Backstage reality

The photo is from a gig in Uppsala a couple weeks ago!

I just felt for this photo so badly; it's so raw, real, and... weird, hahaha!
I'm not sure if you're all curious what happens backstage when I am (or anyone else in the dance and circus world) are performing, so let me fill you in!
It's always fun to share intimate, vulnerable parts of life, and the emotions that fill you when you have a nice backstage is indeed one of those WOW moments in life that just make you burst with joy!

I know many of us performers out there really want to express our needs and wants, but don't really dare to, because if we have a shitty attitude we won't get hired anymore (even if we do our job amazingly).
So here I am, to say what I think and be honest about it!

What usually happens backstage?
Well; gossip, undressing, some much needed instagramming, helping each other get dressed, pin stuff or makeup advice. Sometimes there's spontaneous dances, friends that come with us backstage to talk or take "backstage photos", stretching, warming up and, occasional nervousness.
One has to focus, finish makeup and make sure it's flawless, take photos for promotion, binge-drink coffee or other thing that gives you that EXTRA energy

You're probably wondering; Ronyah, what do you (or other performers) NEED backstage?
The necessary things for comfort (indoors of course, outdoors there's almost no hope, haha) would be:​

• A room (it's too often one has to flash the kitchen staff (not on purpose), or hide in the bathroom, bumping walls with elbows and accidentally wetting sleeves in the sink)
• Bathroom
• water
• a mirror
• good light
• enough space to change clothes or warm up
• electricity for hair curlers
  
  

Unfortunately, there's way too many times that me and my colleagues have not had these basic conditions. They are even viewed as luxury, especially the good light part.
Thing is, when performers are already required to be everything for ourselves, makeup, make costumes, train, promotion, the last thing one wants to do is to bring a bunch of stuff to make backstage livable.
So, what's luxury, and will make us LOVE you and want us to do our job even better?

• FOOD! I love food.
• soft carpet or mat to warm up on
• other drinks besides water
• a makeup artist (almost never happens but when it does, it's AMAZING)
• LOTS of space to warm up
• hangers and/or space for clothes
• clear directions and instructions in advance on what is needed from you as performer

A couple things off the luxury list can balance out for the lack of something on the basic list.
(Of course when one is performing outside, these conditions don't really apply)
So if you're planning to have an event with performers, please do think over how you can make it comfortable for us, and make us love you and brag about your forever!
But seriously, as long as there's good light and it's warm, we'll be fine.
Just let us know in advance.

I just felt the need to share this, and a few more insane photos from the gig in Uppsala from which I have the photo above!
By the way, that gig had candy, big mirror with good lighting, electricity, and some very awesome people.

Love and light,
​//Gypsy Queen