beach, target, and more.
What was your favorite thing about your summer study experience?
I really had a great time in Sarasota this past summer. I think you get more out of summer intensives when you get to around my age. I loved being able to be in a class with boys and being able to learn Rep from the Company. I learned a lot this past summer but also I had a great time at Ellison and Paris. Paris was a great experience especially because I was in a different country.
Least favorite?
Sometimes the days can feel super long. But that's just something you get used to after a while.
Do you feel your technique and performing abilities improved?
I think it depends on how long you are there for. Ellison I felt like I impoved a lot and honestly in Paris too because I was so young and it was super challenging but Sarasota felt more like just keeping my training up and learning how to be in an environment where you are treated more like an adult and get to also dance and partner with people which I have not a lot of experience with.
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First name and age:
Madeleine, 25
What summer programs have you attended?
Bolshoi Ballet, Kirov Ballet, Royal Ballet London, American Ballet Theatre NYC (3x), San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet
Did you board there?
For all but ABT NYC, yes!
How many weeks were you there and did you feel it was too short or too long?
I did Boshoi, Kirov and the Royal for 2-3 weeks each, but by the time I was 15 I was doing 6 weeks at a minimum. I knew I was doing the right thing when I went to the Kirov at age 13 and basically begged to stay for the full 6 weeks rather than just 3!
Please give us some information about the classes. Levels, class size, Variety, etc.
It really depends on your selection/acceptances but I can honestly say I wouldn't have improved as much or as fast if I had not attended summer programs! I felt that all of my class sizes were appropriate-- bigger than a typical regional ballet school class without being overwhelming, and offered a vast variety of techniques or skills to be gained, from character to repertoire, flamenco, acting, mime, dance history, etc.
How many hours a day did you dance?
Most of my programs were a 9-5 or similar-- maybe an 8-4, but a full day of dance five days a week is hard to come by if you're not homeschooled!
How much free time did you have and what were some of the things you did?
Weekends were generally free, and depending on the program could vary from getting to see the company perform free of charge or for a very reduced price, getting to explore the city, or various other cultural experiences. When I was very little, 12 or so, we were having Russian language immersion classes at the Bolshoi, and getting to connect with international students and their translators was an incredibly enriching experience.
What extracurricular activities were offered?
It really depends! Whether you were a residential or commuter student mattered, as did your age. Understandably, older students or the truly pre-professional (18+) had far more freedom than the younger ones did, and this is ultimately for their benefit.
Tell us a little bit about your boarding experience. How many roommates, is housing on or off campus, specifics about accommodations, meal plans, supervision, etc.
Again, it varies-- I have been a full residential student and also a commuter student, but I never had more than two roommates. I know in SFB, when I boarded at J House we were responsible for our own grocery shopping and meals, but that was specifically a full scholarship student responsibility-- other students had meal plans when boarding at the college.
What was your favorite thing about your summer study experience?
Getting to experience a completely different school, company and environment overall! I had wonderful experiences at almost every summer intensive I attended, including some small regional ones that I neglected to mention. For those serious about dance, having the opportunity to get out of your home studio is essential. You will more likely than not make some lifelong friends, and given how international ballet is, the international connections you'll create makes for some of the most incredibly enriching friendships and interactions you can have as a young person. Additionally, the opportunity to audition through the summer intensive for company roles or school positions is incredibly valuable, and you will get a clear sense if this company is the right fit for you.
Least favorite?
It can be very challenging to see other dancers around you that are "more famous" whether through YAGPor instagram etc, I think now more so than in my day. I would suggest that taking the opportunity to observe and learn from them is the best attitude you can have, rather than becoming overly competitive or critical of yourself. Word to the wise-- ballet is a long game, particularly at the professional level, and all of your experiences as a young dancer will contribute to your development as an artist. Just because you're not the highlighted or soloist dancer at an end of term show doesn't mean you won't become a professional dancer-- that was never the case for me and I had a fairly respectable career! I would try to prioritize companies that are a similar fit to the type of repertoire and environment you are interested in-- and if that means picking a smaller company for more individualized attention, then go for it!
Do you feel your technique and performing abilities improved?
Without a shadow of a doubt. Again, I wouldn't be the same dancer I was if I had not attended so many summer intensives! I feel it made up the difference for after school training when I was not able to train full time (9-5). I only attended pre-professional training programs for my 4 years of high school, and I still had a professional career.