#1930s sims

[alainas-sims]

Consuelo Huntington Morales: 1930s Lookbook

The first lookbook of the decade was Consuelo in her early 20s, so here she is in her early 40s toward the end of the decade, around 1938. Some of her outfits are repeats from the beginning of the 1930s, but she has some new outfits that reflect her husband’s higher status and some menswear influences to match Consuelo’s androgynous style. Around the house or doing work in the yard, Consuelo finds it much more comfortable to wear trousers. She enjoys gardening, fishing, collecting natural items, and spending time with her family. Consuelo’s traits are Loves the Outdoors, Self-Assured, and Noncommittal.

genetics: hair / gray hair acc.

everyday 1: glasses / top / pants / shoes (VG)

everyday 2: vest / pants

everyday 3/work: headscarf / overalls

formal: dress / shoes

athletic: top / pants

sleepwear: nightgown

underwear: bra / shorts

party: necklace / top / pants

going out: hat / coat

swimwear: swimsuit

hot weather: hat / top / pants

cold weather: hat / outfit

Thanks to: @vroshii, @sunnybelloria, @ilkup, @double-plumbob, @simming-in-the-rain, @magnolianfarewell, @javitrulovesims, @plumbobteasociety, @linzlu, @happylifesims, @madameriasims4, @waxesnostalgic, @simminginchi, @casteru, @renorasims, @twentiethcenturysims, @qicc, @anessasims, + those not on tumblr.

[interwarsims]

Back into sims and my first idea was an attempt to make Anna Chang. She is super adorable in this shit film and I am legit sad that she doesn't have a lot of information about her. Coming up with a CC version soon because that hair is amazing.

Honestly I kind of hate the no cc version here because it seems rather bland, but I tried to make the outfits match the film and few images I could find of poor Anna.

[obscurus-noctem]

Olive Specter 🩸

Thank you, @sentate, @happylifesims, @arethabee

[thesimline]

Following on from the recent sad new that @jius-sims is retiring from making custom content for the Sims 4, I wanted to put together a bit of an ode to their incredible work. I don't think there's many lookbooks I've made that don't use at least a pair of their expertly crafted shoes. This post isn't exhaustive and I highly recommend checking out their back catalogue of work because their creations are truly next level. CC links under the cut.

1 - Flower Mary Jane Pumps 01

2 - Kitten Heel Lace Up Ankle Boot

3 - Leather Pumps 01

4 - Kitten Heel Shoes With Bow (TSR)

5 - Mary Jane Pumps 02

6 - Leather Pumps 05

7 - Mary Jane Pumps 01

8 - Suede Pumps 02

9 - Oxford Heels 01

10 - Platform Pumps 02

11 - Slingback Mary Jane Heels 01

12 - Canvas Wedge Espadrilles 01

13 - Velvet High Heels 01

14 - Leather Heeled Ballet Pumps 01

15 - Checkered Satin Bow Sandals 01

16 - Platform Knee High Boots 05

17 - Bowknot Heel Pumps 02

18 - Suede Sandals 01

19 - Chunky Platform Heels 01

20 - Velvet Platform Sandals 01

21 - Lace Up Knee High Boots 01

22 - Butterfly PVC Pumps

23 - Low Top Sneakers 05

24 - Heeled Jelly Sandals 01

25 - Platform Leather Sandals 02

26 - Star Platform Oxfords 01

27 - Leather Platform Ankle Boots 05

28 - Checkerboard Sneakers 01

29 - Strappy Platform Heels 01

30 - Platform Slippers 02

[aheathen-conceivably]

The tip of Violette’s foot was perfectly upturned as she hopped into the first square of the crudely drawn hopscotch board. And five, six, seven, eight… Her other foot reached the final square, pirouetting exactly in the center before she spun back toward the start and hopped lightly onto her other foot. Nine, eight, seven, six… She reached the middle of the board easily, her balance never faltering even as she bent down to pick up the stone in the fifth square.

She held it up triumphantly, jumping out of the final square with a bit too much flair for someone who already knew they had won. The girl keeping score across the way called out loudly. “Violette wins again!”

