A Day in the Life of a Ballet Seamstress – Friday Fictioneers

~ Amy Reese

Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting the Friday Fictioneers, a group of writers who gather to compose a 100-word story based on a photo prompt. This week’s photo was brought to us by Sandra Crook. Sandra, thanks for the inspiration.

When I look at a sewing machine, I think of costumes. My story is a tribute to all the costume makers out there. They work hard and, of course, there’s always drama!

PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook
PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook

(100 words)

A Day in the Life of a Ballet Seamstress

Reza didn’t look up as she pumped the foot plate of her sewing machine.

Marilyn entered with a notebook pressed to her chest, “Alain wants the birds blue, not green, and not so shiny.”

“So, we’ll throw some powder on them,” Reza said, and then squinted at her.

In the corner, a sea of tulle swallowed Liliana’s tiny frame. Her tutu hung on her like a potato sack. “What happened to my costume!”

“Again! Just eat already,” Reza said.

Liliana erupted, her body shaking with tears, and dropped her head on Reza’s shoulder.

“There, there. Of course, I’ll fix it.” 

*************

For more stories from the Fictioneers, click here.

41 thoughts on “A Day in the Life of a Ballet Seamstress – Friday Fictioneers”

  3. Wow, that’s a granola bar of a story I have every read — meaning it’s packed with all kinds of stuff in it. This is good. I’m with Sandra. There’s a lot going on in this. Almost like a “before the show emergency” type of situation. I love it!

    Five out of five three-threes (instead of tutus). Badda-BING! 😀

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    1. Aww, thanks, Kent. I shoot for the granola-bar variety in my storytelling. So, thanks for the kind words. There’s something exciting about the chaos that goes on in those last moments, the emergencies, yes! They always seem to happen even with the most thoughtful planning in all the world. Three-threes. Ooh, did I get a bonus! Thanks!

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    1. Dear Rochelle,
      I bet your friend has lots of stories to tell. I have so much respect for costume mistresses and all their hard work, which often goes unnoticed. They are the genius behind-the-scenes. Thank you.

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  14. She is like a group therapist, the good soul who holds it all together–and gets burdened with everything. I bet she loves it. I love the story, it’s great. 🙂

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  15. Good story, Amy. I remember seeing the mothers sitting in the kitchen of my cousin’s home and sewing costumes for their children who were in the dance program the school put on each year. My cousin and her four siblings were students there. Those mothers must have spent hours sewing on sequins alone. Good writing. 🙂 — Suzanne

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    1. Sequins, yes of course! Those can take a lot of time I’m sure. What would we do without all their dedication? It’s always amazing to me just how much is involved in putting on a performance. Somehow it all gets done. Thanks, Suzanne.

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    1. I danced for many years, Michelle. I feel lucky it was a part of my life for a good long time. Now that I’ve left it, it feels like a lifetime ago. Thanks for your comments! I appreciate you. I haven’t been to my blog much lately. I’m sorry for the long delay in responding.

      Liked by 1 person

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