Easter Ballet Intensives: What to Bring and Wear

Easter and summer holiday ballet intensives are a fantastic opportunity for committed students to accelerate their training. Unlike regular weekly classes, intensives pack 3–5 hours of ballet into a single day across several days. That level of training demands more careful preparation — both in terms of what your child wears and what they bring with them.

What Is a Ballet Intensive?

A ballet intensive is a series of classes held during school holidays, typically spanning 2–5 days. They may be run by your own dance school or by a visiting company or guest teacher. A typical day at an Easter intensive might include:

• Morning technique class (60–90 minutes)
• Repertoire or variations class (60 minutes)
• Pas de deux or character work (45–60 minutes)
• Cool-down or conditioning session

This is significantly more physical than a single weekly class, and the kit and nutrition requirements are correspondingly greater.

What to Wear for an Intensive

For most RAD-affiliated intensives, the standard uniform applies: grade leotard, pink tights, and ballet shoes. However, since students are working for multiple hours:

• Bring a second leotard and tights — sweating through the morning leotard and changing into fresh kit for the afternoon session makes a real difference to both comfort and professionalism
• Warm-up layers are essential — muscles that cool down between sessions need to warm up again. A ballet wrap cardigan and warm-up booties are important, not optional
• Change of shoes — at intensive level, many students bring a spare pair of ballet flats in case their main pair gets soaked with sweat or the elastic pops

What to Pack for a Full Day of Classes

• 2 sets of class uniform (leotard + tights + belt)
• Ballet shoes (and a spare if available)
• Warm-up cardigan or wrap
• Leg warmers and/or warm-up booties
• Full hair kit with extra pins — buns need redoing between sessions
• Large water bottle — at least 750ml, refillable
• Proper lunch and multiple snacks — this level of training burns far more energy than a weekly class
• Foot care: plasters, vaseline, and toe pads for students doing pointe work
• Any medications (e.g., pain relief for sore muscles — with parental permission form if required by the school)
• A light cardigan or hoodie for the breaks between sessions to stay warm

Nutrition for an Intensive Day

Intensive ballet training is demanding on the body. Students need more fuel than a normal class day:

• A substantial breakfast before the first class — porridge, eggs, or similar
• A mid-morning snack (banana, rice cakes, or a protein snack)
• A proper sit-down lunch with carbohydrates and protein — not just a sandwich
• An afternoon snack
• Consistent water throughout the day

Avoid heavy, high-fat meals immediately before class as they slow digestion and affect energy levels in class.

Looking After the Body Between Sessions

During breaks between classes:

• Stretch gently rather than sitting completely still
• Change out of sweaty kit if possible
• Eat something even if not hungry — the body needs fuel
• Rest the feet — sit rather than stand during longer breaks

After the final class of the day, a gentle cool-down stretch at home is helpful. Young bodies recover well, but high-volume training requires respect — monitor your child for signs of over-tiredness or pain that goes beyond normal muscle soreness.