Three Female Figures.
This pleasing tableau represents a young and beautiful dancing girl
reposing after one of her successful and fascinating dances. The
scenery should be arranged in the following manner: A curtain of red
Turkey cloth or cambric, fringed with gold, which can be made by
cutting strips of buff cloth to imitate fringe, and decorating it with
gold paper; this, in the evening, will make quite a rich appearance.
The curtain should be but two feet long in the centre, cut in three
festoons, each three feet wide. At the ends of the festoons, the
curtains must be wide enough to fill out the space at the side of the
stage, and so long that they will trail on the floor. This curtain
should be attached to a strip of wood, which can be fastened in
position on the ceiling. On each side of the stage, near the centre,
place small pedestals, one and a half feet square, covered with green
cambric, and decorated with bouquets of artificial or painted flowers.
In the centre of the stage, directly under the curtain, place a
pedestal two feet square, with a shaft at the side three feet high by
six inches in diameter; this must be covered with light green
cambric, and festooned with wreaths of flowers. The number of figures
in this piece are three: one alone takes a prominent part; the
remaining two are intended as an addition to the scenery. The two
small pedestals are to be occupied by pretty little misses, of about
six years of age, dressed to represent fairies. Their costume consists
of short white dresses covered with bands of gold and spangles; white
hose and slippers; a pink gauze sash, decorated with gold spangles,
worn across the shoulders; the hair arranged in ringlets; wings formed
of wire, covered with white muslin, and decorated with spangles, and
fastened to the shoulders. The costume of the dancing girl consists of
a white dress reaching to the knees, covered with white tarleton
muslin, and ornamented on the front with a small bouquet, and bands of
crimson ribbon running around the skirt. The waist should be low on
the bosom, the sleeves quite short, and trimmed with flowers; the hair
can be dressed to suit the taste of the performer. Flesh-colored hose
and white slippers should be worn. The position of the dancing girl is
on the centre of the pedestal, in a careless attitude. One arm hangs
negligently at her side, the hand grasping a tambourine; the other
rests on the top of the shaft. The weight of the body rests on the
right foot; the left foot crosses the right. The eyes should be cast
down to the floor, and the expression of the face sad and thoughtful.
The fairies stand on the small pedestals at the sides of the stage. We
have a side view of them as they stoop forward and clasp the folds of
the curtain. The right hand is extended, the forefinger pointing at
the dancing girl. The weight of the body should mostly rest on the
right foot; the left is extended behind, the toe touching the top of
the pedestal. The head slightly turned towards the audience; the
expression of the countenance quite brilliant. The lights should be at
the left side of the stage, and of medium quantity. A waltz or polka
can be played while the tableau is exhibited.