Everything You need to know about getting ready for a Kuchipudi Performance

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Here is to the classical Dancers, students, and professionals -

It is not easy to prepare for a classical dance performance, right? 

Of course, practicing hard before performances and arranging music are the most important parts of the preparation process, but arranging costumes, makeup, jewelry,, and getting ready on time is still a bigger challenge. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/kichus/33659381966

My students ask me about what essentials to buy, where to buy, what to wear etc., 

For every performance, I make checklists and share them with them. 

Even after doing so many performances myself, I always make checklists and get anxious before performances. 

So, writing this post for all such dancers about the essentials of a Kuchipudi classical dance performance.

We used to start with hair makeup, and face makeup, and proceed with costume, jewelry, snacking, and then alta. A few people prefer face and then hair, but it's really as per your convenience. 

Makeup Checklist:

The most important task is makeup. 

I recommend washing the face clean with face wash and applying the ice cubes on the face before applying makeup. You can do this at least 15 minutes before applying makeup to make the skin tight, and more absorbing.

If you are a beginner in makeup, please set 2 hrs aside. I suggest you spend more time on eye makeup than anything else. Choosing the right foundation is very important for the overall look.

https://flic.kr/p/5fzVoo

Initially, apply primer, moisturizer, and sunscreen in the same order before applying foundation. These are some items that I use, but please explore products that match your skin tone and suit your skin without any reaction. 

Primer 

Moisturizer 

sunscreen 

foundation

compact , smooth mousse foundation

blush

eyebrow pencil

eyeliner 

eyeshadow 

mascara 

Face sponge

lip balm

lipliner

lipstick

lip gloss 

bindi - Round, Cone shaped

Compact mirror

white paint to mark below bindi, color paints

Pin it for later!

Hair Accessories:

Spend at least 20 to 30 mins time to prepare hair. First we set hair bun. 

Here is the video on how to do that. This beautifully explains both face and hair makeup.

Put a lot of U pins and slide pins. Then, attach the fake braid. Arrange flowers - white first from the bun and then, orange. 

Hair bun set

Jada billa in the middle of the bun

Fake braid 

U pins,

rubber bands/ hair ties

Ribbon ties

Slide pins

Fake flowers - Orange

Fake flowers - White

Costume:

There are no Amazon links to buy Kuchipudi costume. Here are some websites to custom order it:

Classical dance jewelry

Shanthi tailors USA

Readymade Dance costumes

Practice saree

Sweat pads are very helpful. You can stick them to the blouse. 

Checklist:

Classical Kuchipudi costume

Safety pins set

sweat pads

Jewelry:

You can buy jewelry sets or even buy them separately online. Jewelry to be worn after hair, and face makeup.

Jewelry set

Head ornament or papidi bottu or 5 step chutti

Surya , Chandra

Ear rings 

Nose accessories

Bangles

Long chain 

Necklace

Waist belt / vaddanam

Black thread to tie jewelry

Others:

Wear alta at the end after you eat and get ready completely. Let it dry. 

It is always a good habit to carry makeup pouch for touchup and tie ghunghroo only a few minutes before performance. For adults with knee pains, don't forget to pack knee pads.

As ghunghroo is considered sacred for a classical dancer, you shouldn't wear sandals while wearing them. You should remove ghunghroo while going to the restroom or any such place. 

Alta / paint for hands and feet

Makeup pouch for touchup with eyeliner, compact, lipstick, blush, safety pins, slides, u pins

Knee pads for adults

Ghunghroo - 4 line leather, 3 row ankle bells for small kids

https://flic.kr/p/2hm292e

Ooff... that's a long list. Did I forget anything? Please do let me know in the comments. Will add it.

Overall Checklist:

Face Makeup:

• Primer
• Moisturizer
• sunscreen
• foundation
• compact, smooth mousse foundation
• blush
• eyebrow pencil
• eyeliner
• eyeshadow
• mascara
• Face sponge
• lip balm
• lipliner
• lipstick
• lip gloss
• bindi - Round, Cone shaped
• Compact mirror
• white paint to mark below bindi, color paints

Hair:

• Hair bun set
• Jada billa in the middle of the bun
• Fake braid
• U pins
• rubber bands/ hair ties
• Ribbon ties
• Slide pins
• Fake flowers - Orange
• Fake flowers - White

Costume:

• Classical Kuchipudi costume
• Safety pins set
• sweat pads

Jewelry:

• Jewelry set
• Head ornament or papidi bottu or 5 step chutti
• Surya, Chandra
• Ear rings 
• Nose accessories
• Bangles
• Long chain 
• Necklace
• Waist belt / vaddanam
• Black thread to tie jewelry

Others:

• Alta / paint for hands and feet
• Makeup pouch for touchup with eyeliner, compact, lipstick, blush, safety pins, slides, u pins
• Knee pads for adults
• Ghunghroo 

Until next time,