On Saturday I endure the final ballet class which feels a bit pointless for me because all I’ll be doing is sitting, waving and smiling whilst the others lay bouquets of flowers at my feet. I’m accompanied by both my mother and sister who observe from the side with the other parents. When we first came to Miss Jarowski’s School of ballet I was very self conscious about having to wear a leotard and dance tights, but now it doesn’t bother me so much. However today is the day we’re introduced to our costumes and mine is by far the most elegant! As I’m buttoned into the floor length gown, I feel somewhat envious of the shorter, plainer dresses the others will be wearing. “Now you’ve got to be very careful Peter…” Brown Owl tells me, “…because it’s easy to trip over such a long dress.” She shows me how to lift it when I’m climbing steps or curtseying, and how to arrange when I sit. “And don’t forget to keep your knees and ankles together.” she states. “May queen is traditionally a girl so remember to act like one.” I sit on a chair in the centre of the studio whilst the Seven sisters gracefully prance around me. They lay imaginary bouquets at my feet and I’m encouraged to smile and wave for the duration. I can’t help but glance at my mother and sister who’s beaming grins express the pride they must be feeling. All I feel is embarrassed, but it’s far too late to get out of it. Thankfully my mother hasn’t brought her camera. She’s saving the rest of the film for May Day.
I figured all I’d be doing is sitting and waving, but it soon dawns on me that I’ll also have to make a speech. Flanked by my Seven Sisters, I nervously read the words which Brown Owl has written. First, I thank everyone for attending and wish them an enjoyable day. Then I thank everyone who’s organised the event and those who are participating. I thank everyone for the beautiful flowers and thank my seven sisters for all their hard work and support, before formerly declaring the May Day celebrations open. I’m encouraged to deliver the speech loudly, confidently and clearly …and most importantly, with a smile. “And as the crowd applauds, you smile, curtsey left, curtsey right, and curtsey to the front, before sitting on your throne.” Brown Owl instructs.
“Oh god.” I think as I perform the trio of curtseys. I’m given a copy of the speech so I can rehearse it. All of a sudden, I think I’d rather have been one of the seven sisters rather than the May Queen.
Afterwards, Mother tells me that I was ‘perfect’ but adds that I mustn’t sound too nervous on the big day. My sister tells me that I look great in my dress. I tell her that I feel like a dork as she unfastens my buttons. “Well it’s how you look that matters.” she replied as I carefully stepped out of the dress and handed it to Brown Owl. I looked myself up and down; pink ballet shoes, white tights and black leotard. I noticed my sister also looking me up and down. “What?” I asked.
“Nothing.” she replied, before telling me that I look ‘cute’. I honestly don’t know if she’s teasing me or being honest, either way… this is the last time I’ll have to wear my leotard.
We bid the others farewell and as is the norm, go for lunch in a burger bar. Mother asks if I’m going to miss going to ballet. I tell her that I’m glad it’s over. “I thought you were getting into it?” she suggested.
“Not really.” I replied, although I have become used to the routine. “I’ll miss going to Brownies more.” I said. My mother reminded me that I don’t have to leave Brownies if I don’t want to. “I know but I want to go back to Cubs.”
“Why don’t you go to both?” my sister suggested. “Brownies on Tuesday, Cubs on Wednesday.”
“That’s a good idea!” Mother stated. I wasn’t so sure. I don’t think I’d be allowed to be a Brownie and a Cub. Mother suggested I ask Brown Owl. I said I might, but was mostly worried about what my classmates would think if I decided not to leave Brownies. Mother changed the topic and said that she’s in two minds whether to buy me some new shoes or to dig out an old pair of my sisters. “You’ve got some white Mary Jane’s haven’t you.” she stated.
“What do I want shoes for?” I asked.
“To wear with your dress.”
“Won’t I be wearing my ballet shoes?” I said, since I wore them in the dress rehearsal. Both my mother and sister told me that ballet shoes aren’t suitable for outdoor use. “But you wear ballet shoes for school.” I said.
“I know but they’re different.” Judy replied.
“Those Mary Jane’s would be nice.” Mother said.
“But they might not fit him.” my sister replied. “Plus… he might not want to spend all day wearing heels.”
“He’ll be sat down most of the time.”
“Only for the parade.” Judy stated. “After that he’ll be on his feet.”
“Well he wears Mary Jane’s for Brownies… he’s more than accustomed to the heel.”
“True.” Judy replied.
“Is anyone going to ask what I want?” I groaned. Mother and Judy gave me their attention. “Well…” I began, not really knowing what I want. “…I didn’t want to be May Queen in the first place.” I said. “I’m only doing it because everyone tells me I should… and given the choice, I’d rather not wear shoes with heels all day long. It’s bad enough wearing them at Brownies.”
“OK.” Mother replied. “We’ll have a look for some flat shoes if that’s what you prefer.” she said. I frowned and nodded “But you’ll have to try them on.” she added.
“I know.” I mumbled.
