India Bradley has never been afraid to make space for herself, and make history while doing it.
As one of the standout trailblazers at the New York City Ballet, the rising star has brought a refreshing blend of technical precision, emotional depth, and unapologetic individuality to the stage.
But behind each captivating performance lies a meticulous beauty and wellness regimen designed to help her move with grace, power, and intention.
Bradley’s preparation begins long before the curtain rises. Her pre-show routine is rooted in slow, intentional grounding. She starts with a deep stretch and a Theragun massage to awaken the muscles she relies on for her famously fluid port de bras and crisp footwork. To keep her skin calm under heavy stage makeup, she uses a hydrating, fragrance-free moisturizer layered beneath a blurring primer that withstands hours of sweat, lighting, and movement. For her hair, Bradley favors sleek, secure styling, usually a low, sculpted bun and edge work that flatters her features while staying performance-ready throughout the night.
Makeup is where artistry meets discipline. Bradley opts for lightweight foundations that enhance rather than mask her natural glow, adding subtle definition with soft brown eyeshadow and a sweep of highlighter that catches the stage lights just so. Her signature finishing touch? A long-wear lip stain that stays put through intense choreography, lifts, and curtain calls.
Once on stage, her beauty prep becomes invisible, but never insignificant. The stability of her bun, the breathability of her makeup, and the comfort of her skincare allow her to lose herself completely in the choreography, delivering performances that feel both technically rigorous and emotionally unfiltered.
After the applause fades, Bradley’s post-show ritual is all about recovery. She begins by removing every trace of makeup with an oil cleanser, followed by a gentle foaming wash to protect her skin’s barrier. A cooling gel mask helps reduce inflammation from hours under stage lights. Her body care routine includes magnesium spray, stretching, and a warm bath to help her unwind. And because mental recovery is just as important, she ends the evening with journaling, a practice she says keeps her grounded amid the pressures of performance.
India Bradley’s routines reflect the duality of ballet itself: discipline and artistry, strength and softness. Through preparation, performance, and recovery, she honors her craft, and continues redefining what a history-making ballerina looks like.
