Smart Summer Program Choices: A Teacher & Parent’s Perspective
Everyone in ballet loves the excitement of Summer Intensive auditions! It’s a wonderful time to learn how to audition, and to feel validated for your hard work. It’s also a time to build resilience when things don’t work out the way you thought. Today I’d love to speak to some of the financial and practical considerations facing parents as they consider their options for summer training.
As both a teacher and a parent, I’ve seen it all when it comes to summer intensives. I’ve watched families take on enormous financial burdens—some even mortgaging their homes—to afford a $10,000 summer experience, believing it’s the key to their child’s future. But here’s the truth: a bigger price tag doesn’t always mean better training.
At Ballet 5:8, we want to empower families to make informed decisions about summer programs, ensuring their investment truly benefits their dancer’s growth. If you’re considering a summer intensive, here are a few things to think about before making a commitment:
Cost vs. Value: A Budget-Savvy Approach
Before spending thousands on a summer intensive, ask yourself: What am I really paying for? Are small class sizes and individualized instruction part of the program? Are students getting direct, hands-on training from faculty, or are big names just being used for marketing? Is the housing safe and affordable?
Many lesser-known programs offer incredible training at a fraction of the cost. A well-structured intensive doesn’t have to drain a family’s savings to be effective. Be sure to weigh the actual benefits against the financial strain.
Training Smart: Prioritizing Long-Term Health
Too many dancers push through summer programs only to start the next season injured. A good intensive will emphasize strength-building, cross-training, and recovery, not just endless hours of dancing. Parents should ask about injury prevention, available physical therapy resources, and how much time students are expected to dance each day. A well-run program should help dancers improve without breaking them down.
Marketing vs. Reality: Spotting a Quality Program
Some intensives spend more on social media ads than they do on student support. How can families tell if a program is worth it?
Faculty Accessibility: Are teachers actively engaged, or just names on a website?
Class Balance: Are schedules designed for growth, or just packed with classes to justify high tuition costs?
Alumni Success: Do dancers who attend actually go on to professional careers?
Inclusive Environment: Will all students feel welcomed and supported?
At Ballet 5:8, we believe in transparency. Our Summer Intensive is designed to provide real value—excellent training without the financial strain. Families don’t have to spend a fortune to give their dancer a meaningful, high-quality summer experience.
Making a Smart Choice
As a parent, I understand the desire to give your child the best opportunities. But the best opportunity isn’t always the most expensive one. By considering cost, training philosophy, and program integrity, you can help your dancer find an intensive that supports their growth without unnecessary financial stress.
Let’s make summer training about real, lasting benefits—not just hype.
Julianna Rubio Slager
Artistic Director, Ballet 5:8