Violette set the stone back on the ground, mindful of the boys at the end of the yard who had been cheering her on. She gave them a small bow, watching Will’s cheeks grow pink like he was embarrassed she was drawing so much attention to herself. When she turned she saw her friend Daisy, arms crossed and eyes to the ground. Violette didn’t need anyone to keep track of the score. She never lost track of the count, or at least she very rarely did. She had picked up the stone from each square without losing her balance once. A perfect ten out of ten. Daisy, who came in second almost every time, still only had five out of ten. 

Sometimes Violette considered letting herself fall, just so that she wouldn’t look so defeated. But then, in the moment, with everyone’s eyes on her, her arms soared higher and her posture even straighter, so that she leapt off the final square forgetting she had ever felt bad at all. But now, seeing her again, a small pit of guilt rose in her stomach. She walked toward her, gesturing to the monkey bars, “Want to race across? See who can make it to the top?”

Daisy readily shook her head, glancing over to the table where the boys were seated before she ran to the monkey bars. Violette stood still for a moment, counting in her mind before she ran off to join her. Five, six, seven, eight….

By the time Zelda walked up to the schoolyard a choir of girlish giggles was raining down from the monkey bars. She stood unnoticed near the fence, watching the childish energy surge through the schoolyard like hummingbirds in Spring. It was heartening to see her daughter this way, so lively and comfortable amongst her peers when she herself had been so withdrawn as a child. It made her feel as though there was so much excitement ahead of her in life, and the path would present itself at her feet through her sheer will and magnetism.

But here, she was simply reminded of how much promise lay ahead for all of them, a new generation enjoying what was left of their childhoods - still yet to see what the world would hold for them or how the years would go by. It was so hopeful that it brought tears to her eyes.

“Mrs. Duplanchier!” The words had come from the schoolhouse porch, and Zelda had been so lost in her own thoughts that it took her a moment to realize they had been spoken by Violette’s teacher Mrs. Sullivan. “I’m glad to have caught you. Do you have a moment to speak before the bell rings?” 

Zelda fiddled her hands, nodding her head in nervous agreement. It took only a few seconds for the woman to walk down from the porch, but it was long enough to convince Zelda that her daughter was in trouble. She would have to reprimand her at least, or more likely, punish her. She began to panic, but before the fear could take hold Mrs. Sullivan stopped on the other side of the fence.

“I thought it might be beneficial for the children to try and get some sort of after school activity going. I know a number of the their fathers are either away on the road or out in California, as Violette’s is, and mother’s like yourself are overwhelmed in their absence. I was hoping an additional class may help ease the burden. A dance class, in particular, for the girls only, of course.”

Excited butterflies rose in Zelda's stomach, joining the chorus of hummingbirds in the schoolyard. “Dance? Do you - do you mean like ballet?”

The woman laughed quietly “One could call it that. Mostly ballet, mixed with what I’ve picked up from here and there over the years. I danced a bit before coming to teach here. Nothing professional by any stretch, but it will be nice to have reason to do it again.”

“Of course! She - she would be delighted. As would I.”

A bell sounded from above, prompting a dozen playing children to scurry from their posts to the ground below. The woman in front of her looked over her shoulder and smiled. "My apologies, Mrs. Duplanchier. I should help the children gather their belongings. And please, feel free to tell Violette. You were the last mother I needed to speak with so if she’s interested we can meet thrice a week starting next Monday.”

The bell overhead continued to ring, sounding in time to her heels as they walked away. Zelda watched her go, her own question gnawing at her mind as she bit her nails.

She gazed over her shoulder, looking at the courthouse reflecting the late afternoon sun. She tried to walk by it most days, admiring its stately columns and remembering the welcome it had given them when they arrived. It never seemed to change, despite all that had come and gone since then.

"Mrs. - Mrs. Sullivan?" The woman turned quickly, slowing her footsteps just long enough to allow Zelda to speak. "Has the book truck been by yet?"

"Why, yes. Did Violette mention it?"

Zelda kept her hands behind her back, hoping the other woman couldn't sense her nerves. "She did. But I - I was wondering if you had a chance to speak to the man who drives the truck? Goes by Mr. Barnes, I believe."

