Evolution from Dancer to Performer

JAMcosmetics | Feb 09, 2009 | 0

A dancer quietly prepares for a show.

When I was dancing professionally, it did not matter where I was performing, how big, how prestigious, or how small the production.  I always followed a sacred routine.  This ritual would transform me, inside and out, just as a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.

I would always try to get to the theatre at least 20-30 minutes before our call time; when the dressing room was empty, quiet, and peaceful.  Sitting at my dressing table, I would get right to organinzing my makeup and brushes.  Taking the waistband that I had cut out of a pair of tights, I would use it to hold my short, pixie cut hair back...and begin.  

I had full view of the canvas I was going to be working on.  It is a typical "girl next door" face - extra large forehead (called a five-head by my hairdresser), pale Caucasian skin, large round eyes, with lashes that grow straight down like cow lashes, decent cheekbones, and even, average-shaped lips.  Without makeup, I would say I could be considered "cute"...not striking, not dramatic, not beautiful...just cute.  

As I applied my foundation and saw the canvas losing its dimension, losing its bone structure, I would get excited.  I knew that from this point on, I could create anything I wanted on this canvas.  I could put the bones back where I wanted them - change the shape of my nose, shorten my forehead, enlarge my lips, brighten my eyes, lift my eyebrows.  The possibilities were endless!  I opened my mind to the metamorphosis I was beginning and let everything else from the day slip away.

I always started with my eyebrows, giving them a proportioned, dramatic arch.  They frame my eyes - the windows to my soul!  I would make my eyes appear more intense, more almond-shaped by blending my eye shadows and lining my eyes.  Then, false lashes - I could not live without false lashes!  My eyes look so much bigger!  So open!

By this time, dancers were filing into the dressing room, dropping dance bags at their spot, chatting with each other, grabbing costumes off of racks, listening to CD's (on walkmans!) as they pre-set costumes and complained about their day.  I would smile and say hi to dancers as they passed by but kept going with my preparation.  I knew this was my own private time to focus.

And so I would move on to cheeks and lips.  I designed a stronger cheekbone with blush and used the color to make my skin look vibrant and healthy.  The lush red lip color made my teeth so white.  When I smiled, my cheekbones would visibly rise, illuminating my eyes.  I would make the audience feel my smile in the back of the theatre.

For years, I had worked to prepare my body physically for performance in class and in rehearsals.  But that was not enough to make me a great performer.  The concentrated ritual of making up my performance face and focusing my mind before every show prepared me mentally and emotionally for the stage.  

Each night, when the 15 minute call was given, I would look in the mirror. I would see the character I had created reflecting back at me - a grander, more stunning version of myself.  I looked beautiful.  I felt beautiful.  I knew it would be a great show.

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Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern, Broadway, Ballroom, Teacher, Parent, Studio, Competitions & Conventions, Performance, Summer Study (all tags)