Guest Post by Miss Danielle Read from READ CITY (Dancing With Words)
Sitting in on Mistress Chrissy’s Young Ladies Charm School and Styling Workshop on the Gold Coast was an enriching experience, unlikely to be forgotten by any of its young 8-14 year old attendees.
Nervous schoolgirls filled the room, giggling, jittery and overflowing with wonder. Eagerly inspecting their new parlors, each little one delighted in an assortment of special adornments displayed to play with. Twirling flowers and squishing sponges, little feet playfully swinging under tables. Mistress Chrissy and Assistant Ronnie introduced themselves to the group, overwhelming the room with a buzz of excitement. The girls all squealed, eager to tiptoe into the unknown.
New friends began gently unraveling braids and the styling class began. “Did you know there are four ways to brush your hair?” Mistress Chrissy soothed. The girls looked at each other and giggled, shaking their heads with glee.
Untangled and exhilarated, the little miss’s stood to make their Charm School Oath. “We promise to pursue our passions and believe in our dreams… to give compliments away freely … and to use our charming powers for good…” This was a prominent underlying theme to the day, celebrating self-love, self-worth and a carefree attitude.
Faces were refreshed while Chrissy began inciting ideas about acceptance and frivolity. “Our inner beauty comes from saying yes to things- engaging in life, and having a kind heart. What does having a kind heart mean to you?” “Being caring,” “friendly,” “looking after yourself and every one else” were quickly chimed from the crowd.
Lightly dabbing moisturizing tints to their faces, young girls were taught about the benefits of sun protection from a young age and how blusher accentuates a healthy rosy cheek, best achieved by exercising. “Today we’re just having some fun and being a bit silly, practicing and trying new things. Makeup is only really for special occasions when you get bigger and only when Mum says it’s okay.”
A power-posing workshop was guided by Ronnie, demonstrating ways to prepare for an upcoming test or speech by feeling and appearing more confident within yourself. This was received with overwhelming joy by each of the girls.
Tips on beauty sleep, posture and best grooming practices were given while Miss Chrissy began styling each little ladies locks, to suit their individual hair type and personality. A flower for the free-spirited wild child in the room, a doo rag for the edgy girl exuding confidence and a pin curl for little miss with a classically sweet demeanor. Each hairstyle was intricately pieced together with impressive perfection and prowess.
The take home message for the day was one of grace and poise, to practice being the gentle breeze who floats into a room instead of a blustering cyclone. To be kind to others and take care of yourself. Oh, and to compliment another young lady on your way out.
