6 Incredible Benefits of Summer Intensives

Summer dance intensives provide your child with a fun and challenging learning opportunity and so much more!

I have had the pleasure of hearing and reading feedback from tens of thousands of parents and students about how much they loved their summer intensive experience. And while it's always amazing to see just how many students are having a great time, it's the positive benefits and the impact that really stand out.

We have been offering summer intensives in Ballet, Aerial, Commercial Dance (hip hop, contemporary, tap, acro, etc) and Acting and Singing for nearly 30 years. And we have seen the benefits, first hand, from tens of thousands of students.

A Performing Arts Summer Intensive, like ours, is so important because it offers a structured opportunity for students to really grow. Summer is a unique time to get your child more involved in a passion they already have, allowing kids to become independent and self-confident, make new friends, and learn new skills.

The following are my top 6 benefits that I have seen from students enrolled in our summer Intensives:

1. Intensives can help build your child's unique interests

There aren't many schools that offer dance classes, aerial arts, or musical theatre. But, our intensives specialize in these activities. So if your child has an interest in anything outside of the core school subjects or sports, where do they go to learn or gain experience? Summer intensives are a very good, distraction-free option, and allows time for your child to be challenged, with little commitment. From there, you never know what that interest might turn into.

2. Intensives Build Your Child's Social Skills and Friendships

One of the greatest benefits of summer intensives is that they get to socialize and meet new people. They get to know new teachers and fellow dancers that have similar passions. Social relationships and performance readiness are more than fun; they are important tools that help build confidence and provide a wider network of support. Although social isolation can be an issue for many kids, dancers have long relied on friends, peers, teachers, and choreographers to provide a social outlet to laugh, learn, and work through some of the toughest emotions. The friendships they make builds a bridge to success in many other social activities as well.

3. Intensives Build Independence and Personal Development

Nothing brings out and tests your child's independence more than giving them time away from you, on their own, to explore what interests them. Without mom or dad around, your child learns to make their own decisions. Our Intensives allow children a chance to truly understand the thought that goes into making a good decision, and will discover even more about themselves in the process. Not to mention children can also lean on peers for support, if they do need additional help. They can decide how much or little they are ready to explore, learn, and share with others.

4. Intensives provide an environment free of screen time

Our kids have had double the amount of screen time during the past few years. In a world full of technology, sedentary-related conditions are on the rise. In fact, physical inactivity is currently the leading cause of disease and disabilities in the United States, and it all starts in childhood. While some summer activities get your kids active and limit screen time, summer dance intensives are a perfect solution to get some great exercise too. All of our programs are based around movement. Our Intensives incorporate a ton of physical activities. Not only will they get out of the house and have some fun, but they are sure to get some challenging exercise in as well “ from activities such as tumbling, hip hop, ballet, aerial silks, acting, and tap. Allowing your kids to explore these art forms and interact with fellow students is an excellent way to broaden their perspective and experience a whole new world for their summer break.

5. Summer Intensives Have Positive Role Models

When your child joins our camps they have the added benefit of the opportunity to interact with positive adult role models. Typically, our instructors are experienced educators accompanied by younger adults who are choosing to work part-time over their own summer break. This combination brings experience and energy to every intensive. Your kids see the younger teachers as "cool" and often a little more relatable, and they have the more experienced teacher there to ensure they get the structure and progressive training they are craving. This can be a tremendous asset in the lives of our students. Sometimes, it helps kids to see what their own lives could look like in just a few short years and, if the "cool camp teacher" has integrity and a good character, your child is likely to emulate them, too. The formation of these role model relationships can help kids to develop the confidence, self-esteem, and skills they need to be successful in what they are learning. Overall, the more healthy, positive adult relationships that a child or youth has in their life, the more likely they are to thrive in all areas, long after summer intensive has ended.

6. Summer Intensives Build LifeLong Memories

Every fall many parents share that their child's fondest memory of the summer was their summer intensive with us. While kids today are living in a compelling technological time, there is nothing quite like preserving those simple, unplugged, childhood memories. Aside from learning new skills, making friends, and discovering role models, they also get plenty of physical activity as well! Your child is sure to leave their summer performing arts intensive with stories, choreography, friendships, life lessons, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Remember summer is short. Don't let the opportunity for your child to benefit from Summer Intensives pass you by! Our South Coast Conservatory motto is to create dancers that are strong, smart, and kind. And we want all of our dancers to have the strength to do great things. The benefits they gain through their experience at South Coast Conservatory will last a lifetime. Enroll your child today and experience the many benefits of a summer intensives.

At South Coast Conservatory we CHANGE LIVES THROUGH DANCE!