What kinds of dancewear and makeup do I need for Nutcracker?

If this is your (or your child’s) first year participating in a big stage production, it can be a little daunting to get all of your supplies.  What you will need really depends on what parts you will be dancing, but the truth is that you probably really don’t need quite as much as you think you do, and you can use some of the things that you already have.  The dance company will not expect you to obtain any items that are not readily available at department stores or dancewear stores. 

Here are the basic things that all dancers usually need, but specific varieties vary with gender and role.  Always check with your director about exactly what you need; do not purchase items just because I suggested them.

1.  Tights.  For most roles, male and female dancers will need to bring their own tights in nude, white, black, or pink.  If the role requires a unique color of tights, the company should provide them.  I highly recommend purchasing at least 2 new pairs of tights before opening night.  It is not necessary to wear “fresh out of the package” tights to each show, but they do need to be clean, not torn, and not faded from lots of washing.

2.  Costume underwear.  You will have to bring whatever it is you will be wearing under your costume, if anything.  Many female roles require a bra, dance briefs, or a nude leotard.  Male roles often require a dance belt and a tight fitting t-shirt or tank top.  Dancers are usually free to use items that they already own; you do not have to go buy a new pair of briefs or t-shirt unless nothing that you already own will work.  Once you acquire a nude leotard or pair of ballet pink briefs, that item will continue to work for all of your performances until it wears out or you outgrow it.

3.  Dance shoes.  You will have to bring your own dance shoes to the performance (unless you are performing barefoot or are using specialized footwear provided by the company).  I recommend getting new shoes (flat ballet, pointe, jazz) a few weeks before the performance and breaking them in so they will be clean and formed to your foot during the performance.  Character, ballroom, and tap shoes don’t have to be new, just clean.  If you are required to have a special color of ballet shoes, purchase a white pair and dye them.  If you need a special color of pointe shoes, you can color them with fabric markers (see my article about coloring ballet shoes here: ). 

4.  Hair “stuff.”  This includes all gel, hairspray, bobby pins, clips, hairnets, extensions, and items that you use to get your hair ready for the stage.  If you will be wearing a hat, wig, or special hairpiece, the company will provide it for you.

5.  Makeup.  All performances that take place in a big theater will require stage makeup for all dancers.  Regardless of age and gender, dancers will need some form of foundation, eye shadow, eyeliner, blush, and lipstick.  Additionally, older girls and women will need mascara, false lashes, and bronzer.  The particular type, color, and sometimes brand of the products will be specified by the company.

That is really all that dancers need.  If this is your (or your child’s) first time performing (and expensive pointe shoes are not involved), expect to spend about $100 on tights, costume underwear, dance shoes, and makeup.  For subsequent shows, you only need to refresh tights, some types of shoes, and expired makeup products.  Expect to spend about $50.

Young dancers (under age 12 or so) are usually placed together in tight dressing rooms with little extra space, so it is important that they not bring too many extraneous items.  They can get dropped off at the theater already wearing their tights and costume underwear under their clothes and with their hair and makeup already done (except for lipstick—always apply after getting in costume for less mess).  They will need a small tote containing dance shoes, lipstick, and extra hair things like spray and pins.  A water bottle and a snack are also good things to pack, but not entirely necessary.  Most theaters have water fountains, and companies will usually provide “emergency” light snacks and entertainment like blank paper and colored pencils. 

Teen and adult dancers who perform more numerous and advanced parts often need more supplies, and they are usually placed in more spacious dressing rooms with only a few other dancers.  See my “what to take to the theater with you” article here.