06/08/2026
Heading off to your summer intensive?
If your suitcase is half-packed and your nerves are doing a little something, you're in good company. Summer intensive season is here, and before you head out the door, we wanted to send you off with a few things we've learned from years of fitting dancers who've done exactly this.
Carry-on: the things you can't replace
Whatever you do, your pointe shoes go in your carry-on. Checked bags get lost, delayed, and rerouted, and the last thing you want is to arrive at day one without your shoes. The same goes for anything broken-in and irreplaceable.
Pack in your carry-on:
-Your pointe shoes (all of them) and flats
-Ribbons, elastics, and your sewing kit
-Toe pads, spacers, and any padding you rely on
-One complete class outfit — leotard, tights, warmups
-Any medications, contact lenses, or glasses
-A water bottle and snacks for travel
If your luggage gets delayed, this is the bag that gets you through your first day intact.
Checked luggage: everything else
The bulk goes here — the things you can replace in a pinch if you had to.
Pack in your checked bag:
-The rest of your leotards and at least 5 pairs of tights (more on that below)*
-Warmups, sweats, and layers
-Shoes you're not actively dancing in
-Toiletries and everyday clothes
-A small first-aid kit for blisters and sore feet
*A word on tights: If you have the means, bring at least 5 pairs so you're only doing laundry on the weekends, not scrambling mid-week. And pack an extra unopened package of "backup tights". A rip happens at the worst possible moment, and you'll be glad to have a fresh pair on hand or saved for performances.
Pro tips from our team
A few things we tell dancers on their way out the door:
-Bring backup pointe shoes already sewn, glued, broken-in, and ready to dance in. Intensives put serious mileage on a shoe, and a pair can die fast. Don't arrive depending on only one.
-Label everything. When forty dancers have nearly identical bags and shoes, your name inside every shoe and on the tag of every leotard saves real heartache.
-Pack a small repair kit. Needle, strong thread, scissors, extra elastics and ribbons. You will need it — and so will three people around you.
-Break in new shoes before you go, not when you arrive. If you're bringing fresh pairs, get some time on them at home first. Rotate your shoes so each pair gets extra drying time between wears — that alone will make them last significantly longer.
-Ice Your Feet at the end of long days. Intensive days are long, and your feet are working harder than they're used to. A few minutes of icing at night keeps swelling and soreness down so you're ready to go again in the morning. No ice and a bucket handy? We love Ánce recovery sneakers (https://www.onpointebellevue.com/product/ance-recovery-sneakers-san-francisco-grey-/11129?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=true) — they've got built-in ice packs that tuck into the forefoot to cool things down and ease post-class soreness.
From our teaching community:
We asked a couple teachers from our local community to share their tips to dancers heading off to an intensive. Here's what they shared:
"Two things come to mind. First, pack booties or foot covers. You often don't know what kind of building your studio is in or how clean the floors are, and you won't always want to walk around in just your socks or your shoes.
Second, fuel like an athlete. A lot of dancers are away from family for the first time and have never had to plan their own meals — and between that and the intensity of the classes, they really need to think ahead about food and energy. Whether there's a dining hall or you're buying your own, make sure you get all your meals in, and do your best to hit protein, veg, carbs, fats, and fiber every day."
"Hi dancers! It's been a long time since my parents sent me off to summer intensives, but I can still remember how excited and nervous I felt like it was yesterday. Starting when I was thirteen, I spent two summers at San Francisco Ballet School, two at the Rock School, and one at the School of American Ballet — where I ended up staying for the year-round program and went on to a professional career with Miami City Ballet. Here are a few things I was glad to have in my luggage, and you will be too:
-A tackle box — yes, the kind people take fishing! The compartments are perfect for hairpins, tape, sewing supplies, ribbons, elastic, mints, and Tylenol.
-A poster or two to make your dorm room feel like home. I always brought my favorite Harvey Edwards poster — the one with a dancer's legs in plié and ballet slippers repaired with duct tape.
-A locked journal. You'll want to write down corrections and choreography, but you'll also want a safe space for your thoughts and feelings. I promise you'll be glad to look back later and see how much you've grown and how resilient you are.
-Leotards you've tried on and feel great in.
-A pretty hair clip to make you feel good.
-A thick hand and foot cream for before bed.
Have a wonderful time at your intensives this summer, and don't be shy about asking for pictures with your teachers and friends — you'll want them. The memories and friendships last a lifetime. Mine did! xoxo"
Safe travels!
Wherever you're headed this summer, we're cheering you on. Dance hard, take care of your feet, and come tell us all about it when you're back.
Need anything before you go? We're here all summer for last-minute fittings, repairs, or restocks — just stop by or give us a call.
We can't wait to hear how it goes!
Warmly,
The On Pointe Bellevue Team
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