Eastern Dance

All dancers want to present themselves looking their best for their audience, so there are a few things you need to consider:

Most dancers in the Middle East have long hair, as this is considered very feminine. Some dancers wear wigs and hairpieces to create the illusion of fullness or to change their hairstyle.

If your hair is short, you may like to consider wearing a wig or hairpiece to enhance you appearance. If so, choose a colour close to your own- avoid black unless this is your natural colour-choose dark brown instead.

If you are wearing a folk or traditional costume you could cover your hair with a coin scarf, turban or hat, but if your costume leans more towards cabaret, you could wear either a matching headdress or tiara, or simply decorate you hair with combs, glittery grips or flowers.

Makeup is also considered an important part of a dancers appearance, with particular emphasis placed on the eyes. Traditionally, kohl has always been used to line the eyes, as it is believed to keep away evil spirits.

Whether you are performing out of doors or in a theatre, you will need some makeup. For an outdoor event or one where you will be seen close up by the public, normal makeup will be fine. However, at an event where you will be seen under spotlights (which will have a 'bleaching' effect), you will need to add more emphasis, especially features like eyes and lips as they need to be seen from a distance away. Spotlights will also pick up on sparkly makeup, body glitter and stick on decorations and bindis.

Most Middle Eastern dancers take great care of their nails, especially their toenails, as they are seen so much. Even the most lowly dancer will have their nails beautifully manicured and their feet treated to a regular pedicure. Either paint your nails to match your costume, or wear red, gold, or silver. If you are wearing a folk costume, you may like to wear a clear nail varnish, or a tinted, more natural colour.

There is also a tradition of painting the hands and feet with henna- this would look most appropriate with a folk or traditional costume. Even small details will help create a more professional appearance and will add to the overall effect. An audience will really appreciate a dancer or troupe who are beautifully costumed and turned out, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing you look great!


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Make up
All dancers want to present themselves looking their best for their audience, so there are a few things you need to consider: Hair Most dancers in the Middle East have long hair, as this is considered very feminine. Some dancers wear wigs and hairpieces to create the illusion of fullness or to change their hairstyle. If your hair is short, you may like to consider wearing a wig or hairpiece to enhance you appearance. If so, choose a colour close to your own- avoid black unless this is your natural colour-choose dark brown instead. If you are wearing a folk or traditional costume you could cover your hair with a coin scarf, turban or hat, but if your costume leans more towards cabaret, you could wear either a matching headdress or tiara, or simply decorate you hair with combs, glittery grips or flowers. Makeup Makeup is also considered an important part of a dancers appearance, with particular emphasis placed on the eyes. Traditionally, kohl has always been used to line the eyes, as it is believed to keep away evil spirits. Whether you are performing out of doors or in a theatre, you will need some makeup. For an outdoor event or one where you will be seen close up by the public, normal makeup will be fine. However, at an event where you will be seen under spotlights (which will have a 'bleaching' effect), you will need to add more emphasis, especially features like eyes and lips as they need to be seen from a distance away. Spotlights will also pick up on sparkly makeup, body glitter and stick on decorations and bindis. Nails Most Middle Eastern dancers take great care of their nails, especially their toenails, as they are seen so much. Even the most lowly dancer will have their nails beautifully manicured and their feet treated to a regular pedicure. Either paint your nails to match your costume, or wear red, gold, or silver. If you are wearing a folk costume, you may like to wear a clear nail varnish, or a tinted, more natural colour. There is also a tradition of painting the hands and feet with henna- this would look most appropriate with a folk or traditional costume. Even small details will help create a more professional appearance and will add to the overall effect. An audience will really appreciate a dancer or troupe who are beautifully costumed and turned out, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing you look great!