There’s a good chance that things may always not feel right or go perfectly at a high level
\nintensive. Maybe it’s the first time away from home – a little homesickness kicks in. Beds might be too hard, or too small. Dorms may be too loud. Food might not taste good, or become boring after a few days. Drills or classes seem repetitive and fatigue may set in after days of a packed schedule. You might not be the best – other dancers may shine or seem to have an easier time.<\/p>\n
Some of this being uncomfortable can be reduced by reading the following tips.<\/p>\n
Keep in mind that being a bit uncomfortable is part of learning and growth.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Rather than expecting perfection in performance and surroundings, celebrate giving the best effort at all times. Embrace a process where there will be triumphs and failures, and become stronger in that journey.<\/p>\n SUMMER INTENSIVES: MAKE A GOOD FIT WITH OTHER DANCE ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n Try not to rush from tough Spring or Summer programs right into intensives<\/strong> Don’t leave intensives and step right into another intensive or full Fall dance activities<\/strong> Don’t be afraid to toss in a summer camp that isn’t based on dance<\/strong> SUMMER INTENSIVES: MINIMIZE THE ROLE OF INJURIES<\/strong><\/p>\n Eliminate the mystery of injuries<\/strong> Visit with a sports medicine specialist for any pain or change in ability to participate. SUMMER INTENSIVES: IMPORTANCE OF DOING YOUR HOMEWORK<\/strong><\/p>\n SUMMER INTENSIVES: BELIEVE IN THE VALUE OF SLEEP<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, the beds might be too hard or the dorms too loud. There are temptations to stay up late playing video games, hanging with new friends, or texting people back home. Don’t forget that getting at least 8 1\/2 hours of sleep is essential to prepare your body for demands of the next day.<\/p>\n SUMMER INTENSIVES: OTHER WAY TO PROTECT YOURSELF<\/strong><\/p>\n Don’t forget the sunscreen:<\/em> Nothing like major sunburn to create an embarrassing and painful early intensive departure.<\/p>\n Bring necessary medications:<\/em> Many medical conditions, such as asthma, can worsen with high-intensity exercise in unfamiliar environments. Visit your regular physician or sports medicine specialist to discuss illness control and get adequate supplies of needed medications.<\/p>\n Know what medical resources are available: <\/em>Ideally, a high level intensive has high level medical support. This may include a team of athletic trainers, physical therapists, and other sports medicine specialists. In the real world, this important coverage is often sorely lacking. Identify local off-site resources and even make appointments ahead of the intensive. The quality and availability of medical support can make or break your experience. Be certain to choose intensives that have this type of medical support team behind you.<\/p>\n SUMMER INTENSIVES: FLUIDS AND FOOD ARE IMPORTANT<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Focus on the following items:<\/strong><\/p>\n Finally, the key is to have fun!<\/strong> Don’t judge yourself or others and remember, it’s a learning experience. Give your all and take or leave any advice and feedback that is given to you. Whether you enjoyed it or not, a summer intensive is an experience of what being in a higher level dance company is like. You will make a whole new family of friends and also have an idea of the demands required out of professional dancers.<\/p>\n Dr. Chris Koutures<\/strong> is a dual board-certified pediatric and sports medicine specialist who practices at ActiveKidMD in Anaheim Hills, CA. He is a team physician for USA Volleyball (including participating in the 2008 Beijing Olympics), the U.S. Figure Skating Sports Medicine Network, Cal State Fullerton Intercollegiate Athletics, Chapman University Dance Department, and Orange Lutheran High School. He offers a comprehensive blend of general pediatric and sport medicine care with an individualized approach to each patient and family. Please visit activekidmd.com or follow him on twitter <\/em>(@dockoutures).<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Many kids take the “Summer time, and the living is easy” route from a popular song. No worries about school, homework, projects or tests. Several other young people test themselves over the summer by attending high level dance intensives. These include getting stronger, learning new skills and challenging routines, and making new friends. Unfortunately, I have […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":558,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[646155440,1870068],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-557","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-health-fitness","8":"category-local-experts"},"yoast_head":"\n
\nSummer intensives teach higher level skills with increased repetitions with more
\ntalented dancers. Try to take time off right beforehand to increase enjoyment and the
\noverall learning process.<\/p>\n
\nInsufficient recovery after high level intensives increases overuse injury risk and may
\nreduce full utilization of new skills. These bits of time off after (and before) intensives
\nare the best recipes for success.<\/p>\n
\nNothing wrong with having other forms of fun at camp without the usual dance
\ndemands.<\/p>\n
\nLimping into intensives often leads to painful flare ups and early rides home. Previous
\ninjuries shouldn’t reduce your ability to perform at your best. Don’t suffer the
\ndisappointment of giving instructors any reason to doubt your abilities.<\/p>\n
\nGet an accurate diagnosis, sensible rehabilitation program, specific injury prevention
\ntips, and realistic intensive expectations.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\nfluids is essential. Water is a sensible first choice, with fluids containing salt and sugar needed more for exercise lasting over an hour. While sport beverages can work, using infant electrolyte replacement fluids can actually be more effective in humid environments<\/li>\n
\nliving without prepared food can be challenges. High level performance needs high
\nlevel nutrition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n![\"ballet-1376250_1280.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/backstagesocal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/ballet-1376250_1280.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
\nand peanut butter<\/li>\n
\ninflammatory agents that can reduce post-exercise muscle soreness<\/li>\n
\nalong with iron sources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n