Guest Post: Preparing For An Intensive Summer Program

Today’s Guest Post is from Nina Amir who blogs over at My Son Can Dance. I have enjoyed following Nina’s adventures in parenting a son who is pursuing serious study of dance. Dancers are receiving acceptance letters about now for intensive summer programs in cities all over the country. If this is your first big intensive, excitement for what lies ahead is probably charged with uncertainty and stress over preparations. Here, Nina shares what she and her son experienced their first summer at American Ballet Theatre’s summer program in New York City. No matter where you are headed this summer, these tips offer great advice from someone who has been where you are now.

You’ve just gotten the email. Your son or daughter has been accepted to the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive in New York City. This acceptance means so much—your child has enough talent to attend one of the premier (if not THE premier) ballet summer programs in the nation, your child has to be ready to endure the rigours of such a program and you have to figure out how to handle the logistics of an unchaperoned summer intensive in the middle of the Big Apple.

Last year I faced these same issues for the first time when my son was accepted into the ABT Summer Intensive program. We went to New York to spend seven weeks together while he danced and I worked. We had some idea what this entailed, but to some extent, despite the bright lights of the city, we entered into this adventure in the dark so to speak.

This year, we are going back to New York again for a second year at the ABT Summer Intensive. We will return with our eyes open and knowing more about what to expect and how to prepare.

Tips For A Successful Summer

For those of you going off to New York for the ABT Summer Intensive for the first time, here are some things to consider as you get ready for your experience—probably the best experience your child has ever had as a dancer—and some tips that might make the program more successful for both you and your dancer.

1. Choose your accommodations carefully.

Quite a number of children in the 15-18 age group stayed in dorms without chaperones. They seemed to enjoy this and handle it quite well. Many moms also stayed in New York University dorms with their daughters, although they aren’t a cheaper alternative.

The majority of the dancers arrived in New York with one or more parents who had sublet an apartment somewhere in the city or in the surrounding area. A few of the kids stayed with relatives in New Jersey or in areas that afforded them the ability to ride into the city by train.

We sublet a very small—too small—studio apartment in an attempt to save money. It was on a lovely, historic street in the East Village. However, we needed more space as well as Internet hook up and cable TV, neither of which did we have. I also failed to ask the owner of the apartment if the kitchen was well equipped for someone who wanted to cook everyday; it was not. So, don’t assume that all New Yorkers cook. Be sure to ask about the amenities included in the apartment. If at all possible, send someone you know to see the apartment, or ask for additional pictures to be sent to you via the Internet.

Also, if an apartment seems to good to be true, it probably is. Try to find a realtor to help you find a place, or be sure you are dealing with a real person. We almost got scammed by one person…I think. So, be careful about the people with whom you deal.

By far, finding housing is the hardest part of going to this summer intensive. It’s time consuming and housing is expensive.

2. Add extra classes, weight lifting or exercise prior to attending the intensive.

Unlike some of the other programs, the ABT summer intensive really is intense. The first week has the kids dancing, doing yoga and pilates six hours a day. They come out tired and sore. In particular, my son was muscle sore from “pressing” girls and partnering them.

Based on what I’ve been told by some experts, I’d suggest that kids add in some sort of cross training—running, jumping rope, swimming, or something else in the weeks prior to the program’s start to increase their stamina. See this post for additional advice from Rasta Thomas. (And this one…)

3. Be prepared for the difference in weather.

My son had some trouble with dehydration the first week. We live in California, and I didn’t really think that would be a problem since we were coming from a dry, hot climate. However, it was so hot and humid in New York that he sweated more than usual and didn’t drink enough. The kids need to have electrolyte packets and other sports drinks along with water to keep them hydrated.

Also bring a variety of clothing. We had tons of rain and some chilly weather early on. Then it got beastly hot.

4. Include vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements to the daily regimen.

I added in extra vitamins and herbs to my son’s regimen of nutritional supplements. I found some of that helped prevent overuse injuries. Despite the fact that he also danced on Saturdays and some evenings at other studios in the city, he had very few overuse injuries. Watch my blog for information on great supplements to keep your kids dancing healthy and uninjured.

5. Make use of wellness resources made available

Be sure your son or daughter takes advantage of the physical therapist provided by ABT if they run into any problem. (Most of the kids had some sort of foot problems or shin splints.) She is great and really helps. My son had one problem early on with his foot, and she solved it quickly with exercises. We also found a chiropractor who was a former dancer. He was super. (You can contact me if you need him.)

