A letter from a ballet barre

For Giovanna

I’ll see your first demi-pliés and relevés

And you’ll hold me firmly on your saltés

I want to see your feet and arms in first position

Waiting for the piano to start the music

I can see you holding me stronger

Asking me to help you balance while you jump 

Remember to keep your feet pointed every time you leave the floor

It’ll help you to reach a perfect grand jeté

You’ll love to support your legs on me for a cambré sideways 

Or stretching them before a grand écarte

I’ll tell you a secret, you can rest them on me when you’re tired

Take your time, stretch yourself, let me help

I’ll see you leaving me to dance on the centre

And you’ll miss me in your rond de jambes en l’air

I won’t be jealous, I’ll just admire you from a better angle

And you’ll dance a beautiful pas de valse

I can see your smile in your first skips and gallops 

They’ll fill the room with grace and energy

Please promise me to always have fun 

Even when you fail or feel pain 

I’ll be by your side and support you all the time

But you need to prepare yourself to work without me

Those squeeze hands on me will turn into

The most delicate movements on stage

You’ll learn to hold me lighter 

And I’ll see you turning into a ballerina

But for now just imagine I’m those monkey bars

And grab me the strong as you want.