Coping with Missing Home During your Summer Intensive
I remember my first summer intensive outside of the state…I was headed to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for 5 weeks - the longest I had ever been away from family. Leading up to the intensive I was SO excited to spread my wings and gain some independence. But when I got there, I was miserable.
This was in large part due to a crazy event out of my control. I was in a freak golf cart accident a few weeks before the intensive that left me with 2nd degree burns on my foot and leg. I was in a wheelchair for a few weeks because I couldn’t even bend my knee and was still on crutches when I arrived at the intensive! I considered not going at all but the tuition was non-refundable and PBT was really understanding and accommodating so I thought “why not?”.
I had asked to be placed in a single room so that I could have space to recover and deal with my injury. It seemed like the perfect plan but ended up being a terrible idea. I was isolated, finding it hard to make friends, and I couldn’t even do the one thing I came there for…DANCE!
I wanted to call the whole thing off and go home. But I am so glad I didn’t.
My injuries healed and I was able to slowly start dancing. I made an amazing group of friends. I even ended up being cast as a soloist in the final show and asked to stay for the year-round program. In the end, I absolutely loved my time there and grew immensely as an artist and a person.
If you are having a hard time with the thought of being away from home during your summer intensive, it is completely normal! Here is my best advice to help you cope with the transition:
Bring a piece of home
It can be comforting to bring items that remind you of home with you while you're away. Make your dorm feel like home by surrounding yourself with some of your favorite things. This could include:
a picture of your family
your favorite blanket
letters from loved ones
a scent that reminds you of home
your favorite snacks
Your summer intensive is filled with new experiences, people, and places; it's exciting, but overwhelming too! Ground yourself by filling your space with items that bring you joy and comfort.
Find your people
One of the best ways to combat the grief you feel about missing home is by making new friends.
Challenge yourself to meet one new person a day.
If that sounds crazy, I get it...it can be scary to go up to someone you don't know and just start talking! But it helps to remember that everyone is in the same boat as you. Chances are the other dancers are feeling just as out of place and will be relieved that you initiated a conversation. Remember that you have something big in common...your love of dance! Break the ice by asking where they're from, how long they've been dancing, what their favorite style of dance is...the possibilities are endless! Start from there and you’ll be amazed by the relationships you cultivate!
Remember your why
Missing home can make it hard to focus on the task at hand. Reminding yourself of WHY you wanted to come to this summer intensive in the first place can help restore your sense of purpose.
Grab your journal and start with these question prompts:
Why did I choose to come to this intensive?
What do I want to learn during my time here?
What do I want to accomplish during my time here? (Be specific!)
What is a moment that I have felt true joy during my time here?
When I look back on my time here, I want to feel _______ (fill in the blank)
Keep your notes handy and look back at them periodically whenever you feel like you're losing your way!
What if you have tried all of these things and it’s still not working?
There is no shame in asking for help!
If you find you are really struggling, seek out a trusted person that you can talk with such as a parent, RA, instructor, or mental health professional. Missing home is completely normal...the pressure of a summer intensive coupled with the loss of your normal support system is really hard. Acknowledge that you are taking a really big step to further your dancing and be kind to yourself! You are not weak for needing help. In fact, it is a sign of strength to be able to recognize when you aren't doing well and reach out to someone who can help you.
Meet the Author
Caitlin Sloan is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI.
Caitlin received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.
She danced professionally for nine years with companies including Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). Caitlin has taught at schools all over the Midwest, most notably serving as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Youth Company Director for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. She is currently on faculty at the School of Madison Ballet.
Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina® in 2019, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. Follow @thebrainyballerina on Instagram for your daily dose of dance career guidance and inspiration.
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