Rag-A-Muffin
35
posts
3
likes
"Darling, I've seen talent and I have seen rubbish, and that was complete and utter rubbish."
|
Post by Cruella de Vil on Jun 10, 2017 22:17:05 GMT -6
The sounds of steps on wood and of rare instances of exhales filled the stage's acoustic, as a middle aged woman in a white furcoat sat on the front row, one leg folded over the other while she blew out thick clouds of smoke from her cigarette, a frown permanently stamped on her face as she gazed at the young lady trying her best in front of her.
The old theatre was completely empty by that time, which was entirely understandable, seeing how late it actually was. For Cruella, however, it only seemed more adequate for what she was attempting to pull off there. With little to no people around, she could devote the entire spectrum of her attention on this particular pupil, which was her main goal at the time.
She had once been the top star of her generation, a true vaudeville prodigy and an incredble dancer and singer, with her precision in her methods reaching the levels of ballet companies that toured the world. That had been a long time ago, however, and her years had caught up. Now, she was preparing new generations, and Charlotte Marcello was probably her greatest investment so far.
Don Korso had, of course, chosen her to guide his little princess in what was going to be her artistic tutoring. Cruella took her job rather seriously, being as demanding, if not even more intense with Charlotte; for she was to make her an above average performer. In a way, she was to make Charlotte the next her. Even if she did think such level of perfection was unattainable.
Truly, the eldest Marcello child was a prodigy in the arts of performing, even if she did not always meet Cruella's standards. The elder star had been educated and prepared to be gracious and almost cold in the way she connected with crowds, yet she could see that young Charlotte had a different aura of appeal, which would reflect on a new, different style. It was nothing she could not fix in time, however.
"What are you trying to do, darling; make me fall asleep? I've come here to be marveled, not sent to a drunken stupor." the veteran firmly said in a more strict tone as her free hand's fingers quickly tapped on the arms of her seat, impatience showing in her raspy voice. "Dance like you want it, seduce the audience!"
|
|
Gatsberry's Admin
130
posts
10
likes
just because my fathers runs the city doesn't mean I'm not in charge.
|
Post by Charlotte Marcello on Jun 10, 2017 22:54:20 GMT -6
Charlotte stopped for a moment as she listened to her coach. She scowled as she heard the woman's harsh words. But she knew she needed to take it with a grain of salt. Cruella could be very bitter but she only accepted the best and Charlotte was determined to be the best so it worked out well for the two, they both pushed her.
Charlotte went up on point and began to move. As she did her eyes closed as she thought about why she was here. When she was 5 her father had seen her dancing around the house and had heard her sing her baby sister to sleep. He asked her if she wanted to get better at those things. She had told him no. She wanted to be like him and be the best at them. He had smiled and ruffled her hair. "That's my girl." He said as he kissed her head. "Always remember there are two kinds of people in the world. Those that fight and those that win. And we're winners aren't we?" He grinned down at her and she giggled and smiled back up at him.
A week later he took her to a dance studio and introduced her to a very mean old lady. Well to Charlotte's five year old mind she was an old lady. And she was mean so so so mean. Always telling Charlotte she wasn't good enough.
One day her father was getting a report form Miss De Vil on Charlotte's progress. By this time she was 7, and was ready to tell her father she hated Miss de Vil and never wanted to dance or sing again. But as she neared the room she heard the coach speak.
"I don't say this lightly Don Korso and you need to know what I say has nothing to do with you or what you do. It's all about the girl. She is a gem. She could become one of the greatest stars of her generation and I want to get her there. So I push her and I tell her she isn't good enough cause that just seems to make her try harder and she is going to be great one day. Truly great." (If this isn't how Cruella would say it sorry I will edit if you want me to.)
From that day on Charlotte had used her coaches words as fuel. Every mean word she used to force herself to practice longer, to sing higher and to be the absolute best.
