Southend U3A

There she was. Sitting right at the front. If she stretched her arm her hand could almost touch the stage. The auditorium was full; many families with excited, chattering children, looking around at the enormous ornate ceiling with its huge glass chandelier hanging from the middle. Everyone was dressed in their best for the festive season.

Although she was on her own, she felt part of a large family, all celebrating together.

Suddenly there was the sound of the orchestra tuning their instruments. A hush fell over the auditorium. They started to play the overture. People settled in their seats and waited.

Slowly the curtain was raised and there on the stage was an incredible scene set.

Soon a group of dancers appeared and the ballet had begun. The corps de ballet, dressed in white, looked beautiful as they worked as one, moving across from the wings and filling the stage, so sedately on their toes, with their arms moving in precise actions.

Suddenly from each side of the stage a dancer came into the spotlight. In sparkling silver, the two dancers stood out. Both had a tiara in their auburn hair. Their dance was exquisite. Every movement an exact mirror image of each other, even to their fingertips.

The auditorium was silent apart from the music. These two fairylike creatures dancing in time with the melodic notes coming from the instruments. The notes from the violins and the girls’ movements joined, as if connected by a fine thread. Both danced at their best. As they finished the auditorium filled with clapping.

There she was. Sitting alone in the front row. Watching them intensely. So proud as she saw her twin god-daughters. She had just witnessed them in their first major roles as professional ballet dancers.