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“And then I’ve just watched my friends and lots of YouTube tutorials.Lotsof YouTube tutorials.”
Nir Arieli
When Ailey II dancerElijah Lancasterwas starting out, he performed as a guest artist at a regional ballet theater.
“And it was a very pasty white foundation with kind of a close powder.
Needless to say, I looked like a clown on stage, which was really unfortunate.
Hannah Alissa Richardson during a performance.
The same goes for the shoes, too.
Hannah Alissa Richardson during a performance.
“Right now I’m usingMilk Makeup Setting Spray.”
Elijah Lancaster during a performance.
Backstage, the dancers usually only have around 30 minutes to do their makeup, so simplicity is key.
King loves small winged eyeliner looks to get performance-ready on the quick.
“That does not come off, at all.
you’ve got the option to wear it for a week, it does not come off.”
“Honestly, it’s a bunch of Vaseline andJergens,” Lancaster says.
King goes for antibiotic creams that help prevent infection in cracked heels or split toes.
“That helps it stay moisturized and protected,” she says.
Elijah Lancaster during a performance.
“I take lots of Advil.”
Elijah Lancaster during a performance.
“I just wrap my hair up and put it in,” she says.
“It does less damage to the hair because it doesn’t pull it back as much.
But those claw clips have been helping me out lately.”
Meagan King during a performance.
“Braiding or twisting can become a protective style thats my go-to.”
Some Ailey dancers also like to have natural hair when they dance.
“Their style changes almost immediately because they feel less contained,” Richardson adds.
“It affects your movement and makes you feel freer.”
Meagan King during a performance.
The Ailey II national tourcontinues with dates this spring.
