Summer is around the corner, and with that come summer programs. Hopefully you have made your travel plans, but have you thought about what else you may need before you go and after you get there?

Before You Go:
Summer programs generally are complete dance immersions, meaning you spend the entire day dancing with an afternoon break for lunch. This leaves little time for much else, including doing fun things like laundry. So that you don’t have to cut into your relaxation time, you will want a least a week’s worth of dancewear - maybe even more if you want a change of clothing for the afternoon after the hard morning workout.
If you are doing a program that involves pointe, understand that one pair of pointe shoes won’t have a chance to properly dry out between classes, and this means that your shoes will break down a lot faster than necessary. Depending on the length of the program, you will need at least two pairs of pointe shoes for a week-long, and at least 3 or 4 pairs for longer programs. You don’t want to miss out on class because you don’t have the proper shoes. After all, you worked hard to earn the right to be there!
Don’t forget the little things! Be sure that you have plenty of hairnets and bobby pins. While these are really common things, you never know how easily you will be able to get around. Furthermore, when you are out of class, you will probably want to relax with your new friends and not have to run errands.

Other Considerations:
How far will you need to go between your lodging and class? If you will be spending a lot of time outside walking, don’t forget your sunscreen and good walking shoes.
What and where are the local food sources? Do you have any diet restrictions? Shannon at Centerstage said that one summer program she spent three weeks eating white rice and salad because nothing else was palatable. If you do a little research and preparation on this front before you go, you might be really glad once you’re there.
Be sure to allow some time in the evening to take care of your feet. After a strenuous day of dance, there is nothing better than pampering your feet a little bit. A little soak with some Epson salts and some Sweet Feet or Bunhead’s Foot Balm make a perfect end to an exhilarating day!

Just what every dancer needs before and after a long day in the studio! Our all-natural, hypoallergenic foot balm dries the feet and eliminates odor on contact, while creating a comfortable, durable film that is not slippery inside a shoe. The seven essential oils revive, replenish and restore tired, aching feet. Several natural antibiotics present in the beeswax keep nourishing, protecting and cleansing the feet all day long. 4 fl. oz.

Bunheads Foot Balm - $10
Buy Now

Created by local dancer and instructor Jeanette Wilson, here is what she has to say about her Sweet Feet spray:
“All dancers have experienced the embarrassment of stinky feet after dance class. After all, our feet are overworked and crammed in skintight leather, cloth and even plastic shoes for hours. Dancers are rightfully proud of their feet. Why should we be horrifyingly embarrassed of them when we take our shoes off? After trying many disappointing traditional sprays, I wanted to create my own. Working with a fellow dancer who was also a raw fragrance sales rep., I smelled dozens of fragrances and finally combined my favorites to develop the perfect light, refreshing and sweet smelling foot spray! I gave all my dancer buddies samples to get their feedback. They LOVED it!! Taking our shoes off after class now invoked numerous inquiries into that sweet smell. The fragrance is enhanced with a variety of herbs and natural ingredients to kill germs and deodorize the feet as well.”

Sweet Feet - $7.50
Buy Now