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Tweak says, "Thing of beauty...Joy forever"

Althea (lightshimmers) wrote in oceancove,
@ 2011-06-21 18:50:00

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Who: The Cove (Gathering Post)
What: The closing performance of Swan Lake
Where: The Cove's Performing Arts Center
When: The evening of June 21st.
Rating: TBD
Status: Incomplete / Open to all

The closing night of any performance typically resulted in a large turn-out, either of those who had yet been afforded the chance to see the production and didn't want to miss out, or those who wanted one more chance to take in the entire spectacle. No matter the reason, there was always a hint of sadness in knowing this would be the final night, yet a thrill of anticipation for what was to come next. Where one curtain might fall its last time, another would rise in a few weeks' time and the spectacle of dance would come again to the Cove. Rehearsals had already been scheduled for the next production, and the company would get a scarce break before starting again.

Soft lights illuminated the foyer and the theatre, conversation and the clinking of glasses against one another setting a quiet backdrop for the event. It was comfortable to gather before the production, where servers in black and white attire moved soundlessly with trays of hors d'oeuvres. Photos of the dance company lined the outside of the room, portraits in black and white, with the female and male leading roles showcased towards the center.

The performance went without incident from the first notes played by the orchestra to the final curtain call, and the producer crossed the stage to place a bouquet of two dozen red roses in Althea's arms before pressing a kiss to her cheek. Three curtain calls came and went with thunderous applause before the house lights came on again, and the magic of Swan Lake drew to a close.

Afterwards, the reception was waiting. Caterers rushed about in black and white costumes, balancing heavy trays with champagne glasses and clean plates, maneuvering between linen-covered tables and finely dressed patrons. A feeling of festivity came through the room and when the company came to join it only elevated to a higher level.

Another successful production at the Cove had come to a close.

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Althea

lightshimmers
2011-06-22 03:13 am UTC (link)

It hadn't taken long for Althea to change from the Swan's immaculate, white costume and into something formal, suited for the occasion. Her accompanying dancer, tall and dark haired, perfectly suited for a prince's role, had offered to wait for her to serve an escort's purpose, and while she had voiced appreciation for the gesture, it had been one she had politely declined. It was the producer whose arm she joined the celebrations on, for the sake of photo opportunities and interviews.

When she was able to excuse herself from the press, Althea retrieved a glass of champagne and made her way through the crowds. It was difficult for her to progress far, but not at all hard for her to have a conversation. Her final performance was bittersweet in many ways, but she could think on those feelings later.

Now, she just wanted to enjoy the evening.

(feel free to tag her, if you like. multi-threads are, of course, welcome!)

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forthedefense
2011-06-22 11:17 pm UTC (link)

Thomas had worn a tuxedo only twice in his life: once for his brother's wedding twelve years ago, and once in a high school production of 'The Mousetrap,' in which he had played a rather awkward butler. He looked similarly discomfited now, despite his efforts to ply waiters for glasses of champagne to lessen the effect.

He stood beneath a painting of the Muses, wearing an inscrutable expression that would not be out of place on Melpomene's mask.

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lightshimmers
2011-06-23 12:17 am UTC (link)

"Althea, is it true?"

"Is what true?"

"Your next role! Juliet would suit you so well!"

"You are far too kind. Thank you. Yes, it is true."

"And what of your Romeo?"

"For now, allow that to remain a mystery."

It didn't take her long to excuse herself - albeit politely - from another small crowd of admirers, in favor of another glass of champagne from the table. The indulgence was small, but deserved at this point. Weeks of hard work had come to a close, the story told with impossible attention to detail, and now she had earned some time of rest before beginning the cycle once again.

Althea brought her glass to her lips, the movement only halted by the sight of a dark head of hair beneath one of the paintings decorating the wall.

From across the room, she lowered her glass and a smile lifted the corners of her mouth.

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forthedefense
2011-06-23 12:23 am UTC (link)

It was hard to miss the swarm of admirers that followed the company around the room. Photog flashes lit up the hall like spots of lightning; everyone was angling for that special comment from "the Cove's most ethereal production to date." There was even talk of a second run, though that was mostly speculation. Thomas had heard that the prima ballerina might be putting irons in other fires.

Speaking of which.

He caught her eye from across the room and held up a hand in greeting.

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lightshimmers
2011-06-23 12:26 am UTC (link)

The smile grew, dawning slowly across her face. Few things were able to create that sort of expression for her other than dance itself, and while that might be considered a shame by some it was one thing Althea treasured. She liked knowing that the things which made her happy, did so in a genuine and complete way.

Althea crossed the room, though it did take her some time to do so. It was very difficult to make any sort of hastened progress with the continual conversations from admirers and the flickering of camera flashes in a sporadic pattern.

About five minutes' time passed before she was able to reach his side.

"You came."

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forthedefense
2011-06-23 12:37 am UTC (link)

"I did," Thomas confirmed, inclining his head. "And I think I actually understood the story this time. Well, your part, anyway. I admit that I was --" his mouth shifted into a sheepish smile "-- I kind of watched you the whole time. And occasionally the guy with the big --" he made a loose gesture around the crown of his head to indicate the cowl worn by the villain of the piece.

"You were wonderful."

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lightshimmers
2011-06-23 12:49 am UTC (link)

"Thank you."

That was a surprise which she hadn't expected, and Althea didn't bother to hide the evidence of it in her eyes. The glass of champagne was balanced in one hand, the faint mark of her lipstick tucked at its rim.

"Swan Lake is neither a love story nor a tragedy," she said, "at least, in my opinion. It is a combination of both. Not exactly a happy ending, but I am glad you enjoyed yourself. And even more so that you came."

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forthedefense
2011-06-23 12:57 am UTC (link)

"I don't know how you're still on your feet, to be honest. I do some pretty late nights at the office but you make me look like a slacker." She had danced a perfect performance and now she was gladhanding the public. She must have had stores of energy that Thomas couldn't even begin to imagine.

"And you manage to do it in a very beautiful dress," he added. "Which is something that I probably couldn't pull off, even on my best days." Which was a very non-traditional segue to his smile and his follow-up comment: "You look amazing."