At What Age Should Dancers Attend Their First Away Summer Intensive?

Deciding when a young dancer is ready to attend their first away-from-home summer intensive can be a challenging decision for parents. A recent discussion in a ballet-focused online group revealed a broad range of experiences, with many factors influencing the timing.

The General Consensus: Around 13-15 Years Old

The most common age for dancers to attend their first away summer program seems to fall between 13 and 15. Many parents shared that their children dormed for the first time around age 14, with 15 also being a popular starting point. Some began earlier, often influenced by maturity, the dancer’s comfort level, or family logistics. For example, one parent mentioned that her daughter attended a dorm-based intensive at age 14 and felt confident sending her on her own the following year.

Considerations Beyond Age: Maturity and Independence

Age is not the only factor parents consider when deciding if their dancer is ready for a summer program. Maturity and the dancer's ability to handle independence play a significant role. Some children are ready to live in a dorm as early as age 11 or 12, while others may need more time. For instance, one parent said her 12-year-old was mature enough to attend a two-week intensive across the country and had no issues being away from home.

Others mentioned that they or their partners stayed nearby during their child's first experience to ensure a smoother transition. This strategy allows dancers to adjust to the rigors of training and dorm life without the full pressure of complete independence. Parents often mentioned returning for check-ins or staying at nearby Airbnbs, particularly for dancers as young as 13.

Location and Program Size Matter

Another important factor in the decision is the location and size of the program. For parents sending their children to intensives in larger cities, considerations such as transportation, safety, and the general environment weighed heavily on their decision. Many preferred starting with smaller, well-supervised programs before moving on to more extensive, less structured settings.

One parent, for example, noted that she chose a smaller, quieter town for her daughter's first dorming experience and then transitioned to a larger city the following summer. The sense of a more intimate, controlled environment helped both parent and dancer feel more comfortable with the process.

The Impact of COVID on the Decision

A few parents mentioned how the COVID-19 pandemic delayed their children’s plans for their first summer intensive. For many, the year they would have attended at 14 turned into virtual classes, leading them to start at 15 instead. This shift caused families to reconsider their options and how prepared their children were to attend such programs.

Tailoring the Experience to the Dancer

Ultimately, every dancer’s journey is unique. As one parent emphasized, every child is different in terms of what makes them feel comfortable enough to attend an away program. Whether they attend at 11, 12, or 16, the focus should always be on ensuring the experience fosters both personal and professional growth.

From maturity levels to location and program size, the decision to send a dancer away for their first summer intensive is multi-faceted. What is clear, however, is that this milestone often comes around the early teenage years, with parental involvement and preparation playing crucial roles in making it a positive experience.