BE ORGANIZED so that when you leave for your show you do not have to look for hours for all of the items you need. Store your costumes in the same place all the time. Put everything away after a show (after airing) keep everything in its place. Do not procrastinate.

Maintain your costuming on a regular basis.

If you are wearing a costume for the first time, PRACTICE in it. Even if it is only a skirt & leotard. You need to know how it feels & reacts as you dance. You do not want it falling apart on stage.

Get the most out of your dance investments, take care of everything. They will last for years if you do.

MAKE UP & HAIR

Try to have separate performance make up bag. In it keep all that you need for make up, cotton balls, q-tips, cleanser, towel & handy wipes.

Performance make up is different from your everyday look. A large theater has a different look than small intimate setting. Be sure your make up is complimentary to your venue & that is complimentary to the costume you are wearing. Save your false eyelashes for the theater or night club they do not belong in a restaurant on Sunday afternoon. Use discretion with wigs also.

Use good quality brushes & liners. Try to get make up advice on coloring. Research theatrical make up before trying.

Make sure you have a comb or brush on hand. Have a mister & spray. If you wear hair accessories practice with them on to make sure they don’t fly off. Be careful with your hair. Hair all over your face is distracting but so is too much hair that looks like a 1970’s pin up with every hair in place. Your hair should move naturally. Your hair should be a shining example of health not a prop. It should look finished without looking phony. Even a prop on stage should be an extension of you. You don’t want to be known as the one with the big hair or awful looking wig. If you do wear a wig make sure it is styled & cut to suit your face. If it looks like a wig it is a no go.

COSTUME

Costumes & veils should be clean & wrinkle free. They should smell good or not at all. Be careful with perfume, someone might be allergic. It should create an aura not be overpowering. If it is could be distracting. All of your costume including scarves etc. are part of your total look. Jewelry is the finishing touch to your costuming. Look after it.

Carry safety pins of all sizes.

A travel size sewing kit is a plus.

The costume does not a dancer make, but it can detract from your performance if it is not right.

Garment bags are a good investment or better still get a small suitcase on wheels like the airline stewardesses use. They hold everything & keep it clean. An excellent investment. Or a great gift.

If you have to wear a costume to a performance. Make sure you do not sit or travel in your hip belt. They are uncomfortable & you will shorten the life span of it. Also make sure no one sees you in costume when not on stage. It is very unprofessional. You want to keep the mystery of the stage where it belongs. On stage.

Keep all beaded items in a towel or pillowcase. Do not put them in plastic as it ruins the glass finish on beads & the color finish on sequins. Always keep you street clothes appropriate to the venue. Always look neat & professional as possible. Every time you perform you represent all other dancers. Remember this in your behavior also. You want to make a good impression. The little details do matter. Every detail counts. Your finger & toe nails, hair, make up, grooming, costuming your smile, every scarf, skirt, tassel, ring, necklace, & shoes make the difference.

Good Luck!!

Have Fun, Enjoy & have a great Show.

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