Mrs. Sullivan slowed to a stop and raised a curious eyebrow. "We didn't have much time to speak, what with the children's questions and excitement, but he mentioned that he was working out of the courthouse. Something about a government contract? But I couldn't tell you much more, my apologies."

As the sound of running children disappeared inside the schoolhouse, Zelda turned where she stood, taking a few timid steps across the sidewalk as she looked at the courthouse. Alexander Barnes, Librarian. Surely it wouldn’t be any harm for her to speak with him, just to see what this contract was or to understand more about the truck itself. Why was she putting so much hope onto this? Turning it into something it probably wouldn’t never be. It was foolish. Like any other daydream.

"Momma?" Zelda spun around, dropping down to Violette's level as soon as she realized she had been lost in her own thoughts again. "Hello, little flower. How was school?"

Violette rolled back and forth on the balls of her feet, like she was impatient to ask what was really on her mind. "It was fine. I won at hopscotch again."

"Did you! Well that's very - "

"It was." Her response was short, sending cold, quiet daggers into Zelda's heart. "It's - it's two weeks until Poppa comes home, right?"

"Oh, my love. Not quite." Violette looked down as her mother spoke, frustration and disappointment darkening her young face; because almost without realizing, she had lost the count. "I told you not to count the days. It only makes them go by slower. Trust me, okay? Besides, I think I have something that may help..."

Zelda rose to her feet, putting her arm around her daughter's shoulder and turning her full attention away from the courthouse just across the street. As they made their way home Zelda explained what Mrs. Sullivan had proposed, Violette’s face brightening every step of the way.

[historicalfictionsims]

Annie - A BGC Simblreen Collection

The 1982 version of Annie starring Aileen Quinn was one of my favorite movies growing up. All of us kids in the neighborhood spent countless hours acting the story out, and I'm pretty sure I still have the soundtrack memorized to this day.

You may be wondering why I did not make the outfit Annie wore while she lived at the orphanage. The reason I chose these four in particular is because they were featured in a 1982 Sears catalog. Girls could choose outfits inspired by the movie, or contemporary ones with the Annie logo.

All items are in my Combined Diary palette with a few swatches added or removed. The movie dress is a mesh edit of @linzlu's Samantha collection. There is some weird texture on the fingernails. This comes from the original mesh, and shouldn’t be very visible. The sailor dress uses a collar from @waxesnostalgic.

Download for free on SFS | Patreon

Download for free on CurseForge: Classic | Romper | Movie | Sailor Dress | Sailor Hat

Support me on Patreon or buy me a coffee?

Feel free to tag me if you use them, I’d love to see! My TOU are here.

@simblreenofficial @twentiethcenturysims

[moon-simmers]

ARGENTINIDAD

🇦🇷 A Argentinian Historial Sim Download A few weeks ago my historical tumblr with things related from my country took a lot of relevance, thanks to many resources I realized that there are many people who are interested in having several argentinian sims in their game, so this is for them and everyone interested in the history of different countries (or who need some sim for their game lol).

[More photos, info and download below]

These sims are originally from my Women's Day post inspired by female historical figures from different decades in Argentina. They are doctors, lawyers, writers and much more. But there is a bonus included which is two new sims = Corina Kavannagh and Lola Mora.

Corina Kavanagh. 1890-1984.

Corina Kavanagh was an Argentinian rancher known for the Kavanagh Building , the tallest concrete skyscraper in Argentina and South America at the beginning of the last century. This building has a legend that says it was built because Corina fell in love with a man of the Anchorena family, one of the most illustrious surnames in Argentina. The Anchorena's were an aristocratic and landowning dynasty with a Basilica which they could see from their mansion. Corina had a wealthy family but they looked down on her as a "nouveau riche" with no lineage, so the Anchorenas prohibited her from having a relationship with one of their members. Corina bought the land between the basilica and the mansion and built 120 meters of concrete so that they could not see the church. Since 1936, the only way for the Anchorena family to visit their Basilica was through the Corina Kavanagh passage.

(Lola) Dolores Candelaria Mora. 1866-1936.

