I suspect the off-white used in aboriginal rituals is likely obtained from the ashes from burnt wood.
The black used in ancient British rituals is derived from the same source.
The application of this ash gives the wearer some of the magic associated with fire.
The very idea that blacking up or whiting up is in any way racist is obviously a load of old boot menders.
My post was, I hope you realise, decidedly tongue in cheek.
Back to subject, those young dancers certainly had a ball doing the Greek thing.
Now lets see some Maoris performing a Hakka(sp?) in the style of Zorba!