By the time Charlotte stopped moving she was out of breath. She had been training for hours both on her voice and with her dancing and she was feeling like she would pass out soon but she would not let her body quit. If De Vil wanted her to dance again she would. Charlotte would not stop until her body gave out on her or De Vil sent her home. Those were the only options. Quitting was not something a Marcello did.
|
|
Rag-A-Muffin
35
posts
3
likes
"Darling, I've seen talent and I have seen rubbish, and that was complete and utter rubbish."
|
Post by Cruella de Vil on Jun 11, 2017 7:06:13 GMT -6
Cruella kept her gaze focused on the younger woman, almost looking like she never blinked when analyzing each and every movement of her young pupil. Truth be told, at times like this she seemed to not be human, if one were to pay attention to how intently she eyed her pupils. She expected nothing but sheer perfection, and she would get it even if she had to break a couple of bones and maybe one's self esteem.
Her eyebrow raised ever so slightly while she puffed out another cloud of smoke, curiosity stamped in her expression when she noticed some trembling and faltering in Charlotte's steps, which was understandable, given it was late in the night and they had been at this for hours. Rolling her eyes, she kept tapping her almost skeletal fingers on her chair before getting up and walking closer to the stage, slow and gently, as if she was in perfect synch with the environment around her.
In spite of her peculiar appearance, there was no denying the veteran superstar had taste and standards when it came to fashion, making sure she always stood out in a crowd without ever being far too much. It was probably because of said fact that she could intimidate almost anyone so easily when in her own element, and even out of it.
Walking up to the stage, and closer to the teenager, she stood a few feet away from her, resuming a rather strict posture while not giving up smoking her extremely long cigarette, which she was determined to finish. It made her more distant and colder, giving her the authority position she enjoyed.
Charlotte Marcello fascinated her in a lot of ways. In spite of being a teenager, she was already developing in a rather pronounced manner, her figure clearly leaning to the very curvy side. In most cases, Cruella would deem her biologically inept to perform elaborate coreographies, yet here she was, trying her best and for the most part not being dreadful about it. Maybe she could overturn a standard and be gracious without a proper skinny body.
"Are you aware that most ballerinas in the finest companies have torn their toes apart?" she asked in a rather coy and slow tone, still fixating the figure and shape of Charlotte to a point in which she looked slightly absent minded. "I'm sure you know that until you feel your legs collapsing on themselves...you're not quite done for today, right darling?"
|
|
Gatsberry's Admin
130
posts
10
likes
just because my fathers runs the city doesn't mean I'm not in charge.
|
Post by Charlotte Marcello on Jun 11, 2017 7:39:34 GMT -6
Charlotte gritted her teeth as Cruella spoke. "Of course I know ma'am." she said calmly. Charlotte had learned long ago arguing and yelling at the older woman never helped. It usually made things worse. But oh how she wanted to scream. The woman might as well be able to read minds with how she found weaknesses and then she would strike like a poised viper.
Charlotte took up her position again took a deep breath and began to dance. Her body moved smoothly though the steps and motions effortlessly. She steeled her nerves and would not let her legs shake for the strain. At home Charlotte did almost everything. She took care of the house so her father wouldn't need to think about it. Planning the meals making sure the rooms were cleaned by the maids. Directing everything. And taking care of her sister of course. The fact was she never had any time for herself. The closest she had to something for herself was this. This time spent dancing and singing were the only things that were just for her and her only.
(sorry it's short I have to get going i'll add more if needed)
|
|
Rag-A-Muffin
35
posts
3
likes
"Darling, I've seen talent and I have seen rubbish, and that was complete and utter rubbish."
|
Post by Cruella de Vil on Jun 11, 2017 8:07:11 GMT -6
Cruella raised and eyebrow, arms slightly folded over her chest as she finished her cigarette, the dying embers of its tip fading as she poofed out a final cloud of smoke, walking closer to the girl before raising her free hand while shaking her head. "No, no, no. Stop that now, it's all wrong." she was quick to blurt out, a frown on her expression as she walked around the young lady, her tongue clicking lightly while she observed Charlotte to pinpoint what she was not liking.