The most flattered and discussed Argentine sculptor of her time, the artist who scandalized the society of her time, died in poverty and was vindicated by time. She began studying portrait and drawing in Tucumán and then obtained a scholarship in 1896 to perfect herself in Rome where she changed drawing for sculpture. There she was highly praised and in 1900 the artist decided to return to the country, where she obtained several state commissions, including the Fountain of the Nereids in 1903. She also faced controversy due to the nudity of her figures, and in her workshop it was common to find her working with pants on the structures of the sculptures.

DOWNLOAD:

Listed below are all the sims to download and with a view of their outfits.

CUSTOM CONTENT NEEDED (Not included)

THE CC FOR EACH ONE IS LISTED HERE

Each zip includes a file explaining how to install it.

It is a google document with all the cc of each creator (some links go to simfileshare because they are cc of some deactivated creator).

AT THE BOTTOM IS LISTED ONE SHEET FOR EACH SIM

SIMS DOWNLOAD:

Mariquita J. P. Sánchez de Thompson. 1786-1868

[SIMFILESHARE]

Felicitas A. G. Guerrero. 1846-1872

SIM: [SIMFILESHARE]

Cecilia Grierson. 1859-1934.

SIM: [SIMFILESHARE]

(Lola) Dolores Candelaria Mora. 1866-1936.

SIM: [SIMFILESHARE]

Julieta Lantari. 1873-1932

SIM: [SIMFILESHARE]

María Angélica Barreda. 1888-1963.

SIM: [SIMFILESHARE]

Corina Kavanagh. 1890-1984.

SIM: [SIMFILESHARE]

Amalia Celia Figueredo de Pietra. 1895-1985.

SIM: [SIMFILESHARE]

Victoria Ocampo 1890-1979

SIM: [SIMFILESHARE]

Finlandia Pizzul. 1902-1987.

SIM: [SIMFILESHARE]

KO-FI / CAFECITO

[avelynnss]

olga through the ages

as an immortal witch, olga has gone through quite the fashion journey through her 400 years.

cc links under the cut

1600s (russia): hair by: @lama-lama flower crown by: @plumbobteasociety dress by: panya shan

1700s (american colonial) hair (get famous) cap by: @cringeborg dress by: sifix fichu by: @acanthus-sims

regency: hair by: @inlovewithregencyera bonnet and dress by: @gilded-ghosts

early victorian: hair by: @buzzardly28 dress by: @peebsplays necklace (yina) by: @pralinesims

late victorian: hair by: @sunivaa dress by: @linzlu

edwardian: hair by: @buzzardly28 dress by: @noriannsimblr bow by: @imadako

1920s: hair by: @johnnyzest dress by: @happylifesimsreblogs

1930s: hair by: @simandy cloche by: kiara zurk dress by: @happylifesimsreblogs

1940s: hair by: @pepperoni-puffin blouse by: @double-plumbob skirt by: @happylifesimsreblogs

1950s: hair by: @candycottonchu dress by: @mermoning (mesh)

thank you to all cc creators and special thanks to @twentiethcenturysims and @simshistoricalfinds for their amazing cc finds!

[gigiberry]

1930s Loookbook

After the roaring 20s, fashion became more conservative in the 1930s, with hair and hemlines getting longer again. The era was defined by the great depression, after the stock market crashed in 1929, and lasted through almost the whole decade. Many families during this time began making dresses from flour sacks, and so companies began printing textiles on the sacks for extra reusability. Despite the decade's widespread poverty, fashion themes of femininity and elegance prevailed, inspired by Hollywood stars like Joan Crawford.

Check out my other lookbooks: 2010s, 2000s, 1990s, 1980s, 1970s, 1960s, 1950s, 1940s

Look 1: hat, hair, coat, tights, shoes Look 2: hat, suit, shoes Look 3: hat, hair, coat, gloves (bg), tights, shoes Look 4: hair, necklace, dress, shoes Look 5: hair, earrings, dress, tights, shoes Look 6: hair, necklace (bg), dress Look 7: hair, glasses (bg), outfit, shoes Look 8: hair, dress, tights, shoes Look 9: hair (bg), top, pants, shoes Look 10: hat, hair, earrings (bg), necklace (cottage living), dress, gloves (bg), tights, shoes Look 11: hair, earrings (bg), outfit, tights, shoes Look 12: hair, outfit, socks (bg), shoes

