Dear Constant Reader,
At rehearsal last night everyone worked on their mystery box challenge and eventually showed what they have so far. I *wish* I’d remembered to take some pictures. I know you all pay more attention to these missives when there are pictures.
Often when developing a new routine, especially after only one week, the dancers show maybe a minute. Last night everyone went through the entire song. There might have been some faking through the weak spots, but for the most part there’s a start to finish act there. I think because we want to play with all the components we’ve been assigned.
Some costumes have been pulled from the closet and are completely done. Others are still in progress, so there’s some stunt or phantom clothing items in play. I’m using a substitute panel skirt and imaginary assels. I think Evie’s entire costume was in absentia and at least one of her props.
Betty is even playing along from L.A. She emailed us a progress report and some photos of her costume in process.
Personally, I’m on my third costume concept and I think this is the keeper. My initial idea was to take the ruffled trim and apply it to the hem of this skirt:
Then I thought about using it as some kind of top that I could unwind. But decided instead I’d use it to replace the scarf in this costume:
I’d wear this with gloves to cover my required gauntlets and be all elegant and what audiences expect from me until I stripped down to panels & bra and could get dirty.
It look glorious, of course, but even with a 4 minute song I didn’t feel like I had enough time to really give the ruffles, the chair, and the panels their due. I didn’t want to give any of them short shrift. I feel that every component needs to be used well and not just perfunctorily to fulfill the rules of the challenge.
So I ditched the glove peel. I was still feeling rushed. After a couple of runs last night, I completely ditched the outer layer. It was the right move. I have so much more time to tease with the ruffle, the panels and play with the chair. I still need to get it dirtier and actually try out the assels.
The plan before Sunday’s rehearsal is to make my new panel skirt or at least have it ready enough to use. And figure out the whole assel thing. I’ve never used them before!
Wish me luck!
Oh, The Glamourous Life! 
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