A Parent’s Guide to Summer Camps for Dancing

Summer dance camps are so much more than just a way to fill those long, sunny days. They’re structured programs that offer a completely immersive experience in all kinds of dance styles, making them a fantastic place for kids to build skills, make new friends, and really come out of their shells. Think of it as a creative outlet that blends physical activity with artistic expression, all in a fun and supportive setting.

Beyond Just a Summer Activity: Why Dance Camps Truly Matter

Picture your child's summer shifting from lazy afternoons in front of a screen to a vibrant explosion of creativity and movement. Summer dance camps are far more than a simple pastime; they are genuinely formative experiences that build both skill and confidence. It's like a creative greenhouse where technique, friendships, and self-esteem can all blossom in a focused, encouraging atmosphere.

This guide will dig into the real 'why' behind enrolling your child, showing you how these programs cultivate discipline, teamwork, and what we hope becomes a lifelong love for the arts.

A Foundation for Growth

A well-designed summer program does so much more than just teach dance steps. It creates a unique environment where personal growth seems to happen almost effortlessly. Away from the usual pressures of school, children are free to explore their creativity without judgment.

• Building Discipline: There's a special kind of focus that comes from learning choreography and practicing routines over and over. Dancers learn to pay attention to the smallest details and work consistently toward a shared goal.
• Encouraging Teamwork: Group numbers and partner work are all about collaboration. Kids learn how to trust their peers, communicate without words, and move together as a single, unified team.
• Boosting Confidence: That incredible feeling of finally nailing a tough move or performing on stage is a massive confidence builder. Watching a shy dancer from a town like Lehi or Sandy find their voice and shine is one of the most rewarding parts of running a camp.

The value of these kinds of programs is catching on. The global youth summer camp market, which includes specialized programs like dance, hit an impressive USD 22 billion in 2023. It’s even projected to climb to USD 33 billion by 2032, which shows just how much parents are recognizing the benefits these camps offer.

A summer dance camp is an investment in your child's physical, social, and emotional development. It's a place where they learn resilience by getting back up after a fall and find pure joy in creating art with others.

This kind of structured environment provides a wonderful alternative to unstructured summer days, offering perks that last long after the final curtain call. For parents in communities like Bluffdale, Riverton, and Draper, it’s a chance to see their children absolutely thrive. To learn more about the broader benefits of dance education, you might find our guide on what makes for excellent dance classes in Utah helpful.

Finding the Right Fit: Exploring Different Types of Dance Camps

Stepping into the world of summer dance camps can feel a little dizzying. There are so many options, each with its own vibe and focus. How do you know which one will click with your child's personality and goals? Let's break down the main types of camps so you can find that perfect match.

Think of it this way: not all camps are cut from the same cloth. They're designed for different kinds of dancers with different dreams. The real key is matching the camp's purpose to what your child truly wants out of their summer.

Technical Intensives for Serious Skill-Building

A technical intensive is exactly what it sounds like: intense. These are boot camps for the dedicated, experienced dancer who is serious about improvement. Forget themed crafts and games; the focus here is on significant, measurable progress in a very short time. Dancers will spend most of their day in demanding classes, drilling technique in core styles like ballet, jazz, and contemporary.

This is the perfect choice for the committed dancer—maybe a competitive team member from Herriman or Lehi—who wants to sharpen their skills and get a leg up before the next season starts. The atmosphere is disciplined and challenging, built for dancers who are driven to push past their comfort zones and refine their artistry.

Performance and Musical Theater Camps for Storytellers

Does your child live for the spotlight? Do they love telling a story through movement, song, and a little bit of drama? If so, a performance or musical theater camp is where they'll thrive. These programs are all about blending dance with acting and singing, and they almost always wrap up with a final showcase or mini-production for family and friends.

Here, the emphasis is on stage presence, learning to embody a character, and discovering the pure joy of performance. Campers don't just learn steps; they learn how to connect with an audience and collaborate with others to bring a creative vision to life. It's a fantastic fit for any natural performer.

To help you see the options more clearly, we put together this simple guide.

As the flowchart shows, the first and most important step is simply thinking about your child's current experience and what gets them excited about dance.

