Ever hear the expression “They don’t come to watch your feet”? It’s especially true at recital time, when proud parents come to see their young dancers perform. No matter how much work has gone into the technique and choreography, the overall production effects and the beautiful smiles help make a performance memorable.

 

Makeup contributes significantly to that overall impression. Consider it the finishing touch—professional polish and a confidence booster rolled into one—that transforms your dancers into performers. But many school owners are overwhelmed by the options available in makeup products, colors, and techniques. The answers to the following commonly asked questions will help makeup-challenged school owners send their dancers onstage looking their best.

 

At what age should a dancer start wearing makeup?

All dancers who are in costume and onstage should wear makeup.

 

Does that include preschool-age children?

Yes, because we want to see their bright eyes and big smiles. The only way to do that is with makeup—without it, features disappear and skin tones look washed out under stage lighting.

 

Is makeup safe for young children?

Yes, today’s makeup formulas are lighter and easier to apply, so they won’t damage even the youngest or most delicate skin.

 

Should boys wear makeup too?

Yes, but keep it simple—just a little liner, bronzer, and blush. If they object, tell them that all the sportscasters on TV wear makeup.

 

What about our competitive or intensive dancers?

Everyone who performs should wear makeup—think of it as part of the costume.  Competition dancers often wear more elaborate costumes and therefore need extra sparkle and shine on the face to offset the costumes’ colors and rhinestones.

 

Should the makeup match the dance style?

Yes, unless your hip-hop number requires a tutu! Different genres of dance require different styles and probably different colors of makeup. For ballet stick with the classics—black and white eyeliner, matte neutral shades, and red lips. For tap and hip-hop, edgy colors like black, purple, and white really set the tone. And for lyrical, try soft pastels. Cleansing cloths remove makeup easily so that quick changes are easy to achieve.

 

Should the makeup match the costume?

There are various ways to approach this dilemma. Some studios use a basic color palette and add an accent color to add interest to the face, especially when the costume is bright and colorful. Some studios change the dancers’ makeup when they have significant costume changes, such as from a production number to a ballet piece.

 

Should we use false eyelashes?

Applied properly, false lashes look great! The trick is to apply them evenly, without using too much glue. Always use black lashes, and carefully cover the glue joint with black eyeliner.  False lashes should not be too long or heavy; the idea is to make the eye bigger. Younger dancers should skip lashes.

 

I have students of varied ethnic backgrounds.  How can I make sure that all my students are wearing the appropriate makeup for their skin tone?

First, let’s talk about foundation. For most young dancers a translucent wet-dry powder foundation is best; it soaks up perspiration and stays fresh under the bright lights. Translucent powder base should match skin tones as closely as possible. Liquid foundations are not usually necessary—their main purpose is to even out skin tones, and most young dancers have beautiful skin.

 

Eye shadows, lipsticks, and blushes for the stage are generally deeper and more opaque than street makeup and therefore look good on a wide variety of skin tones. To make sure the girls look uniform and feel comfortable, order samples of various colors and try them on the fairest and darkest skin types. Avoid light, frosty colors and translucent lipsticks and lip glosses because skin tones act as a backdrop for them, and they’ll look different on each dancer.

 

Should we use different colors of eyeliner?

For the stage, stick with black liner and mascara; it defines and opens the eyes. Remember to extend eyeliner beyond both top and bottom eyelids to make the eyes appear larger.

 

What kind of blush should we use, and where should it be applied?

Blush is an essential part of a dancer’s makeup kit and important in achieving a uniform look onstage. A deep blush in a raspberry or terra cotta shade will work best for a variety of skin tones. You need a strong blush to frame the eyes and show the emotion of the dance.  Use a powder blush because it will hold up best against heat and perspiration. Start at the apple of the cheek and brush backward to the ear.  Then add a lighter color of eye shadow—gold, white, or sparkle—to the top of the cheekbone to highlight the eye and lift the cheekbones.  Younger dancers should use the same color as the older dancers, but one shade lighter.

 

How can I be sure all my students apply their makeup in a uniform way?

Prior to your dress rehearsal offer a makeup lesson. Select a dancer and demonstrate the technique, then have all the dancers do their own makeup. Include the mothers of the younger dancers. Tell the boys it’s just like putting on the dark lines for a football game. Make it macho!

 

Should we order makeup kits?

More and more dance schools include a makeup kit as part of their costume package.  The kits are safe and sanitary, inhibiting the spread of germs that occurs when lipsticks, mascara, and eye shadows are shared. Most of them are reasonably priced, easy to use, and designed to meet the rigorous demands of dance. They can be customized to match any costume or work with any skin type and age group.

 

What should we look for when purchasing a makeup kit?

Choose kits that are complete, including products for eyes, lips, and cheeks, which were designed with the rigors of performance in mind. Don’t forget the basics: powder and brushes. Order a sample kit before buying in bulk.

 

How much do makeup kits cost?

Prices start at about $20 and go up, depending on the number of products included.

 

Tips for perfect stage makeup

Be creative. The best stage makeup combines a variety of colors and textures. Don’t be afraid to pair bright jewel tones with neutrals, shimmers with mattes, or add a little glitter. It all works onstage.

 

When it comes to technique, practice makes perfect. Look at makeup that you like onstage, in magazines, and on websites. Most makeup companies will provide information on how to apply their products to achieve the desired effect.

 

More is better! If the makeup looks beautiful up close, it won’t be enough onstage, where the costumes, lights, and movement wash away the color. Remember, you want to see those beautiful smiles!

 

 

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