Page 10 of The Red Slippers

The time sped by. The last few minutes before the end of the performance, the orchestra played the musical cue for her duet with Avery.

The two stepped forward. With the first note of the violin there was no one else but Avery. She danced her heart out for him. She opened herself and, through her dance, showed him everything she felt for him. He answered with the same passion and truth. It was more than she anticipated.

Their dance was flawless, timeless. The music built for their final combination. She flew across the stage from a chassé to a deep plié into a grand jeté. Then she ran off the stage and quickly returned joining Avery for the finishing sequence. The audience was on their feet.

As soon as the final curtain came down, Avery took her into his arms. “You were wonderful.” Everyone crowded around to congratulate her.

“Quiet please.” The ballet master had everyone’s attention. “Queen Marie would like a few words.”

The queen with Madame Camargo and her entourage walked out. Everyone quietly bowed or curtsied as the queen passed them.

“I had to come behind the curtain to thank all of you for your wonderful performance.” The queen motioned toward Madame Camargo.

“I, too, would like to thank you. Her majesty has given me a birthday gift I will never forget. Your dancing was superb and made me regret I retired.”

The stage erupted with applause and cheers. Cosette couldn’t help but feel giddy. She had been with the queen often at dress fittings and at times was graced by being included in light conversations. The woman was a wonder, but the closeness to Madame Camargo took her breath away.

Footmen came onto the stage carrying trays of champagne and made sure everyone had one.

“Please, lift your glass with me,” Queen Marie said and turned to her friend who received a bouquet from Avery. “Happy Birthday, Madame Camargo.”

“Hear, hear,” the group responded.

“I want to thank everyone for your time and effort.” Avery held their attention. “You worked hard. We will have a short class tomorrow morning. Afterwards, come to my office. The queen would like to show you her gratitude. You’ll have the rest of the day to yourselves. Cosette, you were brilliant. Stepping in so quickly, no one would know you hadn’t been practicing for that role for months.”

“Hear, hear,” the crowd cheered.

Cosette stared out at the empty seats, drinking in the aftereffects of the performance. Not many lived their dream. She was fortunate. Excited and more alive than ever, she knew all her hard work had been worth it. She didn’t want to think about the future. This moment, she wanted to remember every nuance. It had to last the rest of her life.

“Did you have a good day?” Her heart skipped a beat. Avery. Cosette turned to face him.

“Madame Camargo.” Cosette gasped and dropped to a deep curtsey. She glanced at Avery who stood beside the ballerina.

“Please.” The famous dancer gave Cosette her hand and encouraged her to stand. “I stared at you the entire time and wondered how someone could achieve this level of dance with little training. You glided across the stage, each movement executed perfectly and filled with emotions. And the audience. The audience didn’t take their eyes off you. And when you did your grand jeté, everyone was as amazed as I was. You were breathtaking.”

“I told you, Madame. See how the color fades from her face. Our princess does not comprehend her accomplishment.” There was pride in Avery’s voice.

“Thank you, Madame.” Not used to such accolades, she didn’t know what to say. “I attended your performance of thePas De Menuet. I studied your footwork closely. You were my inspiration.”

“That was my last performance. I was in my shocking ankle-length skirt and little red slippers. I made a calculated decision. The shortened skirt and red slippers allowed the audience to see my footwork.”

Cosette nodded. “You were magnifique!”

“You are kind. From what I saw this evening, you are magnifique, too. Avery, thank you for introducing me to your princess. I expect her to be ballet royalty someday.” Madame Camargo pulled a flower from her bouquet and handed her the delicate bloom. “To remember me.”

“Marie,” Marie Camargo turned toward the queen, nodded, and then returned her attention to Cosette and Avery, “Please excuse me.” She joined the queen.

“Was I dreaming?” Cosette stood in shock with Avery at her side.

“Not at all. Come, I’ll walk you home.”

On the way, they talked about the ballet, each other’s performance, the queen, and Marie Camargo.

“Madame gave me a flower to remember her.” Cosette showed him the bloom, spinning the delicate red rose between her fingers like Avery’s a la seconde turns. “As if I would ever forget speaking with her.”

She leaned against the doorway, still in a trance from the evening.

“Cosette, I want you to train at the studio and apply for a permanent position with the company.”

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