6. Take advantage of the city (but don’t walk too much)!

There is lots to do in the city, and the dancers have the weekends off. It’s easy to get around using the subway. It’s also pretty safe, despite what people think about New York City.

Be sure to have good walking shoes, and insist that your dancer wear them, too. ABT requires that the kids not wear flip flops or other sandals (but the kids don’t listen). Their feet are tired at the end of the day, and walking on the pavement doesn’t help. My son’s feet and legs were extremely tired the first two days we were in the city, and he refused to wear the good running shoes we had bought just for that purpose. He did wear them more after that.

7. Let your son or daughter enjoy being with the other dancers in the program.

Many parents are afraid to let their children leave the studio during lunch. However, the kids tend to go out for lunch in groups. The area is pretty safe and doing things together breeds friendships. My son regretted not doing more with the other dancers, such as in the evening and on weekends.

8. Take advantage of the dance happening all around.

Go see dance. Let them take extra dance classes on the weekend (but make your child take at least one day off to rest). We went to see modern and contemporary dance at The Joyce and The Joyce Soho as well as taking advantage of the discount tickets offered to us to American Ballet Theatre productions.

My son also took tap classes at least twice a week at Broadway Dance Center and hip hop classes as well. (We found that these didn’t use the same muscles as ballet; thus, we weren’t too worried about overuse injuries from the extra classes.) We then stayed in New York City for an extra week, and he danced every day for another six hours at Broadway Dance Center. Next to his time at ABT, this was the best experience he had in the city. Many of the dancers also went to Steps on Broadway for additional jazz or ballet classes; we just never made it there.

9. Offer encouragement to help your child through a rough beginning.

Dancers need to know the program is harder than anything else they may have done before. At the end of the first day they are tired. The next morning, they may be wondering how they’ll make it through the second day. At the end of the first full week, they will wonder if they can make it through the whole program. However, by week three, they have settled into the routine and adjusted to the strenuous nature of the program. At the end of the six weeks, they will be in great shape and wish the program weren’t ending yet. They’ll know they could dance for six hours a day every day…and they’ll want to do so.

10. Know that as a parent you’ll be in the city on your own while your dancer dances.

Parents are not allowed into the ABT building or up to the ABT offices in general until the one—yes, one—parent observation day. So, find something to do or bring something to do. I work from home, so I was busy every day in our tiny apartment. Other parents shopped or visited museums or went to Broadway shows. All the waiting around, walking back and forth from the ABT studios and hearing about your child’s day second hand will be worth it, however, when you see the final performance and see how much he or she has improved.

For more information on the ABT Summer Intensive experience, check out my blog, My Son Can Dance, and read the archived posts under the category titled “summer dance programs.”

Nina Amir is a journalist and author currently writing a book meant to mentor young boys (age 10-17) who dream of becoming professional dancers. She realized what a difficult road it was for young male dancers early in her son’s career. She interviews top male dancers and teachers asking for their advice, experiences, and tips so young boys who want to follow in their footsteps will have the strength, inspiration and tools to do so. My Son Can Dance is meant to chronicle Nina’s struggles, what she has learned and the experiences with her son in the hope that she might be a mentor other parents of young boys who want to dance.

Where Can Teachers Continue Their Education?

On Monday, I posted WHY it’s a good idea for dance teachers to make continuing their own education a priority (particularly during the summer months when many schools break from the regular schedule). Today we’re talking about WHERE, teachers might do so. These are just a few of the many programs and events out there. I’ve tried to include a range of activities with a variety in focus, scope, and cost. If you have experience with any of these or want to add your own, please do so in the comments below!

Teacher Training and Workshops

Dance Teacher Summit – 3 days in New York City at the Hilton in Midtown Manhattan. Classes with renowned artists, seminars on teaching and the business/administration side of things. July 27-29 but still time to register!

Dance Teacher Web Conference & Expo – 4 days the Ritz Carlton on Lake Las Vegas (about 17 miles from downtown Vegas). Curriculum and choreography, business tips and tactics, teaching workshops, led by industry leaders. August 9-12, register online, by mail, phone, or fax.

The Pulse/Broadway Dance Center Teacher Workshop – 3 days at the Sharaton in New York City. Classes and seminars with BDC faculty, The Pulse faculty, and Rhee Gold. Choreography, music, and costume ideas. Overlaps with dancer conference. July 27-29, register online.