Thanks to the awesome cc creators: @greenllamas @zurkdesign @sims4sue @moon-simmers @birksche @sentate @theslyd @happylifesims @linzlu @madlensims @batsfromwesteros @philosimy @standardheld @twentiethcenturysims @waxesnostalgic @vroshii @gilded-ghosts @madlensims @aharris00britney @plumbobteasociety @wistfulpoltergeist @mlyssimblr @heartspice @renorasims @pxelboy @ivo-sims

[applesaucesims]

It was only his second proper ballet lesson, but Louis still felt like a fish out of water. The other boys seemed to know exactly what they were doing, especially César, who had been learning pretty much his entire life.

So, trying to regain his usually so much more confident self, he took to asking his classmate for advice. César seemed to feel very secure in his own skills, so much so that he admitted that dancing just came to him naturally. When it came down to it, he did not recall ever worrying about what could go wrong. Instead, he'd just let his own body lead the way.

While this so-called advice felt a bit more like brag, Louis could read between the lines and apply it to his situation. He had definitely been worrying too much about how he compared to the other students, but there really was no reason to. Everybody had to start somewhere, and they were all here for the same reason - to learn to be a better dancer. So, pushing his worries aside for the moment, Louis let his body flow as it felt right, and for the first time, he felt like he was really a part of the class.

The class's warmup exercises were interrupted, when a man wearing a jacket similar to the students' own uniform cleared his throat behind them. The man introduced himself as Mr. Booth, the teacher who would host the boys' lessons, while the girls were with Miss Lambert. His aura was almost as intimidating as Miss Lambert's, though his casual stance and small smile softened it the tiniest bit.

As Mr. Booth continued introducing his teachings, he made his way to the still silent gramophone, next to which he discarded his jacket and shirt, until he was dressed down to his undershirt. His outfit almost seemed akin to that of the students now, which already gave them indication enough for what his next moves would be.

Gracefully, Mr. Booth started performing a short and simple dance routine. Though it was not quite the same, Louis almost felt transported back into the theatre loge, watching the professional dancers perform on stage. Really, Mr. Booth was a profession, too, so perhaps it was not that different after all.

However, the one big difference was that this dance was performed specifically for the class to practice. Mr. Booth went through the routine one more time, before encouraging his students to repeat after him. Louis watched as his teacher turned to play a classical record on the gramophone, while his own nerves started dancing all over the place again. "Take a deep breath," he thought to himself. "Just let go."

The students formed a line next to their teacher, as they waited for his countdown, and soon the line started moving back and forth, repeating the moves they had just learned. Somehow, the music helped lessen the nerves, too, as it drowned out any worries.

Bit by bit, Louis could feel the moves becoming easier with every run. Soon, his mind faded out his surroundings, and he started imagining himself performing on the big stage. Feeling light as a feather now, a smiled formed on his face, not disappearing again for the rest of the school day.

[TRANSCRIPT]

Louis: "I don't know..."

César: "You're too tense, Lou. Just... take a deep breath, recentre yourself, focus, and.. just let go!"

...

Mr. Booth: "Ahem. Good morning, boys!"

"morning" / "good morning" / "morning"

Mr. Booth: "My name is Mr. Booth. Miss Lambert might have already mentioned me to you."

Mr. Booth: "Yesterday, you already discussed some basics. Did some warmups for what's to come. But, today..."

*crack*

Mr. Booth: "I want you to get into the practice of it all! I've been trained to dance, just like you will be. One thing that's always helped me is visual learning. So, let me demonstrate."

...

Mr. Booth: "Alright. Your turn."

