Sequin star

Chapter 2

The foyer of the theatre was crowded with people all dressed in their finest. Crystal chandeliers glittered overhead. The ceiling and walls were decorated with gilt-painted plaster mouldings and cherubs. People laughed and gossiped. Claire sipped on her lemonade and stared around her. She felt very dressed up in her cream lace dress and best shoes. The theatre felt like another world –a world of glamour, beauty and sophistication. 'Aren't the costumes lovely?'said Mum. 'All those romantic tutus and elaborate court gowns.''I think the choreography is exceptional tonight,'said Nanna. 'That peasant pas de deux was superb.''I love Giselle,'Claire said. 'I wish I could dance like her. She just makes it look so easy.''She is quite ethereal,'agreed Nanna. 'All soft grace in the body and arms, but if you watch her feet and legs, she is incredibly strong and precise.''Just like you, Mum,'joked Claire's mother. 'Outwardly soft, but inwardly as strong as steel.'Nanna smiled and rubbed her forehead. 'Nonsense, Libby. Not these days anyway.'It was intermission and they were sitting on stools around a little bar table. Nanna, as always, was dressed elegantly in a black gown and jacket –her white hair coiffed, her best jewels on. Nanna, even at her age, still had poise and presence. Mum was also dressed up in a grey silk skirt and high heels. 'When are the auditions for the ballet concert, Claire?'Nanna asked. 'You must be busy practising.'Claire exchanged a look with her mother. Mum pursed her lips. 'I've decided I don't really want to continue with my dancing,'said Claire, lifting her chin in defiance. 'I'm so busy at school now, and I really would rather spend more time just hanging out with my friends.'Mum huffed impatiently. 'You have plenty of time to spend with your friends, Claire. It seems a shame to give up dancing now. It's important that you keep up your physical activity.'Claire glanced up at the gilt-moulded ceiling with almost, but not quite, a roll of the eyes. 'I'm sorry to hear that,'said Nanna, her voice sympathetic. 'I thought you enjoyed your dancing. I certainly love coming to see your performances.'Claire pushed her long, dark hair back behind her ear. She smiled at her grandmother. 'Well, my teacher's really strict and she constantly nags me to practise,'Claire complained. 'Besides, Lucy Stevens always gets the main part, so there's no point trying out.'Mum sighed.