The One Thing
Our series The One Thing is a Sparknotes version of the products, rituals, and moments your favorite celebrities and influencers swear by—their go-tos, must-haves, and can’t-live-withouts. So go ahead—take a brief, intimate peek into the lives of your favorites through the things (and people, and moments) they hold dear.
India Bradley is a barrier-breaking ballerina. Just last month, she made history as the first Black female soloist at the New York City Ballet. Two years prior, she became the first Black ballerina to perform the role of Dewdrop in The Nutcracker. The 27-year-old has been training for moments like this since she was 4 years old, perfecting her craft at the best academies like the School of American Ballet. However, her career achievements don’t end at performances on the grandest stages. The ever-talented Bradley has also become well acquainted with stepping in front of the camera for campaigns, recently working with skincare brand Innbeauty Project for its “The Ultimate in High Performance” shoot.
“The biggest misconception people have about ballerinas is that they think the beauty they see is all effortless,” Bradley says. “The discipline, repetition, long hours, and body aches that come before we even get to the stage are what actually make it so beautiful. When Innbeauty presented this concept of spotlighting ballet as the ‘ultimate in high performance,’ I was immediately on board because what looks easy on stage is anything but.”
Ahead, Bradley opens up about the skincare rituals that keep her feeling centered amid the demands of ballet, her off-duty fashion essentials, and the unexpected songs on her dance playlist.
The One Thing She Does to Her Skin After a Performance
“After a long day of rehearsals and performances, my skin is usually super dry and craving deep hydration. I tend to reach for Innbeauty Project’s Recharge Gel Cream to instantly reset my skin. It’s like a glass of water for my skin.”
The One Makeup Step She Never Skips
“I have to have contour. I love a good accentuation of the cheekbone.”
The One Thing That Helps Her Achieve a Ballerina Bun
“A chic ballerina bun comes with a thick pomade, a hard brush, and a ton of bobby pins.”
Innbeauty project
The One Fashion Staple That Makes Her Feel Confident
“My Maison Margiela Tabi Knee-High Boots. Every time I put them on, I feel like I’m stomping down a runway. They’re also extremely comfy.”
The One Fashion Trend She’s Fallen In Love With
“Ballerina flats. I wear them pretty much every day and with every outfit. Flats are a trend that will stay in my wardrobe for the foreseeable future.”
The One Thing She Thinks About the Balletcore Trend
“I think it’s beautiful that people are drawn to the beauty that is ballet. Innbeauty had such an amazing vision that they brought to life so well while incorporating the balletcore aesthetic. There’s an amazing parallel between skincare and ballet—something that looks and feels so effortless is actually built with a lot of intention.”
Innbeauty project
The One Song She Plays Before a Performance
“I listen to ‘Everything is Romantic’ by Charli XCX and Caroline Polachek.”
The One Unexpected Song She’s Danced To
“I danced to ‘Friend of Mine’ by Rihanna from the Smurfs movie soundtrack.”
The One Wellness Practice She Swears By
“As I’m getting older, I’ve begun to realize how important it is to prioritize my recovery as much as my training. Pilates, cold plunging, hydration, and a good night’s rest have been vital to my career. Small rituals, like skincare, at the end of a difficult day, help me stay grounded and wind down.”
The One Thing She Always Treats Herself to After a Performance
“A dirty martini (with vodka and extra olives).”
The One Person She Wants to Dance With One Day
“Nikolaj Hübbe, who is still alive and still very fierce.”