Merrill Ashley's ballet slipper
Usually for Pink Saturday I look for the brightest, deepest pink I can find. But this week we're going with the palest pink that I'm familiar with, ballet slipper. Ballet Slipper is my usual choice for a manicure. It's almost white, with just a hint of pink. I like just the little bit of color and the legend that it was Queen Elizabeth's favorite manicure shade, too.
The last two posts have shown Lincoln Center and this post also has a focus on Lincoln Center. For many years I was an avid attendee at the New York City Ballet -- which performs at Lincoln Center -- and one of my favorite dancers was the legendary principal dancer, Merrill Ashley. I saw her in a number of ballets over the years, but the most memorable took place on December 20, 1979. I saw her dance the role of the Sugarplum Fairy in "The Nutcracker," and then had the amazing experience of meeting her after the ballet.
It was a quick meeting, probably no more than a few minutes, but I was thrilled to meet one of my favorite dancers and to receive one of her signed ballet slippers. I kept it on display for years and then put it into a drawer for safekeeping. It was kept safe, but over the years the signature on the toe has faded to only a slight bit of blue ink, which is not discernible in the photograph. In a flurry of decluttering -- four bags of paper, a bag of "things" to give away and several things for the neighborhood Buy Nothing Group -- the shoe was unearthed. For now it's on display in my living room and I am so enjoying the memories.
The worst of the heat has broken for now and today was a lovely day to be out and walking. I've taken it easy for the last few days and I was so happy to be outside. I'm planning another walking day for tomorrow and I'm going to start getting organized for my trip to Northern New York on Wednesday. I've got a long "to-do" list and I'm pleased to be getting a lot of things done.
As ever, thanks for visiting and have a great week.
4 comments
What a neat memory! So glad you found the slipper and are displaying it in your home. Have a great trip to Northern New York. I hope it isn't as hot and humid where you are as it was down in Washington D.C. and Virginia. Have a good week. See you again soon!
That is quite the remembrance keepsake, Carol, and I wondered how many others received signed ballet slippers. It's fortunate that you found it before the giveaways were on their way to other places. Most likely someone else would have only viewed it as an old slipper and not known its significance.
That color is my GO TO for my nails too. Just a bit of color:) Enjoy your day in your beautiful city, it's a bit cooler this morning here but heats up in the afternoon. HUGS!
That is a lovely treasure to have. I always enjoy your posts Carol. Have a wonderful weekend.
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