I feel like every Saturday ends with me asking, What even happened today? It’s a lot to take in, a lot to remember. That’s why I write so much– to remember.
Yesterday began with company class with Miss Mia, followed by picture prep. Everyone was running around, using hairspray like jet glue and plastering on the make-up. Somehow, we made it down to the main studio, where cast, group and individual pictures were taken. Our generous photographer (Thank you for your time and for all of your camera space!) said, “Okay, here we go– [Faith] at its finest,” and snapped a cache of silly photos, too.
Just before and between pictures, Miss Mia, Miss Mimi and our incredible seamstress revealed to me the Firebird costume.
My gosh.
The tutu alone is worth more than my mom’s iPad. And it’s stunning. My head spun just looking at it; I felt like I was wearing the crown jewels or something. It was one of those high-pressure moments when you feel like the entire world is waiting for you to say something major, and you just can’t. It’s heavy and tight, and the headpiece has this jewel that hangs directly between my eyes (“Try spotting with that,” Miss Bethanny laughed.), and it’s perfect. “She looks like a professional ballerina,” several people agreed. To be honest, I was just trying my best not to breathe too deeply. If one feather falls off of that tutu…. I can feel my life hanging in the balance.
The rest of the day was spent running and rerunning Act II. While our seamstress worked with a group of dancers, Prince of Darkness and I, with the help of the little swans, talked through and improved any iffy partnering pieces. “What do you think?” I asked our newest little swan.
“I think you should touch the ceiling,” she replied.
You know. Normal dancer comments and such.
Miss Bethanny came in toward the end of rehearsals, providing “an equal amount of learning and laughter.” She was able to clean up a couple of our more difficult lifts and also Foxtrot around the room with Miss Mimi. Learning and laughter.
And now I must prepare for the long day ahead. Happy Sunday, lovelies.
Firebird