UNIFORM FITTING
TARYN
“Hmm, I think we need to modify the neckline of the top for you, Taryn. And try on different styles of bras to make sure you don’t spill out of your uniform during a performance.” Carole muses. “I’m sure our viewers already saw enough during your solo tryout. What do you think, Ruth? We need to keep Taryn’s assets… contained, but at the same time, we can’t have her uniform look different from the others.”
Panic shoots through me. Looking good in your uniform is nonnegotiable if we want to make the team. Carole and Lexi have been crystal clear about it.
The uniform coordinator takes an appraising look at me. She takes a complete lap around my body before stopping in front of me. “There are a few things we can try. Subtle enough not to make a visible difference in the way her top looks. We’ll need to go up one size, but I’ll tailor the rest around her shoulders and sides. We can also position the knot in the front just a smidge higher to get a little more coverage.”
Carole tilts her head to the side. “As long as she doesn’t look remarkably different from her teammates, you work your magic,Ruthie. Taryn, is all thisdecolletageyou? Or did you get some enhancements that could be reversed?”
It isn’t the first time that someone has asked me if I got a boob job. “No, ma’am. This is all me.”
The team’s director makes a note on her tablet. “Sorry for asking questions that might sound invasive. That’s just a lot of chest for someone with a smaller frame like you, that’s all.”
“I’m afraid it runs in my family, ma’am.” I school my tone into polite pleasantness, but deep down I’m freaking out.
“Hey.” Carole’s tone softens, her hand patting my biceps in a soothing way. “I’m sorry if that all sounds judgmental. This part of camp is necessary, and sometimes there’s no way to approach certain things without sounding tough or rude. The way you take this kind of feedback factors into our final decision on when we’re going to start making cuts.”
She’s referring to all the scrutiny we have been going through this week; first during makeovers and now with uniform fittings.
I was lucky enough to just get layers added to my long hair to create more movement and a fuller look.
Some of the other candidates were told they needed a dramatic change in hair color or a drastic cut.
Talia comes out of the changing room next to mine, ready to be assessed.
“This is exactly why we wanted you to go blonde, Talia,” Lexi beams. “Your natural brown looked too severe with your fair complexion. But the blonde, in contrast with the light blue of our uniform blouse, lights you up.”
Tucker’s sister smiles, admiring herself in the full-length mirror next to mine. “Thank you. I’m not gonna lie, I had mixed feelings about this change for a second, but now I see what you mean.”
Ruth comes back with a top in a different size. “Try this on, Taryn. It’ll be too big for you anywhere other than your chest.Come out anyway, and we’ll change the fit.” She smiles, showing me a red pin cushion.
I’m still nervous as I close the curtain of my changing room. Not making the team because of a uniform issue would be sad. Aside from the fact that I would need to find a job and a place to stay, stat.
I listen to the conversations that are filtering in from outside as I change.
“Jodie,” that’s Lexi’s voice. “You look perfect. See why we asked you to sacrifice your long hair for a bob? You have such a long, elegant neck. You look graceful and classy.”
My BFF has been unhappy about having to cut her hair. It isn’t just because she’s had long hair her entire life and this was a big change for her. What made it harder for Jodie to accept Carole and Lexi’s decision was the reason for it.
Our directors thought that Jodie looked too similar to Genevieve. With their tall and willowy frames and their dark, long hair, it would be hard to tell them apart in a group photo or in a dance line.
Jo-Jo pleaded with them to have her change color or maybe get a perm. But the whole team in charge agreed that a drastic cut would enhance her natural beauty.
Talia and I have been consoling her by telling her that she looks insanely hot. And we aren’t lying. Jodie is even more striking with her new haircut.
The reason that made the change harder to accept was that no one even tried to suggest that Gen cut her own long, dark locks.
The moment I exit the changing room, Ruth begins pinning my uniform blouse to fit it to my body.
As if summoned by my own thoughts, Gen steps in front of the mirror near Jodie’s.
“This looks pretty good, Gen,” Carole and Lexi gush. “This uniform looks like it’s been designed for you. Turn around, please, and let us see the back.” Carole instructs her.
When Gen turns around, she exchanges a look with Lexi. “I mean, the uniform looks perfect on you. Sexy. But is it too sexy? What do you think, Lexi?”
The chief choreographer taps a perfectly manicured finger over her bottom lip. “I don’t know, they look a tad short, maybe? What do you think, Ruth? Any changes?”
