off to the ballet

I love ballet. I have no desire at all to dance myself, I just love to watch it. I do the New York City ballet workout from time to time, that's about as close as I will ever get to dancing.

I've also got a bit of an obsession with pointe shoes, and ballet shoes in general. My indoor slippers aren't slippers at all, they're ballet shoes. A pair of satin, and a leather pair.

I have always wanted to own pointe shoes, but thought I'd look stupid if I went into the dance shop in town and bought a pair, and have to admit that I wasn't a dancer.

So a few years ago I bought some on ebay.

Two pairs are on top of the shelf in the craft room. They fit me, so I've worn them around the house to scuff them up and make them look as if they may have been danced in (I know this is a sad admission, but that's me). Pointe shoes have to be the most evil invention, how dancers not only dance but look graceful in them is nothing short of a miracle. I have even more respect for them than I did before

This is a vintage ballet dress. It was on display at a mansion in town one year, and was from a performance of Cinderella from 1948. It was so beautiful. The edges of the tutu were dirty and raggedy, but it made it all the more enchanting to me. Wasn't sure if photos were allowed or not, so I sneaked one.

At Christmas, my decorations are based on the Dance of the Sugar plum fairy from The Nutcracker, which is why ballet shoes and tiaras are nestled in amongst the branches of the Christmas tree, and garlands and wreaths are made from tulle, bunched together to look like tutus.

The rest of the year, the shoes are dotted around the house. Even hanging in the shower room, beneath a vintage hat.

So I am very excited this week. As part of our Valentine's Day pressies, the husband is taking The Girl and I to see Swan Lake, performed by The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia.

Our seats are close to the stage, which I'm pleased about. Means I'll be able to see the shoes closely. And hear the thuds as they dance across the stage. For something that looks so elegant, it sounds like a stampede of elephants stamping around.

I know why I love pointe shoes so much. They are the ultimate in high heels. Clearly something Christian Louboutin sees too, wonder if I can get the husband to buy me these for Valentine's Day? I wouldn't try to walk in them though!!!

What plans do you have for Valentine's Day?

Right. Time to get outside again. Going to paint a few more pots (see yesterday's post). I am so glad I got so much done in the garden yesterday, not only did I beat the rain, but I beat the snow too!