Moulin Beige
YOU South Africa|3 September 2020
The ladies’ can-can is the big attraction at the social club’s fundraiser. But one person may just spoil the show
KATH KILBURN 
Moulin Beige

ESME stood in the wings and trembled with excitement as she heard the opening bars of the Infernal Gallop. Only another few seconds and the dancing – the swirling, the pointy-toed leg flicks and the swishing of skirts – would start to the famous can-can music. She and her friends had practised so hard for this moment!

Between high-kicks, Esme remembered their reactions the first time Gertrude had mooted the idea. “I know what we can do for the anniversary show,” she said – and after a short pause for effect – continued, “. . . The can-can!”

Beattie had spluttered up a considerable amount of coffee. Marie recovered more quickly. “The can-can with support hose and sensible bras? Are you sure?”

“Well, that’s not exactly what I had in mind but yes, I suppose so. That sort of thing. Silky bloomers – red, of course – flouncy frocks, exotic headdresses. Maybe not so many high-kicks, and even if it’s not exactly elegant, at least it’ll raise a laugh.”

“So long as no one has a coronary in the audience.”

“Or on stage,” Beattie added, grim-faced.

Esme, the youngster of the group – just edging into middle-age – offered her own suggestion: “My Dan’s got lovely, strong thighs.” Esme had recently married the youngest brother of the other women’s husbands – the ladies were both firm friends and longtime sisters-in-law – and was routinely forgiven for going offon a romantic tangent.

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