Behind the Scenes: Bharatanatyam Greenroom Preparation
The moments before the curtain rises are as critical as the performance itself. Here is a glimpse into the quiet rituals and precise preparations that ensure every dancer feels ready for their spotlight.
A quiet moment of reflection just before going on stage. The makeup is done, the costume is on, and the mind is focused. This is the calm before the energy of the performance is unleashed.
A candid look in the mirror during a break backstage. These are the moments of focus and preparation that the audience never sees, ensuring every detail is perfect before stepping into the spotlight.
The final touch. Applying the Altha to the fingertips is a meditative process that centers the dancer. It is one of the last steps in becoming the character you will portray on stage.
As a dancer myself, I have spent countless hours in the makeup chair. This video shows me getting ready for a performance. This experience helps me understand what a dancer needs: a calm, professional, and efficient process.
A finished look, ready for the event. Having been on this side of the chair many times, I know how important it is to feel confident and comfortable in your makeup.
A happy smile after the makeup is complete. My goal is for every dancer to feel this sense of joy and readiness before they step out to perform.
Traditional hairstyling is a key part of my service. Here you can see a classic, sturdy braid that is designed to stay intact through vigorous movements, spins, and jumps.
The team that gets you ready. I appreciate the artists who have worked on me and I bring that same spirit of collaboration and support to my own clients.
A moment of gratitude. The bond between a dancer and her makeup artist is built on trust. I cherish these connections and aim to be a supportive presence in the greenroom.
About Behind the Scenes: The Greenroom
A dancer’s stage makeup faces three enemies: sweat, high-intensity lighting, and movement. My process starts with prep work—using sweat-resistant primers and setting sprays—to ensure your Abhinaya remains sharp even after an hour of performance. I am there to handle the technical anxieties, from securing your gajra to ensuring the jewelry is pinned tight so you can focus entirely on your rhythm.
The Reality of the Greenroom
I know that the hours leading up to an Arangetram or a solo recital are filled with a specific kind of nervous energy. As a dancer, I have sat in that chair many times. I built Vivartana’s greenroom services to be the solution to the common disasters that happen during a performance—the slipping gajra, the smudged kohl, or the costume pin that gives way mid-Thillana.
My Technical Approach
My makeup kit is selected for durability, not just trends. Whether you are performing under 1000W par lights in an auditorium or posing for high-resolution studio shots, the products I use are designed to stay put.
- Sweat-Proofing: I use long-wear matte foundations and heavy-duty setting agents that withstand the physical exertion of Bharatanatyam.
- Expression-Focused: I define the eyes with dramatic, symmetrical gel liners to ensure your expressions carry to the last row.
- Security: My hair and ornament styling involves specific pinning techniques and false hair extensions (Savari) that survive intense jumps and fast-paced spins without shifting.
Why One-on-One Matters
I do not take large group bookings. My service is focused on the individual dancer because I believe the greenroom should be a space of calm, not chaos. By working one-on-one, I can provide the support you need—from blotting sweat between items to managing your nerves. If you are preparing for your debut or a major recital in Bangalore or Chennai, my focus is entirely on your readiness, ensuring you step onto that stage with total confidence.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
15
Behind the Stage: My Bharatanatyam Rituals
Behind the Scenes: Preparation for Bharatanatyam
5
Behind the Scenes of My Bharatanatyam Performances
4
Behind the Scenes of a Bharatanatyam Performance
Behind the Scenes of Bharatanatyam Choreography
Behind the Scenes: Bharatanatyam Rehearsals & Process
Looking for dance services?
Search for specific dance services in your city.
More from Stage Makeup Artistry by Sushmitha Suresh
More services by Sushmitha Suresh