Can you believe it’s almost recital month? In just one week, we’ll get a first look at our students in their costumes with hair and makeup for picture week, with performances on stage soon after. And while getting all dressed up can be one of the highlights of the dance year, it can also be one of the most stressful! The good news is, we’re here to help. A few weeks ago, we shared our top five tips for a successful recital season, including where to find all things hair, tights and shoes for each class. This week we’re sharing all things makeup to help us look our best as we shine His light!
Tips for Twirl
Our littlest students are pretty perfect just the way they are, and they don’t perform under the bright lights on the big stage quite yet. But if you want to have some fun being fancy for their big day on the Recital Red Carpet, we say, “keep it simple.” Stick to a light touch of neutral or pink blush, and maybe some clear lip gloss. That’s really all they need!
Do: Have fun! At this age, our goal is to worship God and have fun as we learn the basics of performing and dance. Anything special you add for the final performance should only add to the joy of the experience!
Don’t: Do anything you’re not comfortable with. Nothing is required or expected at this age, so don’t force it – especially if you or your student objects!
Tips for Primary–Level 2
For this age group, things should still be pretty minimal. While we don’t suggest foundation just yet, these students will be performing under bright stage lights, so their faces will start to wash out. When applying makeup at this level, the goal should be to brighten students' faces and make sure their features show up on stage! We suggest a bit of blush, some mascara (just on the tips of the lashes) and some simple pink lip gloss.
Do: Stick to neutral colors. Especially for picture week, you want makeup to elevate each dancer’s God-given features, not distract or take away from them!
Don’t: Put any sparkles or shimmer around your eyes. We know it can be fun to sparkle like your costume, but don’t forget the stage lights will find and bounce off every shimmery flake! When you’re dancing on stage, you want your features to pop–not the makeup itself!
Tips for Level 3 and Up:
For our more advanced students, makeup should be like a part of their costume, creating a whole, complete picture from head to toe. These dancers should plan to wear foundation and contour, blush, full eye makeup including shadow and liner, and lip color, with the goal of enhancing costumes, fighting the brightness of stage lights, and making facial features and expressions visible clear up in the balcony.
Do: Ask your teacher if they have any specific instructions, like a specific lip color or winged eyeliner.
Don’t: Choose loud or harsh colors like black or bright blue. While products should be heavily pigmented, colors shouldn’t clash with costumes or lights–especially if students are performing with more than one class!
For more tips, tricks, and application tutorials, follow us on Instagram and check out our archived stories!