To help you compare these options side-by-side, here’s a quick breakdown of what each camp type offers.

Which Dance Camp Fits Your Child's Goals

This table can be a great starting point for discussing the options with your dancer to see what sparks their interest the most.

Recreational and Specialty Camps for Exploration

For the child who is just starting their dance journey or simply wants to try new things without the pressure of a big performance, recreational camps are a wonderful choice. These programs are built around fun, making new friends, and pure discovery. A young dancer from Sandy might spend their week trying out hip-hop for the first time, learning some basic tap steps, and even tumbling, all in a really positive and low-stress environment.

A recreational camp is like a creative playground. It’s designed to spark a love for movement and build confidence by letting kids explore different genres in a fun, encouraging way.

Finally, we have specialty tracks. These camps are for the dancer who knows exactly what they love and wants more of it. Whether their passion is acro, hip-hop, or even ballroom, these camps offer a deep dive into that one specific style. It’s a chance for dancers from Bluffdale or nearby to completely immerse themselves for a week and really hone those particular skills.

The Hidden Skills Dancers Learn at Summer Camp

When you sign your child up for a summer dance camp, you're investing in so much more than just dance technique. Sure, their pliés will get deeper and their pirouettes sharper, but the most profound benefits are often the life skills they develop away from the mirror.

Think of it as a growth incubator. These camps create a unique environment where kids build a foundation for success that will serve them long after the final curtain call.

The focused, day-in-day-out nature of a camp speeds up development in three key areas: physical, cognitive, and social-emotional. Every day is a mix of disciplined practice and joyful expression, pushing dancers to grow in ways they don't even consciously realize.

Physical and Cognitive Development

Beyond just getting a great workout, dance camp is an incredible tool for honing the mind-body connection. Dancers aren't just going through the motions; they are actively thinking, strategizing, and problem-solving with their bodies.

• Tuned-In Coordination and Body Awareness: Dancers develop an amazing sense of proprioception—an internal GPS for knowing where their limbs are in space. This translates directly to better posture, improved balance, and a natural grace that’s visible in everything they do.
• A Brain Boost from Choreography: Learning and memorizing long, complex dance routines is like a high-intensity workout for the brain. It’s been shown to strengthen memory, sharpen pattern recognition, and build crucial problem-solving pathways.
• Real Physical Resilience: The daily ritual of warming up, stretching, and pushing through challenging combinations builds serious stamina and discipline. To learn more about how this works, take a look at the core principles of flexibility training for dancers , which is key to both performance and injury prevention.

Social and Emotional Growth

This is where the real magic of dance camp happens. Away from the pressures of school, kids learn so much about themselves and how to connect with others in a supportive, creative space. A reserved dancer might find their confidence after nailing a group piece, while a more competitive one learns the joy of cheering on their friends.

Summer camp provides a refuge where young people can relax and be themselves, explore new experiences, and develop all kinds of real-world skills. It's a place where confidence and independence blossom beautifully.

The group dynamics of a dance camp are a perfect practice ground for the real world, teaching skills that are essential for school projects, future jobs, and healthy relationships.

• True Teamwork and Collaboration: Every group dance is a lesson in cooperation. Dancers have to learn to trust their partners, communicate without words, and synchronize their movements to create something bigger than themselves.
• Building Grit and Resilience: Nobody masters a new skill on the first try. Dance camp teaches kids to fall—literally and figuratively—and get right back up. Pushing through frustration to finally nail a difficult step builds incredible mental toughness and a "can-do" attitude.
• Learning to Take Constructive Feedback: The studio is a safe space to learn how to both give and receive feedback from instructors and peers. This teaches dancers to see critique not as a personal slight, but as a helpful tool for growth—an invaluable skill for life.

How to Choose the Perfect Dance Camp

With so many incredible summer dance camps out there, how do you find the one? It can feel like a huge decision, but it doesn't have to be intimidating. If you focus on a few key things, you can easily find a program where your dancer will feel challenged, inspired, and right at home.

