10 Simple Steps to Achieve the Prima Diva Dance Look

Dancers on stage have a unique ability to make us feel part of their story, often leaving us mesmerized by their striking faces. What is it that captivates us so deeply? The secret lies in dance makeup, which dramatically accentuates a dancer's eyes, making it easier for them to engage the audience. With a bit of guidance, you too can achieve this seemingly intricate yet classic dancer look!

The Essence of Prima Diva Makeup

Understanding Eye Contouring

Eye contouring involves using darker eye shadows to create depth and dimension. There are three primary techniques to achieve this effect, which can be used individually or in combination, depending on the desired look:

1. Lash Line Contour: Apply a dark, earthy eye shadow across the entire lash line, gradually fading the color upwards past the crease towards the brow bone.
2. Outer Lid Contour: Use a contour color to create a sideways "V" or "C" shape on the outer third of the eyelid.
3. Crease Contour: Apply a contour eye shadow color in the crease of the eyelid.

These techniques help the audience follow the dancer's eyes, emphasizing their natural shape and dimension. This makes it easier for viewers to see if the dancer's eyes are open, closed, or focused on something specific, creating larger, wider almond-shaped eyes.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Prima Diva Look

1. Foundation

Start with a well-blended foundation. Remember, blending is key to achieving a flawless base.

2. Eyebrows

Shape your eyebrows using a brush and fill them in with a shadow that matches your natural eyebrow color.

3. Brow Highlight

Highlight under the brow line with a white liner to make your eyes pop.

4. Base Eye Shadow

Apply a light/medium, warm-toned, neutral eye shadow over the entire eyelid. Neutral/warm earth-toned shadows are ideal for stage performances as they complement the dancer's eyes and skin under stage lights.

5. Crease Dimension

Blend a deep, rich, dark brown shadow into the crease of the eye to create dimension.

6. Upper Lash Line

Line the upper lashes with waterproof black eyeliner for definition. Use a small angled brush to apply chocolate brown shadow underneath the lash line. Avoid using liquid liner under the eye as it can be messy. Highlight between the upper and lower lash lines with a white pencil.

7. Lower Lash Line

Highlight the inside of the lower lash line with a white eye pencil. Avoid black liner as it can make the eyes appear smaller on stage.

8. False Lashes

Apply false lashes and coat them with black mascara to bind them. False lashes enhance the natural shape of your eyes.

9. Blush

Apply blush and blend well to avoid a clownish appearance.

10. Lips

Line and fill the entire lip with a lip pencil, starting from the outside corner to the middle. Complete the look by filling in the lips with lipstick.

Performance Tips

Your makeup should be dark enough to be seen clearly from the first 8 to 12 rows of the theater. Applying performance cosmetics can be challenging, especially if you have small eyelids, but practice makes perfect. With time, you'll be able to apply the Prima Diva look like a pro.

Interesting Stats

• According to a study by the American Academy of Dermatology, stage makeup can significantly impact a dancer's performance by enhancing facial expressions and making them more visible to the audience.
• A survey by Dance Magazine found that 85% of professional dancers believe that proper stage makeup boosts their confidence and stage presence.

By following these steps and tips, you can achieve the Prima Diva dance look and captivate your audience with your stunning eyes and flawless makeup.