[alainas-sims]

Andrés Morales: 1930s Lookbook

After listening to your feedback, I think I'll bring back the PNG/still image format for lookbooks so we can see Andrés' whole wardrobe together. Andrés Rodolfo Morales is an ambitious man who had arranged a "lavender" marriage of convenience with Consuelo Huntington at the beginning of the 1930s. This lookbook depicts him in his late 30s toward the end of the decade, as he lives more comfortably as the worst years of the Great Depression are past him. Andrés turned to bootlegging at the beginning of the Depression and has acquired crime boss status in his small town of Oasis Springs. His biggest rival is Malcolm Landgraab, and Andrés has formed a romantic relationship with his associate Brent Hong.

everyday 1: hair / outfit / shoes (VG)

everyday 2: top / pants

formal: suit jacket

athletic: top / pants

sleepwear: top / pants

underwear: underwear / socks

party: suit jacket + pants / shoes (VG)

going out/work: (all BG)

swimwear: swimsuit

hot weather: hat / shirt (TSR) / pants

cold weather: hat / coat

Thanks to: @xldsims, @fuckyeahunbichobolita, @satterlly, @moon-simmers, @vroshii, @historicalsimslife, @imadako, @quiddity-jones, @historysims4, @madameriasims4, @pixelette-cc, @qicc, + @happylifesims.

[blueshistorysims]

The Duchess of Feldsbury's wardrobe has changed much since the 1920s. It is still very fashionable and elegant, but some changes to her hair and style reflect her changing role as a mother and as a duchess, which she has taken a larger role in. It also reflects a more modest look as 1930s fashion took more of a feminine and conservative style, reacting to the flappers of the 20s, and wealthy women emphasized luxury in light of a global depression. I know this is my first lookbook of the 1930s, but hey it's one of my favorites.

All cc and credits below the cut!

Daily: Hair, Earrings (Mida M), Necklace, Dress, Pantyhose (TSR), Shoes

Daily 2: Hair, Earrings (Mida M), Necklace, Dress, Pantyhose (TSR), Shoes

Travel: Hat, Hair, Earrings (Vintage Glamour) Coat, Gloves (Get to Work), Stockings (Basegame), Shoes

Athletic: Hair, Earring (Vintage Glamour), Blouse, Pants, Stockings (Basegame), Shoes

Sleep: Hair, Nightgown

Formal: Hair (212), Tiara, Earrings, Necklace, Dress, Gloves, Pantyhose (TSR), Heels

Party: Hair (212), Tiara, Earrings, Necklace, Dress, Gloves, Pantyhose (TSR), Heels

Swim: Hair, Swimsuit

Hot Weather: Hair, Earrings (Mida M), Necklace, Dress, Stockings (Basegame), Shoes (TSR)

Cold Weather: Hair (248), Head Scarf (248), Coat, Skirt, Gloves, Stockings (Basegame), Boots

Much love to these stunning cc creators! <33

@historysims4 @gilded-ghosts @pralinesims @glitterberrysims

@simsfromthepast @birksche @waxesnostalgic @moon-simmers

@javitrulovesims @happylifesims @aheathen-conceivably @simtone

@earfly @simstrouble @clumsyalienn @batsfromwesteros

@royaltysimblr @sentate @serenity-cc @joliebean @normalsiim

@dancemachinetrait @/elfdor @rustys-cc

[dzifasims]

pajama party

a 1930s style set of beach pajamas with wide and straight leg options

-BGC -14 swatches + PSD

-same drill, feel free to recolor but don’t include the mesh, don’t reupload and don’t claim as yours -as always don’t hesitate to contact me with any issues

DOWNLOAD (sfs, no ads)

[thesimline]

Enjoy this big round up of 1930s style hair cuts for the ladies! CC links after the cut.

You can find more of my female decades hair collections here:

1920s  ✺  1940s  ✺  1950s  ✺  1960s  ✺  1970s  ✺  1980s  ✺  1990s

1 - Emilia by Ivo Sims

2 - Lucia by My Stuff

3 - Clementine by Aharris00britney

4 - 30s Hair by Vroshii

5 - Medium Pulled Up Curls by My Stuff

6 - Charlotte by Feral Poodles (TSR)

7 - Classy by DelcoWebney

8 - Solange by Badkarma (TSR)

9 - The 30s Hair by Birksche

10 - Arlette by Simstrouble

11 - More 30s Curls by Vroshii

12 - 214 by Curbs

13 - Clawdia by Fun With Sims

14 - Blues by Simandy

15 - Stefania by Aladdin the Simmer

16 - Ophélie by Wonder Carlotta

17 - MM Hair by Birksche

18 - Mousse by Simandy

19 - Fae by ImVikai

20 - Iris by TwistedCat

21 - Elegant Wavy Hair by Rusty’s

22 - Aurora by EnriqueS4

23 - Anna by Alfyy (TSR)