DanceLife Teacher Conference – 4 days at a Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida. Classes, marketing seminars, Rhee Gold’s famous motivational workshops, and some truly unique session topics. August 3-6, call or register online.

Musicworks Teacher Tour – Six-city tour [Dallas, Indianappolis, Irvine (CA), Pittsburgh, Kalamazoo (MI), Atlanta]. 3-day schedule. Special assistant price when a teacher registers. Syllabus (including Al Gilbert tap system) and choreography, master teachers, and a small but exceptional staff. Dates throughout July, August, and one in October.

American Academy of Ballet Teacher’s Intensive – 6 day workshop/training held at SUNY Purchase. Curriculum and choreography for different age groups, including very young dancers. Discussion, Q&A, how to sessions with faculty. The chance to observe teachers in action as they instruct students participating in Summer School of Excellence program. Option to attend and pay per day. August 7 – 12.

Leap ‘N Learn Teacher Workshops – In addition to participation at the DT Summit and DanceLife Conference, scheduled are two/three-day workshops in New Orleans (July 24-26), Denver (Aug 22-23), and Chicago (Aug 29-30). Training in syllabus and in the teaching of young dancers.  Syllabus resources and music. Topical sessions on recital ideas, business and legal considerations, pilates, and more. Registration via phone or mail (spaces limited but requests for additional workshops are possible).

Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop – A weekend workshop (this weekend July 18-19) and a two-week intensive beginning July 20 at University of Colorado. Registration open until classes or full. Options to pay for groups of classes or even per class, however at this late date there will likely be limitations. Intensive is for 16yrs and up with level requirements and placement. A supportive, non-competitive environment. Special teacher seminars and completion certificate. Jazz and Modern Dance Focus.

Canada’s National Ballet School — Moved to Dance – Observation week July 27-31 – Sit in on classes, talk to faculty and guest teachers, and discuss the School’s training philosophy and approach. Moved to Dance seminar, Explore How Effective Breathing Enhances Dance August 4-8. Daily classes in classical and contemporary, evening lectures and discussions on nutrition, self-esteem and more.

The Dance Project Dance Teacher’s Conference – 2 days in Toronto, Canada. Classes in Ballet, Jazz, Salsa, and Hip Hop, as well as Lifts, Strength and Flexibility, and Preschool Dance. Daytime sessions with evenings free. August 15 and 16 at Joy of Dance Centre.

Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company Move-It Summer Teacher’s Workshop – Designed for teachers who are working in the university, professional, and secondary school settings. A mixed group of educators will facilitate sessions in technique, choreography, improvisation and experiential anatomy. Those signed up for the Teacher’s Workshop (July 27-31) can add on the Three-Week Dancer’s Workshop  (July 20-Aug 7) at a discount (during which technique classes can be taken at per-class or weekly rates).

There are so many more!!

Not finding something in your area? Try the Dance Teacher Magazine website. Or, the links here. Or here at Dancer Universe!

Why Stick to Just Teacher Workshops?

Between summer dance festivals which happen all over the country and the world and drop-in dance classes or dance jams in cities all over, there are plenty of opportunities to gain inspiration and rejuvinate your spirit for dance. You just have to look for them!

One of my favorite dance festivals is in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains in MA. I’ve written about Jacob’s Pillow before and there are additional art and dance experiences throughout the area. Headed somewhere on vacation? Look for art and culture opportunities in the area before you go. Research area schools – some may even be keen to let you observe or visit their school or summer sessions. This kind of work-related stuff feels more like play because it will rejuvenate and inspire you!

Got more ideas?

Have you been to some of the workshops above?

Want to share some other experiences or ideas for continuing dance teacher education over the summer?

Share, share, share below!!

What I Did Over Summer Vacation…

If your dance teacher asks you to write an essay on this topic when you return to dance this fall, will you be able to fill your page with descriptions of dance related activities or… not so much. For those that continue dancing all through the year, good for you. However, if you attend a dance school that, like many, takes an extended break for the summer, this post may help you discover additional ways to spend your holiday (other than watching TV or summer blockbusters and sun-bathing). Don’t get me wrong, enjoying a little deserved R&R after a long year of school, dance, and other activities is good for you (just be sure to wear sunblock, ok?), but setting aside some time to focus on dance will help you grow as a dancer and keep you from needing to brush-up or re-focus when you come back. Here are some ways you can include dance in your summer fun… Read more