Bella Hardy on the Importance of Shoes
Bella Hardy writes:
I've just spent the weekend plotting Cambridge Folk Festival plans.
It's a combination of concocting song lists and practise times and creating a set which utilises all the fantastic musicians that'll be on stage, but there's also one very important factor to be decided on - what shoes!
I started buying stage shoes very early on in my solo performing career. For the semi-finals of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 2 Young Folk Award, I bought a pair of red sequined slippers. For the finals,
some turquoise kitten heels with pink gems.
For last year's Proms, I splashed out on some beautiful Spanish leather ankle boots, and I've got some fab pink heels which
are an everyday stage favourite.
Why the shoes? Because, contrary to what I may say in interviews, sometimes the thought of getting on stage terrifies me. I absolutely love to sing - and having the chance to do that all the time makes me incredibly lucky; but sometimes (nearly always when I'm
sat at home contemplating it, and surprisingly never when I'm actually at a
gig) the idea of getting on stage and being watched by all those people really
knocks me for six. On the other hand, the only reason I have my beautiful
shoes is because I perform. Just occasionally, I need that little excuse.
It's a common joke now, women and their love of shoes, something considered shallow and girlishly whimsical, but what shoes do is remind us. Be it an old pair of mucky boots or three-inch pink stilettos, they so often capture a moment. They're fond companions on the trip down memory lane, and they're also a reward. We buy them for special
occasions, to commemorate the achievement of ourselves and others, and that is
why we become so attached. They remind us of our friends. They
remind us of happy times.
Comment number 1.
At 1st Jul 2009, EnglishFolkfan wrote:Well Bella, we're brought up to 'stand on our own to feet' so it's hardly surprising that our shoes, which help us do this, are very important in more ways than just protecting them. I agree comfort, confidence, pleasure, and sometimes 'high fashion hell' all play a part. These days I find shoes are becoming important to men for similar reasons not least of all because their choice of styles has improved over the years.
Thank you for sharing this week of Blogs. It's been a delight to read them. Have yourself a great time at Cambridge and maybe you'll discover a new special pair of shoes to celebrate the event!
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