24 - Ina by Marsosims

With thanks to some amazing creators: @ivo-sims @aharris00britney @vroshii @feralpoodles @simstrouble @coloresurbanos @simandy @imvikai @twisted-cat @rustys-cc @marsosims

[aheathen-conceivably]

“And five, six, seven, eight…”

Half a dozen pairs of ballet shoes shuffled into first position, their owners’ small hands reaching for the bar as they shifted into a plié. “Wonderful, girls, now streeeeetch back like you’re reaching for the horizon. But make sure to keep your shape!” A series of imperfect archways formed, a few stifled groans escaping as they attempted to stretch just a little further than they had the class before. 

But one hand was already perfectly arched backward, unconsciously in line from the bend of the back down to the posture of the feet. As Mrs. Sullivan went down the line she smiled at her, nodding her head in her direction and passing by easily, the approval noted in the fact that she didn’t need to align her arm or straighten her leg like she had the five other girls.

“Now again! Five, six, seven, eight…”

“Good work today, girls! I’ll see you all again on Monday for class. Try and practice the moves we learned today at least five times a day until then. We’ll be building on them each week so you want to ensure your muscles remember them.”

A small chorus sounded in agreement as they untied the satin ribbons of their shoes and gossiped quietly amongst themselves. Only one voice wasn’t amongst them, the very same one who usually led the chorus of giggles and girlish secrets. Instead she was looking in the room’s one small mirror, her shoes still perfectly laced and her feet set squarely in first position.

As they shuffled out behind her, she lifted her arms and straightened her legs. And five, six, seven, ten, twelve….

Her arms came crashing down to her sides, a wave of disappointment washing over her before she buried it deep inside and raised them again. Concentrate. Five, Six, Thirteen, Twelve….

Her feet got twisted and she let the annoyance ruin her carefully constructed posture, the feet reverting to an uncharacteristically timid stance and her arms going from graceful archways to protective barriers. She knew why. It was the same reason she couldn’t go home. Because despite her mother’s most benevolent suggestions, she couldn’t simply stop counting.

Thirteen, Twelve, Eleven, Ten, Nine….Nine days until her father returned. Or no, was it twelve? No. It didn’t matter. Not here. That wasn’t the count she wanted. And five, six, seven, twelve…damnit. If Violette had known how to curse in frustration, that was precisely what she would have done.

"Is everything okay, Lottie?"

She spun around, wiping nonexistent tears as if by habit. "I'm fine. Just practicing." Her arms went back up above her head and her feet snapped into first position. The emotions on her face went blank as she shuffled her feet back into fourth position.

The woman behind her didn’t even take note of the well practiced balance of her arms or the precise spacing of her feet, instead her eyes stayed locked on her face. When she spoke her voice was full of concern. "Your form looked great today. Are you sure there's nothing else you'd like to talk about? If you need to you can when you’re here.”

Violette finally turned to face her, rage and annoyance mingling on her face as though she was simply angry her concentration had been interrupted. Only when she spoke a small childish crack in her voice gave her away. “Yes. I’m sure. I - I just keep losing the count.”

In answer Mrs. Sullivan ignored her anger and kept her words silent, instead looking down at her still unlaced ballet shoes. She stepped forward to stand beside Violette, moving her feet into fourth position just as Violette’s had been. Then her arms went up in a graceful L shape, her whole posture shining in an effortless way that Violette had been trying to imitate from the first moment she had seen it.

She smiled to herself as Violette moved to stand beside her. The annoyance and anger on her face had been replaced by true concentration, whatever worries that had been her mind now forgotten as she focused on perfectly mirroring the movements of the taller woman beside her.

Her feet moved back into first position, Violette’s automatically adjusting in turn as she did so. “Okay. Let’s run through it once more. Are you ready?”

Violette nodded her head, moving her arms into a circle in front of her. Their knees bent ever so slightly before straightening once more, right slippered feet sliding forward as their arms went into the air. Then in perfect unison they repeated the motion in the other direction, speaking to themselves as they returned to first position and began the exercise all over again. “And five, six, seven, eight…”