Transformations: The Impact of Hair and Makeup on Lily Gladstone in ‘Fancy Dance’

Feature film Fancy Dance, starring Lily Gladstone, debuted on Apple TV+ earlier this year. The heartwarming story follows Jax (played by Gladstone), who looks after her niece, Roki, on the Seneca-Cayuga reservation in Oklahoma while searching for her missing sister. Amidst this, she also helps Roki prepare for an upcoming powwow, showcasing themes of love and resilience.

Hair and makeup are essential in the transformation of actors into their characters, and we had the opportunity to chat with Sharon Tabb, the head of the hair and makeup department for the film. Sharon drew on her extensive experience to create various looks, from natural for Lily Gladstone to more glamorous styles for the powwow scenes. In our discussion, she delved into the art of creating a “no makeup makeup look,” her involvement with Native American storytelling, and advice for aspiring makeup artists.

When Sharon signed on for Fancy Dance, her process focused on authentic storytelling, a concept she also explored in her work on Reservation Dogs. Collaborating closely with director Erica Trembley, Sharon brought the characters’ visions to life and worked with Lily Gladstone to develop her character’s unique appearance. While taking on the dual role of leading the makeup and hair departments can be challenging, Sharon found a seamless rhythm that worked well for this project. By personally overseeing Lily Gladstone’s makeup and hair, she ensured that every detail enhanced the character and maintained the film’s overall aesthetic, capturing the essence of the character authentically and powerfully.

Sharon’s commitment to authenticity and attention to detail shone through in the visual transformation of Lily Gladstone’s character, reflecting the film’s narrative purpose. Her dedication to her craft and collaborative approach underscored the importance of every element in enhancing the storytelling experience.