To find a ballet summer intensive, start in the fall by asking your teacher which programs suit your level and goals, research schools and their audition dates, register for auditions that usually run in winter, either in person or by video, and compare offers on training quality, schedule, housing, supervision, and total cost before accepting. Summer intensives are multi-week programs where serious students take several classes a day with new teachers, often including technique, pointe or men’s work, variations, and contemporary. The best choice is the program that fits your current level and helps you grow, not necessarily the most famous name.
This guide explains the types of summer programs, a month-by-month timeline, how auditions work, how to prepare photos and videos, how to compare offers, what to expect during the intensive, and the mistakes families make.
Types of summer programs
| Type | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Major company school intensives | Highly competitive, often residential, several classes a day, strong professional network | Advanced pre-professional students |
| Regional programs | Solid training with more accessible entry and smaller classes | Intermediate students building experience |
| Local studio intensives | Affordable, familiar teachers, shorter days, commuting | Younger students and first-time intensives |
| University programs | Campus setting, varied styles, sometimes older age ranges | Teens considering dance in higher education |
| Specialty programs | Focus on contemporary, pas de deux, repertoire, or choreography | Students wanting targeted development |
A month-by-month timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| September to October | Talk with your teacher, research programs, note audition dates and requirements |
| November | Arrange audition photos or videos, register for in-person audition tours |
| December to February | Attend auditions or submit video applications |
| January to March | Receive results, compare offers, apply for scholarships |
| March to April | Accept a program, pay deposits, arrange travel and housing |
| May to June | Prepare physically, pack, confirm details |
Exact dates vary by program, so always check each school’s official information.
How auditions work
In-person auditions. Many schools run audition tours in different cities. Auditions usually take the form of a ballet class, sometimes with pointe or center work, observed by faculty.
Video auditions. Many schools accept video submissions. Follow the exact requirements for exercises, camera angles, clothing, and length.
Photos. Some applications require photos in specific positions, such as first arabesque, tendu à la seconde, or a position on pointe.
Fees. Most auditions charge a fee, whether in person or by video.
Preparing for auditions
1. Follow the dress code. Many auditions request a plain leotard, pink or skin-toned tights, and specific shoes. Men usually wear a plain leotard or fitted T-shirt with tights or shorts.
2. Prepare a neat appearance. A secure bun or tidy hair helps faculty see your lines.
3. Warm up properly. Arrive early to warm up before the class starts.
4. Focus on clean basics. Juries look for alignment, placement, musicality, and potential rather than tricks.
5. Stay positive and coachable. Apply corrections quickly and show enthusiasm.
Making a good audition video or photos
Good lighting. Film in a well-lit studio with a plain background.
Full-body framing. Keep the whole body, including feet, in frame at all times.
Correct angles. Follow the school’s instructions for which side or angle to film.
Steady camera. Use a tripod rather than handheld filming.
No editing tricks. Most schools require unedited footage of each exercise.
How to compare offers
| Factor | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Training quality | Who teaches? What is the daily schedule? How large are classes? |
| Level placement | Will you be placed appropriately, and is there a clear structure? |
| Curriculum | Does it include pointe or men’s class, variations, contemporary, and conditioning? |
| Housing and supervision | Is there supervised residential housing for minors? |
| Health support | Is there access to physical therapy or medical support? |
| Cost | What are tuition, housing, meals, travel, and extra fees? |
| Scholarships | Are there merit or need-based scholarships? |
| Length | How many weeks, and does that fit your summer? |
What to expect at the intensive
A full schedule. Many programs include several classes a day, such as technique, pointe or men’s technique, variations, contemporary, and conditioning.
New teachers and styles. Expect different corrections and approaches. Stay open and apply feedback.
A final performance or showing. Many programs end with a performance for families.
Independence. Residential programs require managing laundry, meals, and rest.
Potential year-round opportunities. Some schools invite summer students to join year-round programs.
How to prepare before summer
Build stamina. Gradually increase class frequency in the spring so the intensive’s workload is not a shock.
Break in shoes. Bring several pairs of pointe shoes that are ready to dance in.
Pack essentials. Leotards, tights, warm-ups, foot care supplies, and a water bottle.
Plan recovery. Sleep, nutrition, and hydration are essential during long training days.
Choosing by age and level
Younger students. Children in the early stages of training often benefit most from a local or day program with shorter hours and familiar surroundings. Residential programs are usually better suited to older, more independent students.
Intermediate teens. Regional programs can offer excellent training, more individual attention, and a realistic step up in workload.
Advanced pre-professional students. Company-affiliated intensives provide exposure to high-level faculty, repertoire, and possible invitations to year-round training.
Adults. Some schools run adult summer intensives or workshops for recreational dancers who want concentrated training.
Paying for an intensive
Scholarships. Some schools award scholarships at auditions; others accept separate applications based on merit or financial need.
Local funds. Community arts organizations or dance associations sometimes offer grants.
Shorter options. A one- or two-week program can provide valuable experience at a lower cost than a five-week residential intensive.
Plan ahead. Deposits are often due in spring, so budget early.
Common mistakes
Choosing only by prestige. A famous school is not the right fit if you will be placed far above or below your level.
Missing deadlines. Audition registration and video deadlines can arrive early. Keep a calendar.
Ignoring total costs. Housing, meals, travel, and extra fees can exceed tuition.
Skipping the teacher conversation. Your teacher knows your level and can suggest suitable programs.
Arriving unprepared physically. Jumping from a light schedule to several classes a day can cause injury.
Treating rejection as failure. Results reflect many factors, including space and casting needs. Keep training and try again.
A note on health and safety
Intensives involve long training days, so build fitness gradually beforehand, eat regularly, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. Tell faculty about any existing injuries. For minors, check that residential programs have clear supervision, safeguarding policies, and access to medical care. Seek medical advice if pain persists rather than dancing through it.
Frequently asked questions
When do ballet summer intensive auditions happen?
Many auditions take place in winter, commonly from around December to February, but dates vary. Check each program’s official schedule.
Can I audition for summer intensives by video?
Many programs accept video auditions. Follow each school’s instructions for exercises, clothing, and filming exactly.
How do I choose between summer intensive offers?
Compare training quality, level placement, curriculum, housing and supervision, health support, total cost, and scholarships, and ask your teacher’s advice.
