Get To Know Patricia Zhou
Shot by @pip.director
I had the privilege of interviewing and doing the makeup for the talented Patricia Zhou as she prepared for the Walpole Luxury Awards. A distinguished dancer with an impressive repertoire that includes performances at the Royal Ballet, Staatsballett Berlin, and LA Dance Project, Patricia embodies grace and artistry. Her journey began at the prestigious Kirov Academy in Washington, D.C., where her unwavering dedication and exceptional skill earned her the esteemed Prix de Lausanne prize within just four years. Patricia recently transitioned to becoming a freelance dancer focusing on creating her own artistic projects.
As we chatted amidst her pre-awards preparations, I dove into her makeup routine, exploring how she seamlessly integrates beauty into her artistry both on stage and in her daily life. Our conversation unveiled Patricia's unique perspective on makeup, revealing how it enhances her performances and reflects her personal expression as a dancer. Join me as we uncover the insights of this remarkable artist and the intersection of beauty and dance in her life.
Y: Do you think modern ballet is shifting toward more creative makeup looks, or does it still value the classic aesthetic?
P: I have seen a few modern ballets use more creative makeup looks, but actually, for stage performances I think it’s more effective to use a more classic look, as the audience can’t really see it from so far away and it ends up making the performers’ features look a bit strange, in my opinion. When the venue is a bit smaller or intimate however, I think it’s possible to be a bit more daring.
Y: How much freedom do you typically have to experiment with makeup in your roles?
P: It really depends on the production I’m in. Most of the time the classical roles have quite a standard neutral make-up look, but every so often there’s a fun character with a specific look which is a bit more fun — for example, I played the role of the White Cat in Sleeping Beauty, and that makeup was very stylised. Usually though, once the look is established you’re not really allowed to change it.
Shot by @pip.director
“The act of doing my makeup allows me to establish a routine, to get into the zone, and get into the role.”
Y: Do you see makeup as part of your storytelling on stage, or more as a finishing touch?
P: I definitely think of it as part of the storytelling, but it starts from when I’m getting ready before the performance more so than in the show itself. The act of doing my makeup allows me to establish a routine, to get into the zone, and get into the role.
Y: How does your everyday makeup routine differ from your stage makeup?
P: Most of the time my everyday make up is pretty simple. I like to do a relatively sheer base and just blush, maybe some contour. My stage makeup has to be a lot heavier on the other hand. It had to withstand sweat and bright lights, so it’s definitely much darker and more defined than my everyday makeup.
Y: Are there any makeup products or techniques you’ve discovered that hold up particularly well during performances?
P: The essentials for me are a high-coverage foundation and a lot of powder to set everything in place!
Y: How do you ensure your makeup stays intact under the stage lights and during intense performances?
P:This is a never-ending struggle that I am still figuring out as I go! I am sure I could use a mixture of setting sprays but as I have sensitive skin, I prefer not to. We have to sweat in our stage makeup day after day, so I try to do the least that I can — which is still a lot —so that my skin can breathe.
Y: Do you have a trick for refreshing your makeup between rehearsals and performances?
P: I usually wash it all off and start from scratch. It’s a nice way to divide the day and feels quite refreshing!
Y: What’s your biggest frustration with performance makeup, and how do you usually overcome it?
P: Fake eyelashes!!! I am not a fan of how they feel… Usually I can get away with not wearing them, but the times I do have to — I am always so ready to take them off at the end of the day!
Y: How do you feel about glitter or shimmer in stage makeup?
P: Do you like to incorporate it, or do you prefer a matte finish? Oh I love a bit of glitter and shimmer! I’ll usually use it (depending on the role) for a smaller venue where the audience is closer as when people are far away they can’t really see it, so in those instances I’d use matte.
Y: What’s your favorite feature to highlight with makeup—eyes, lips, or skin?
P: For me, whether on stage or in life it’s usually the eyes! As they say, the eyes are the window to the soul.
