Page 105 of Dancing Fools and All That Jazz
‘Edith, I’m Ruby. Welcome to the DICKs,’ Ruby laughs as she points to the insignia on her top.
Edith peers at the badge and then giggles.
‘It is supposed to read D-E-C-K. Dance Excellence – Clarissa Kirkland,’ I quickly interject. Trust Ruby to lower the tone.
‘Yes, welcome. I’m Monica.’ Monica and the others introduce themselves to her.
‘Please don’t be upset if I don’t remember all your names, but I’m delighted to meet you. I can’t wait to dance with you. I loved your costumes too.’
‘Oh dear.’ I look at Edith’s trim figure. ‘I fear my outfit may be rather large on you, Edith. I am a couple of sizes bigger than you, I am sure.’
‘I can sort that.’ Monica smiles. ‘I knew there had to be a reason for bringing my sewing kit and at least you are both a similar height.’
Edith is invited to get some breakfast, and I sit back and listen as she tells them about herself. She answers much more readily than if I had asked and I am able toglean a little more about her life.
I learn she and one of the male dancers in her group, Peter, are a couple andCorps et Ameperforms in bars on the French Riviera for tourists.
‘How exciting. I would love to visit the South of France. And Monaco particularly,’ Asha says.
‘We performed in Monaco once. In fact, we learnt afterwards that the Prince of Monaco was in attendance, although I am glad we didn’t know it at the time. I might have been overcome with nerves.’
I find I am holding my breath in anticipation of Edith’s responses and I force myself to relax and savour her answers.
‘I bet it gets a bit tiring to perform in public on a daily basis,’ Ruby comments. ‘I mean, I love dancing, but every single night? Just one day of this competition has knackered me.’
Edith smiles, despite Ruby’s crude remark.
‘It can get tiring dancing night-in-night-out, and there’s no guarantee we will have bookings every week so it can be a bit hand to mouth. But I’m hoping there may be an opportunity here in Paris.’
I sit up straighter to hear more.
‘Ooh. That sounds exciting,’ Bonnie nods enthusiastically. ‘Go on.’
‘Well, since dancing in the heats we’ve been approached by a professional dance company in Paris with a view to joining them.’
‘Wowzers.’ Bonnie claps her hands. ‘How marvellous.’
‘This is very good news. You must be very happy,’ Ingrida adds.
‘The director’s coming to watch us today in the finals. To be honest with you, that did influence my decision about doing the “Dancin’ Fool” routine with you. The contrast will hopefully show my versatility. And of course, I just love Clarissa’s choreography.’
Clarissa beams at Edith and I cannot help saying, ‘Dancing with a professional Paris dance company. It is like a dream come true.’
Edith gives me a strange look but smiles all the same.
When the breakfast plates have been cleared, we take coffee in the hotel lounge and I manage to speak to Edith by myself.
‘It really is very good of you to help us out, Edith.’
‘My pleasure. I am sorry about your leg. How is it?’
‘Sore, but they warned me there would be a lot of bruising on the site of the injury. I am supposed to get my crutches later today, but I am not keen on using them. I do not want to fall over and do myself a worse injury. Plus, they are charging a small fortune – I would have to buy them outright – and the insurance may not cover this cost. So, I plan to only use a wheelchair until I can weight-bear. I have to return this one to the theatre but Hazel has arranged to purchase for me a folding chair – here in Paris– that I can use on the journey home. It is being delivered to theOpéra Bastillethis morning.’
‘Very generous of Hazel.’
‘Indeed. She wants to donate it to St Ann’s Hospice when I no longer require it.’
Edith studies me for a few minutes. ‘It’s had an amazing effect on you.’