Think of it like finding the right sports team or after-school club. You're searching for that perfect mix of expert coaching, a positive atmosphere, and a vibe that clicks with your child's personality. The ultimate goal is to find a place where they can truly shine.

Start with the Instructors and the Studio

The quality of the teaching staff is, without a doubt, the most important piece of the puzzle. You’ll want to look for instructors with professional dancing experience, teaching certifications, or degrees in dance education. But remember, great teachers are more than just talented performers—they're patient mentors who know how to inspire and connect with kids.

The facility itself is just as crucial. A safe, clean, and properly equipped studio isn't just a "nice-to-have," it's a must.

• Proper Flooring: Always look for studios with sprung floors. This type of flooring is designed to absorb shock, which is essential for protecting joints and preventing injuries.
• Ample Space: The dance rooms should be spacious and free of clutter. Dancers need room to move and extend fully without worrying about bumping into walls or each other.
• Safety First: A well-managed studio will have clear safety procedures and first-aid kits readily available. The well-being of their students should always be their top priority.

Get a Feel for the Camp's Culture

Beyond the physical studio, the atmosphere of the camp will shape your child's entire experience. Is it a high-intensity, competitive environment geared toward pre-professional training? Or is it more of a supportive, creative space focused on exploration and fun? A dancer from Riverton with their sights set on competition season will need something very different from a beginner from Draper who just wants to try ballet for the first time.

A great dance camp meets students where they are. It should provide a nurturing environment that encourages growth, whether the goal is to master a triple pirouette or simply to fall in love with moving to music.

Don't be shy about asking about the camp's core philosophy. You can learn a lot from how they talk about their programs and communicate with families. If you're trying to weigh the pros and cons of different program styles, our guide to what makes a performance dance center can offer some helpful perspective.

Ask the Right Questions Before You Sign Up

Before committing, it's time to get specific. A good, transparent studio will welcome your questions and be happy to provide all the details you need. For any parent in Bluffdale or the surrounding areas, having a checklist handy can make this part of the process a breeze.

Here are a few questions you should absolutely ask:

What is the student-to-teacher ratio? A smaller class size usually means more one-on-one attention for your dancer.

Could you walk me through a typical day's schedule? This gives you a real sense of the camp’s pacing, structure, and variety.

How do you handle communication with parents during the camp?

Are there any extra fees for things like costumes, photos, or the final showcase?

Getting clear answers to these questions will empower you to make a confident choice, setting your child up for an unforgettable summer dance adventure.

Your Pre-Camp Checklist for Dancers and Parents

The countdown to summer dance camp is on! That mix of excitement and maybe a few pre-camp jitters is totally normal—for dancers and parents. Walking in on that first day feeling organized and confident can set the stage for an incredible week.

This simple checklist will help you and your dancer feel completely prepared, ensuring a smooth start to their summer dance adventure.

We’ve split it into two key areas: what to pack in the dance bag, and how to get their mind and body ready for all the fun ahead.

What to Pack for Dance Camp

When a dancer has the right gear, they can stop worrying about their stuff and focus on what they're there to do: learn, grow, and have a blast. Every camp has a slightly different dress code, but this list covers the essentials for most summer camps for dancing.

• Proper Dance Attire: Pack a few different leotards, tights, and any required cover-ups like dance shorts or skirts. Having extras means you're not stuck doing laundry every single night.
• The Right Footwear: Double-check that all their dance shoes (ballet slippers, jazz shoes, tap shoes, etc.) still fit well and are in good shape. It’s always a good idea to throw in a pair of comfy sneakers for warm-ups, breaks, or walking to and from the studio.
• Hydration and Fuel: A big, reusable water bottle is non-negotiable for staying hydrated. Also, pack some healthy, easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or fruit snacks to keep their energy from dipping.
• Personal Care Items: A small bag with a towel, extra hair ties, bobby pins, and hairspray is a lifesaver. It's also smart to include a few essentials like bandages and blister care, just in case.

A well-packed dance bag is like a dancer's toolkit. Having everything they need on hand gets rid of last-minute stress and empowers them to jump right in from the very first count.

Mental and Physical Preparation

A little prep work in the days leading up to camp can make a huge difference, helping ease any nerves and setting a positive tone for the whole experience.

