Another fun Sectionals in the bag! I flew to LA last Wednesday so I could work with Coach Gary for a couple of days before he put me on. He has a lot of experience in shows (and as a mascot for the hockey team!) and loves light entertainment programs. He helped me whip my program into better shape.
Not only that, he helped me with my look. I’d gotten advice from my hairstylist on a ’30’s hairstyle that would be easy to do for myself, and I’d gone to Nordstrom’s to get advice from the makeup artists about my face. But I hadn’t gotten a new dress for this program. My dressmaker from previous years ghosted me for unknown reasons. It’s too bad since she’s talented and I enjoyed our friendship. I decided to use a dress she’d made for me in a previous year. I love it but it’s not ’30’s.
Gary thought I could do better and drove me to the newly opened Dancer’s Warehouse run by Angela Guerra, the mom of one of his former students. It’s crammed full of close-out dance and skatewear, all about $10 each. Angela immediately pulled out a sequined blue 30’s-ish dress, commenting that she also had blue gloves somewhere.
I tried it on, it worked. But I ruled it out because it had a cheap plastic clasp fastening the halter strap. I couldn’t imagine skating for an audience just one super-flimsy clasp away from toplessness. Yet I couldn’t find anything else as suitable for my program. The owner showed me that she could tie the halter strap into a knot and it would be fine.
I could see that pulling on the knot would only make it tighter. I ended up feeling surprisingly OK about that solution. $21.95 lighter, I walked out with my new dress, a backup blue dress in case I changed my mind, and blue gloves. I asked a friend for a sewing kit (thanks Kate!) and sewed the knot together for peace of mind.
Mary and Kate
I’ll share the video and more about the performance soon!
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Love the photo and the dress!
Thanks Kate! Always a pleasure to be with you!
Ooh, Mary, you look so glamorous! I am impressed by how cost-effective your outfit is, too. Skating dresses can be REALLY pricey, especially considering there aren’t that many adult competitions in a year. Way to go–can’t wait to see the program in full gear!
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Thanks Jo! If I lived in LA I’d definitely be a regular at Angela’s shop. I think I will pay it another visit next time I’m in town!
What a perfect dress! I’m so glad it didn’t end up costing you an arm and a leg. One time we got left in the lurch by a dressmaker and a friend who lives in Australia whipped up an alternate (2 since it was a duet) and got them to me in time. It was so stressful but I’m so grateful to have talented friends in faraway places. Can’t wait to hear about Sectionals!
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Wow, that’s something, getting a dress whipped up and to you from Australia! Waiting for a costume at the last moment can be so stressful, I’ve experienced that. This time it didn’t feel stressful since I was already prepared to wear the other dress. This one does suit my program much better though!
Wow – what a great dress for such a low price! I can’t wait to see your program, Mary!
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It was a deal for sure and made not getting a dress made this year turn out to be a blessing in disguise. I enjoyed watching your program, I’ll have to get mine up soon!