Saturday, August 23, 2014

Dancing for the Mayor of the City of Adelaide - Adelaide Town Hall

I think this is the first time I ever was in such a grand building. It was the Adelaide Town Hall. I'm not sure of the occasion, but there were a lot of us 'fairies'. I think I got to be there because of St. Agnes church in Grange, but not sure. They used to have dancing and calisthenics in the adjacent hall (as well as wedding receptions, sales, etc.).
I know much preparation went into it. I don't know if the dress was hand made, but know the sequins were sewn on by hand. The fairy wings were coat hangers, shaped, and covered in tulle. With sequins sewn on it. The wand and headband with star was cut out carefully from cereal boxes to a pattern, then covered in foil. This was all a fascinating process to me, and I know I helped out.
I don't remember much about the performance. The building was big, the curtains were deep red velvet and very heavy. It was cold. I had a heavy coat on over my costume. There seemed to be a lot of confusion, and a lot of kids. I know it was a very special occasion, but have no memories of what it was about. I do remember the audience being very enthusiastic in their applause. It was thunderous to me. I was only used to the meager clapping in local town hall and church halls in and around the Henley and Grange area.
I hated getting the eyebrows drawn on, and look so fake. I am sure I probably wasn't standing very still for it. I remember the lipstick, making 'cherub' peaks in the middle. It was bright red, and had to purse and contort my lips for this process. I never did take much to wearing lipstick, and never red or any dark colors. Though loved the shimmering pale pink lipstick I got for my 'big' thirteenth birthday when I was deemed to be a 'big' girl.
I haven't marked the photo as copyright. But it is. Please don't use without my written permission. Thank you.

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