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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.
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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.
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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.
compact , smooth mousse foundation
bindi - Round, Cone shaped
white paint to mark below bindi, color paints
Pin it for later!
Hair Accessories:
Jada billa in the middle of the bun
Costume:
There are no Amazon links to buy Kuchipudi costume. Here are some websites to custom order it:
Sweat pads are very helpful. You can stick them to the blouse.
Checklist:
Classical Kuchipudi costume
Jewelry:
Head ornament or papidi bottu or 5 step chutti
Surya , Chandra
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
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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,