If there was a costume that I could live in, wear every day through the mundane, drudgery of school and homework and writing papers and reading all twenty-eight books of my literature class, it would be the simple black dress that I have worn for numerous ballets. When I say that it’s simple, I very well mean it; a fitted leotard with some sort of spandex oriented, liturgical skirts over top. No glitz, glitter or sequins, just black fabric down to my ankles. It’s ordinary, but the way it flows, moves, or even makes me feel suggests some ethereal quality that thereby transcends a higher power. When dancing, it’s important to feel like the costume doesn’t hinder, but ameliorate a feeling of weightlessness and ultimate sense of being at one with the music. This black costume does that for me. Besides the simple fact that it holds memories of many amazing and unforgettable times—dancing and not dancing, on stage and not on stage—it’s simplicity is what makes it so beautiful. That and black looks good on everyone, so it’s always a welcome commodity for a dance wardrobe. This is the costume I would choose to wear everyday.  Special in it’s own way. Of course, I could never wear it around campus, trekking to my classes. Or at Wawa when getting coffee. That would be weird.

So, I’ll look forward to the moments when I get to wear that black dress again for the spring series All Mixed Up this April!

- Chloe Montgomery

Chloe Montgomery, Brandywine Ballet Theater and Certificate in Ballet Candidate