Simon Doonan in his hilarious memoir, Nasty: My Family and Other Glamorous Varmints, tells a story about the defining moment in his life when he understood the concept of camp. While dining at a terribly kitschy tropical eatery (in sunny Britain), they found that as soon as they indulged in the same corny body language of those holiday revelers, they became those merry-makers. He wrote, “Finding out that we could do things as if we were doing them was… a transcendental and highly addictive discovery. Entering a room as if we were entering a room was so much more amusing and exhilarating than just entering a room.” So on Day 17 we choose to take a cue from Mr. Doonan and make an entrance as though we are making an entrance.
Here are 7 tips to help with making that ever important entrance:
1. Let’s start at the very beginning; when you walk into a room. Mr. Doonan also gives great advice about entrances. He encourages young divas to pause as you walk through a doorway. Others are always surveying the door. Use this to your advantage by lingering in that highly visible area and peruse the crowd.
2. Walk with confidence: shoulders back and head held high.
3. In regards to your upcoming recital, ponder those entrances as well. Take a moment to understand how the audience will perceive the performance space from different angles. Imagine what you would like your entrance to look like from that vantage point.
4. Use your stage skills on and off the stage. That is to say, do not turn your back to your audience too often. Also be courteous to those around you by not blocking their view.
5. I know how this sounds, but it must be said. Divas are not practical. Think of Coco Chanel in Verdura cuffs on both arms and the more fake pearls the better. Divas do not shy away from a serious pop of color nor a piece of statement jewelry.
6. A smile is the most beautiful thing a woman can wear. Don’t over-think it just flash those pearly whites.
7. Have a place to go when you make your entrance. Be cognizant of this for auditions, parties, staged shows, recitals and concerts. Don’t forget to “smeyes” (Thanks, Tyra Banks) on your way there.
Think about those bold-faced names like Renée and Denyce. Envision their attitude as they enter a room. Try to wear that demeanor in your own authentic way.
Get out on the scene and make an entrance!
