COMPETITION PRESENTATION and BEAUTY TIPS
A behind the scenes look from a judges point of view
Professional Stage Makeup Advice Every Performer Should Know.
Preparation is always key to a confident performance. You may have your moves down but is your over all presentation polished? What are the judges taking notice to beyond your dance technique?
As an educator on Stage Beauty and Professional Presentation for performers, I had a chance to tour with a popular national dance convention and competition. It was through those decades of exposure I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know competition judges, explore their observations and ask "beyond technique what makes a great performance and presentation"?
Here is the inside scoop on what judges take notice to and what helps you stand out like a pro.
Presentation:
1. The minute you step out onto the stage you are on! Make sure you enter the spotlight poised, smiling and in good form. You should exit the same way.
2. Watch facial expressions. Don't make faces (look strained, lips puckered ect.) while
performing. This can create a distraction. Make eye contact, smile and look passionate about your performance keeping your face relaxed.
3. When performing unless it's part of the number, avoid mouthing the words. This can create another distraction that takes away from your performance. The exception is when performing a musical number with a singing or speaking part.
4. Don't move music tempo faster than the song. Need a faster tempo? Find one.
5. Watch undergarments. Be sure they match and do not show under costume.
6. Wear costumes and accessories that are secure to avoid embarrassing wardrobe problems.
7. Don't over do the bling. Choose two rhinestone accessories. Example: earrings and a choker but skip the bracelet and hair clip.
8. Keep hair off your face unless it's part of the choreography.
9. If you make a mistake keep going. Don't let a fall or any other mess up stop the show.
10. Keep energy strong from beginning to the very end.
JUDGES KNOW MORE ABOUT MAKEUP THAN YOU THINK
I was surprised to discover how much about a performer's makeup judges really noticed. Here is a check list of stage makeup mistakes they have mentioned:
1. Skin tone on all ages should look even and natural, not blotchy, red, pink, orange or shiny.
2. Avoid light reflecting Mineral make-up which can make the face look too fair against the body and extremely shiny under stage lights. Use a golden tone foundation not pink or orange toned which can look overly made up. Use foundation especially where cheek color is applied to prevent overly flushed faces. Be sure to blend down under the chin an area that rarely gets sun and remains light. This is an area judges often see very well as they are below the performer.
TIP: If your matte foundation shade looks to light against your body try a darker powder shade
on top instead of foundation. This looks more natural and avoids a line across the jaw.
3. Eye shadow should look well blended and in neutral colors that do not fight with different costume changes. Avoid frosted or bright colors like blue, green, or purple eye shadow. Bright color is for theme looks only. Use three shades of eye shadow to look more blended. A dark shade to define at corners and through crease, a medium warm shade to balance onto the eye bone and a light matte shade under the eye brow and onto the eye lid to pull forward. Matte eye shadow works best.
4. Avoid black eye liner all around eyes. This makes eyes look smaller. Eyeliner should be left open at the outer eye corner. Black at outer corner upper lid and brown to line under lower lashes looks softer. Always avoid the lower eye lid (ridge above the lower eye lashes) as this really closes eyes. White pencil there is preferred. Black eye liner top and bottom is appropriate for drama when performing Jazz/Fosse/Cabaret or for deep skin tones.
5. Wear false lashes. They do open eyes!
6. Cheek color should be well blended to avoid a stripe of color across cheekbones.
7. Lips should appear full and defined. Be sure to use a lip liner to shape lips and enhance
fullness. Lip liner needs to be blended over most of lips to avoid showing. Don't forget, the most important part of the mouth is the sides. Keep sides of lips full for profile views.
8. Be cautious when using glitter and shimmer. Apply only to key light catching points and never on male dancers.
9. When wearing a hat, especially ones with brims that cast shadows, be sure to dress up lips using gloss, glitter or a dramatic lip color so your face doesn't get lost.
10. When performing a classical ballet or any number that is ethereal, try to highlight with shimmer powder cheekbones and eyes. Matte faces looks plain and dull.
11. Avoid too much plain skin. When lot's of skin is exposed on the back or midriff, add a shimmer lotion or powder over bare areas. For glitzy costuming, dress up your skin with glitter spray.
12. Remember the themes of your number. Era 1940's strong eyeliner on the upper lid/strong lips, 1960's black and white shadow /white lips or 1980's electric bright shadow and lips. Judges get bored with the same look. Add drama and show appeal by mixing your look up with quick makeup and hair changes. Wigs and hairpieces can really come in handy here.
13. Make-up for traditional or cultural numbers like Hula, Clogging, African or Latin
performances should stay with the look of that culture. These tips will help you stand apart as a true professional and dazzle the judges. For more tips
on makeup application technique, theme looks and quality stage products to help you look your best visit me at modedion.com.
