Ballet is very subjective and every dancer has their own idea of beauty. That being said, we all want to look our best on stage or in front of a camera. It is particularly so when we are doing story ballets where we have to portray different characters, so we try to change up our make-up a little to portray the character accurately.
It is up to every individual dancer to do their make-up in a way that enhances their features and makes them happy. There is not really a beauty standard to attain but instead, a standard that comes with being professional and feeling confident in front of an audience. You dance better when you feel better.
It took a few years for me to settle on a look as my style and taste changed and I have also learned to adapt and play around with different products. The look I wear daily is the one I’m happy to do.”
Below, Kwok Min Yi shares her beauty inspirations.
Makeup Minimalism
I don’t really associate my look with anything in particular but I do like a rosy mauve lipstick and mascara on my lashes. Less is more to me when it comes to make-up because it is just a tool to enhance the natural beauty you already have.
Photo Credit: Chris Soo
A Disciplined Approach
I started using make-up regularly when I was a full-time student at a vocational ballet school as our teacher wanted to instil a sense of professionalism and discipline in us before we entered a professional career.
Photo Credit: Bernie Ng
The Casting Of "Centre Stage"
I loved watching “Centre Stage” growing up which is a ballet-inspired movie with the cast consisting of several professional ballet stars among the actors. I have seen videos of some of them dancing and to see them acting as well was pretty cool.
Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures
Centre Stage's Realism
There are some parts in the movie Centre Stage where the dancers would change their make-up during a performance from a natural look to stage make-up which I felt was very relatable because we were taught to do the same when we were young.
Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures
Real Life
My beauty inspiration comes from photos and videos shared on social media of celebrities, professional dancers and make-up artists.
Photo Credit: New York City Ballet