What to do for the Summer

Ah recitals are over, summer is here, and what do we do for the summer? For some of you, you will be sending your child off to summer intensives around the country. There are some important things to remember: Make sure you send enough pointe shoes with your child. Sometimes it will be difficult to get to the dance store in the city she will be dancing in, especially if she will be staying in a dorm or on a college campus. Not only that, but the store where the program is being held may or may not carry your child's brand and style of pointe shoe. If the program is a ballet program and has a daily pointe class, your child will need at least two pairs because pointe shoes need to dry for 48 hours between wearings (except for Gaynor Minden shoes). In addition, you will probably want to send a pair for the end of session performance (remind your child to break them in the week before the performance). If your child is hard on shoes, send one more emergency pair for a five week session, and two or three extra pair for an six - eight week session. I always sent 6 pair of pointe shoes, two pair of ballet flats, 12 pair of tights and at least 10 leotards. Remember they will be dancing five to eight hours per day and will most likely not have a lot of time to do laundry during the week. Some of the programs include a jazz class or a character class, so make sure they have the right shoes for those classes as well. Summer sessions are expensive but very rewarding for the child, also it will give you a good indication if this is the "love of his/her life". Summer sessions are grueling, and some of the children who attend will decide a dance career is not in their future.

For those of you staying home and attending a local program, or just taking a break for the summer, remember that many dance stores hold sales during June and July because it is so slow. Keep your eyes open for local bargains!