Try to ease into a camp-friendly routine a few days beforehand, especially focusing on getting plenty of sleep. It's also a great time to chat with your dancer about what they're hoping to achieve and what they're most excited about. This simple conversation builds positive anticipation and helps them feel invested.

For dancers heading to a more challenging program, a little confidence boost can go a long way. Our guide on how to prepare for a dance audition has some fantastic tips on mindset and readiness that work just as well for a camp environment.

Finally, think about nutrition. Focusing on light, healthy meals before and during camp gives their body the fuel it needs. A well-fueled body supports a focused mind, ensuring they have the stamina to soak up every single moment.

Why Encore Academy Is Your Summer Dance Destination

When you're looking for the right summer dance camp, you're searching for more than just a place to learn steps. You want a studio that marries top-notch instruction with a warm, encouraging atmosphere. That’s exactly what we’ve built at Encore Academy.

We’ve designed our summer programs to be the perfect blend of technical growth and genuine fun. Whether you have a serious dancer from Draper looking to sharpen their skills or a young beginner from Herriman who’s just bubbling with excitement, we have a place for them. Our camps are where technique is polished, confidence soars, and real friendships are made.

More Than Just a Studio

So, what really makes our summer camps special? It’s our heart. We are deeply committed to building a community where every dancer feels like they belong.

Our instructors aren’t just amazing teachers; they are mentors who are invested in seeing each student grow. They focus on the whole person, not just the dancer. We know that the best learning happens when kids feel safe enough to try something new, maybe even fail, and know they’ll be cheered on every step of the way.

We are dedicated to creating a space where every young artist can find their voice and feel the joy of movement. It's about fostering both a love for dance and a strong sense of belonging.

Our beautiful, modern studio in Bluffdale is a second home for families from all over the area, including Sandy and Riverton. It’s a professional, safe, and inspiring space for your child's summer dance adventure. We’d love for you to see what we’re all about.

Take a look at our summer camp schedule and locations to find the perfect program and discover why so many families choose Encore.

Your Dance Camp Questions, Answered

Even after digging into all the details, you might still have a few questions swirling around. That's completely normal! We get asked these all the time by parents, so let's clear up some of the most common ones to help you feel confident in your decision.

My Child Has Never Danced Before. Is a Camp Really a Good Idea?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s one of the best ways to start. Most studios, including ours, have camps designed from the ground up for total beginners.

The focus in these programs is all about discovery and fun. We create a super welcoming, low-pressure space where kids can try out ballet, get a feel for jazz, and pop and lock in a hip-hop class. It's the perfect way for a child from a town like Lehi or Draper to see what sparks their interest without committing to a full year.

What’s the Real Difference Between a “Camp” and an “Intensive”?

This is a great question, and the terms can be confusing. Think of it like this: a dance camp is often a broader, more exploratory experience. It's usually built around a fun theme, lets dancers try different styles, and prioritizes creativity and enjoyment.

A dance intensive, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like—intense. It’s geared toward more experienced, focused dancers who want to seriously level up their skills. These are rigorous, technique-driven programs designed to push a dancer’s strength, skill, and artistry in a short, concentrated amount of time. If your dancer has pre-professional aspirations, an intensive is probably what you're looking for.

What Should I Expect to Budget for a Summer Dance Camp?

The cost can really run the gamut, depending on how long the camp is, who is teaching, and the location. A week-long camp at a local studio might run a few hundred dollars. A sleep-away, multi-week program with famous guest teachers could cost several thousand.

Many studios understand this is a significant investment for families and offer ways to make it more manageable. It’s always worth asking about payment plans or potential scholarships.

For families in Bluffdale, Herriman, or our neighboring communities, it's always a good idea to look for early-bird specials or sibling discounts. Great studios want dance to be accessible, so don't hesitate to ask what options might be available.

At Encore Academy for the Performing Arts, we pour our hearts into creating summer programs that inspire and challenge dancers at every single level. You can book a trial to get a feel for our studio or dive right into our camp schedule to find the perfect summer experience for your child.

Learn more about our programs and register today .