However, I don't necessarily agree with your position on age. I attended intensives every summer starting when I was 11 years old. I started out slowly - just three short weeks at the Rock School. The following year I built up to four weeks at Chautauqua (my FAVORITE program), four weeks at Harid Conservatory (my least favorite) and then eventually went up to six weeks at Boston Ballet and seven weeks at Chautauqua for Festival.

My first summer away was such a wonderful learning experience. I came from a small tap and jazz studio, so you can imagine the culture shock (mostly caused by the fact that I had never seen boys in tights before! lol) But it wasn't just about ballet - I learned how to wash my leotards and tights, pick out the right foods in the dining hall and forge friendships with complete strangers. I spoke to my parents nightly, so I never felt homesick. There was only one time I remember getting upset - I had to hold back the tears when I was asked to demonstrate the eight positions of the body. It's crazy, but I had never been exposed to it before. I can remember staying after, asking the teacher for help because I was so determined to master it. When I returned home to my tap and jazz studio, I realized I needed to be in a ballet academy, and that's when my dance training really started.

Summer programs can definitely be a positive experience for young dancers, but you definitely have to choose the right program. It's also helpful to room with someone you know your first year, which is what I did at the Rock School. For first timers, I'd highly recommend Chautauqua because it's a very small, nurturing program with some of the best teachers in the country. Chautauqua is extremely safe, and there are so many things to do outdoors (bike riding, hiking, swimming, kayaking, etc.), so kids won't feel like they're spending their summer locked away in the dance studio. Bigger programs like Boston Ballet, on the other hand, are better for older, more mature dancers. You're kind of on your own there, and it's a 15 minute walk from the dorm to the studio. So it's really important for parents to do their research before sending their children to summer intensives.

All in all, I think summer intensive programs are important for dancers of all ages who are serious about their training. I can't speak highly enough of my experiences.