Fittings, Firsts and All Fired Up

Within a few days of arriving I was directed go to the Sewing Room to choose a piece of fabric for my performing period dress.   It was hard to choose from rows of many colors and designs.   The dress selections were horizontal pleated sleeves and/or hem,  piping along the waistline, V shaped lines in the upper bodice, a row of buttons and more.   It was fun to have a dress made to my liking.  It cost $70 and there were several fittings.  I couldn't wait to see the finished product.  


 I choose green with a small bud, because it is my favorite color.   So far, I have only seen one other sister with the same fabric.   The dress fits perfectly.   I was afraid I might trip while dancing, but the length is perfect.   This is Sister McLeod from Georgia, pinning the hem.  
The Sewing Room has about a dozen sisters that alternate in and out to get the dresses made.   They also make the Young Performing Missionary sisters outfits, aprons, repairs, play costumes and such.

                                         

We had our first Sunset by the Mississippi kick-off meeting the last week of March.  We began learning the songs and dance routine to perform with the other senior missionaries for the summer.   We have sixteen practices until we go on stage.   A professional group of young performing missionaries arrived in May to do the bulk of the program.   We will be the background music, dancers and crowds that say, 'Ye Haw' and such.  We'll only perform once or twice a week, cause 'we' old folk need naps.   Fortunately, I have one most days.



Here are the men learning the Stout Hearted Men dance.  For many of them this is a first of ever learning a dance or performing on stage.   Many have been a bit ornery.  As you can see here, there are a few smiles.  The wives are hoping they will learn their parts in time.  Sister Oldroyd is all fired up to teach the three casts.   She comes six nights a week.   We can't believe her stamina.  We are in the red cast with practices and beginning on May 25th performances twice per week.  
                                             
                                              See Elder's Munn, Schmidt & Gordon, on the far left, center and right.
                                              As they practiced Stouthearted Men this one night.
                                              They performed these antics with all their might.
                                              It runs May 25 - August 15, and they'll try not to bite.


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