"Darling, I've had my fair share of frustrations and misgivings, but if there's something I've learned is that when you simply cannot do something, you let it go." she said in a rather dry tone, eyeing up the young mob princess, tilting her head to the side before shrugging and firmly correcting what she disliked about her posture, being rather milimetric. Disappointed, she shook her head and shrugged slowly before walking down the steps of the stage and motioning back to the front rows, turning around to gaze at her once more.
After a few seconds of silence, she laid her cigarette pallet down, resting her chin in one of her hands before smiling gently in a rather mischievous manner. "I will tell you what: I'll let you go today if you show me something new. I've told you what I was looking for. Now, make something of it. Surprise me. No rules now. It is up to you."
|
|
Gatsberry's Admin
130
posts
10
likes
just because my fathers runs the city doesn't mean I'm not in charge.
|
Post by Charlotte Marcello on Jun 11, 2017 18:47:03 GMT -6
Charlotte looked at Cruella in confusion. Cruella usually hated things that were new or different. Well no thinking about it she only really hated movies because she says their for the illiterate or uninspired audience that can't focus long enough to watch true acting. Charlotte nodded slowly and thought for a moment. She took a standing pose to start and then began to dance. She even sang the song in her head letting herself be fully enveloped into the dance. This time it was harder, she even went to the floor trying to show her coach something she had never seen before. She spun and stretched. She did multiple jumps and even went onto her hands to do almost handstands and flips. (imagine she is up on point and ignore any wobbles you see ) Finally she stopped and waited for Cruella's words. Ready for the harshness or the attacks. Whatever happened she was ready for it.
|
|
Rag-A-Muffin
35
posts
3
likes
"Darling, I've seen talent and I have seen rubbish, and that was complete and utter rubbish."
|
Post by Cruella de Vil on Jun 11, 2017 19:00:03 GMT -6
She stayed in her spot, firmly keeping her posture rigid and focused while eyeing the young mob princess in her little dance. Above anything, a true star could improvise and do something new should the audience and demand it, and this would be the sort of test the next generation should be able to overcome. She, of course, expected Charlotte to try something much more relaxed and vivid than what Cruella generally ordered her too. Everything about Charlotte felt more maternal and protective, unlike Cruella's own independence and distant way she connected to her audience. It was almost ironic to think she was teaching a young lady destined to be so different from her. She could trim the "fat" of her inexperience, of course, but there were things that could not be helped.
Well, being the second best performer of her time would have to suit Charlotte, Cruella rationalized. She'd never be topped of course, and she could settle with having taught the next best thing. As she always would think, in her own hubris and vision of a world centered around her.
The coreography was anything but distant, as she had expected. It was passionate, sure, but in a more human way. The type of way that would likely appeal to the men in the audience. Of course. This was what they were all about, so why not play in their element.
After the act was finished, she remained in silence, watching her pupil for a bit, no expression on her face. Slowly, but firmly, she rose from her seat, lighting up another cigarette before turning her back on the girl and walking up the stairs of the auditorium to the exit.
"I suppose that was not entirely unberable." she said with a shrug while walking to the door.
|
|
Gatsberry's Admin
130
posts
10
likes
just because my fathers runs the city doesn't mean I'm not in charge.
|
Post by Charlotte Marcello on Jun 11, 2017 19:25:13 GMT -6
Charlotte stayed in place as Cruella stood and began walking to the exit. She was breathing hard but would not let her self gasp or waver as she continued to wait. When she heard those final words of her coach before she left the auditorium Charlotte smiled but she still waited another moment until Miss De Ville had left. Charlotte then finally let her body relax. She walked over and had a drink. Got dressed and began heading home.
|
|