Winter break means something different for every ballet dancer. Some look forward to a much-needed rest after an intense Nutcracker season, while others see it as an opportunity to sharpen their skills in preparation for upcoming summer intensive auditions. For many parents, the decision to send their child to a winter dance intensive can be tricky. A recent discussion among dance parents highlighted the diverse approaches and experiences when it comes to this topic.
For some dancers, the training they receive at their home studio may not be enough to prepare them for a professional dance career. One parent shared that her son’s local studio provides a supportive community, but it doesn’t meet the technical demands needed to help him achieve his professional goals. As a result, he has turned to winter intensives, virtual privates, and other outside resources to accelerate his progress. Last year, attending a winter intensive played a significant role in helping him succeed in his summer auditions.
Many parents feel that winter intensives can be a great way to keep dancers sharp before summer intensive audition season. One parent learned the hard way when her daughter had an early audition after the holiday break and performed poorly due to lack of preparation. Since then, they’ve made winter intensives a priority to ensure their dancer is ready to tackle early auditions.
For another family, winter intensives serve as an opportunity to explore different schools. With limited summers available to attend multiple intensives, using the winter break allows their daughter to experience different programs and potentially decide where she’d like to audition in the future. This can be particularly valuable as dancers prepare for post-graduation opportunities.
On the flip side, many parents prioritize rest during the winter break. After performing in Nutcracker productions, some dancers are physically and mentally exhausted. One parent shared how her son performed in over 50 Nutcracker shows in seven weeks, leaving him with only one day off before returning to rehearsals for the winter season. For families like theirs, a winter intensive simply isn’t feasible or necessary.
Another parent explained that her daughter’s studio Nutcracker production coincides with school finals, leaving little time for anything beyond family visits and relaxation after the busy holiday season. Other parents also expressed concern that with Nutcracker performances stretching well into the break, their dancers might only get one or two weeks off, making a winter intensive feel overwhelming and unnecessary.
For some families, the key is finding balance. One parent’s son benefited greatly from a winter intensive specifically geared toward male dancers, as his home studio had very few boys at his level. The experience helped him gain a valuable mentor, but now that he’s attending a school with a strong men’s program, he’ll take this winter break off to recharge before the busy audition season kicks off.
For dancers with longer breaks, attending a short, local winter intensive can be a good compromise. Parents mentioned that these shorter programs—typically lasting only three days—can provide valuable feedback from new instructors and offer networking opportunities without the full commitment of a summer intensive.
Ultimately, the decision to participate in a winter intensive depends on the dancer’s specific needs, schedule, and goals. Some parents pointed out that intensives are a great way to help their kids stay focused and get a little extra training before SI auditions, while others emphasized the importance of downtime, especially after a long performance season.
As one parent wisely noted, no two dancers are the same, and each family’s schedule and training requirements are different. What works for one dancer may not work for another, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to deciding whether to attend a winter intensive. The most important thing is to do what’s best for the individual dancer, taking into account their physical, mental, and emotional needs.
In the end, whether it’s through a winter intensive, private lessons, or simply taking a well-deserved break, winter is a time for dancers to prepare in whatever way suits them best for the challenges and opportunities of the coming year.
To find winter intensive auditions and opportunities, search your preferred dates under the Intensive search or utilize the audition search feature on BalletScout!
