Mirror, Mirror on this Page, Who's the Fairest on the Stage?

I was inspired to write this article when one of my students shared her cosmetics concern, D.W. wrote...

.Before our next public performance, do you think we could have a get together with our group and work on eye make-up?  Most of us don't have much experience with "stage make-up" and trying something unfamiliar right before we perform is a lousy time to practice. ...  After seeing a dancer who wore very little eye make-up perform on a large stage, I was amazed at how her eyes "disappeared" with the lights on her face. Let me know what you think.

Great question...something that is not always discussed enough in bellydance classes!  It will certainly be the topic for my next class.

Remember, just as you would rehearse your dance before a performance you should also practice your makeup technique as well.  Even if you are a bit cosmetic phobic you NEED to wear makeup otherwise you will be washed out by harsh lighting and shear distance.  Think of make-up as a tool to reveal your inner emotions rather than a mask to hide behind.

Use foundation make up with natural ingredients that is healthy for your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.  Blush for a rosey glow.

The amount of makeup you wear, should be proportional to how far away you are from the audience (ie. The farther away the more you should wear)  I remember meeting some of the Bellydance Superstars after their performance in PA  and was amazed on how much makeup they had on up close and personal but yet when they were on stage it seemed just the right amount.

Having said that I need to follow up and say ...BLEND, BLEND, BLEND... Always bear in mind when you need to wear a lot of make up you should apply it so that it is neat and blended and not like a clown (remember Tammy Faye?)

True story, when my children were newborns, I would put on a deep shade of  lipstick...why? I found that they responded to my smile more because they could see it more clearly.  This is also true for your audience, you will be better able to communicate with your audience if they see your expression.

The same goes for eyes...Use false eyelashes, they really make your eyes pop.  There are free tutorials on the internet about how to apply lashes as well as other make-up tips. Eyeshadow, go from inner eye lid and extend out past lid, choose a color that compliments your eyes rather than your outfit. Remember the eyes are the window to the soul...(and bellydance is its poetic expression)

Don't forget the rest of your skin, use sparkly talc or lotion for an all over shimmer and glow.

So... Mirror Mirror on this Page; Who's the fairest on the stage?  YOU ARE, if you follow these simple guidelines before your next performance :)