The bird of paradise alights only upon the hand that does not grasp. ~ found on Pinterest, author unknown

Ballroom dancing for me is one of the best parts of residing in Second Life.   It use to be that the bulk of my shopping budget went for ball gowns.  No longer is that the case as I still prefer a combination of mesh and flexi, and those are very hard to find and in a style preferred by me. Sometimes I wonder if the designers even bother to put their mesh ball gowns through a dance test when they are creating them. Maybe they would reconsider and use a bit of flexi here and there if they could see how the mesh deforms/moves when on the dance floor.  While those long fish tails, poofy skirts, mermaid bottoms and skirts split way up to there make for a pretty photograph whilst standing, on the dance floor it is an entirely different picture sometimes. Of course this is just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt.  That being said, every now and then a gown catches your eye, and the pros outweigh the cons and you just have to have it.

Bird of Paradise by The White Armory is such a gown for me.  The detail of the applique is beautiful, and the overall effect of both over and under skirts are pleasing to my eye. The full (covers the hands) opera length gloves add that touch of classic elegance I love. Psst…I wish The White Armory would make these gloves separately, in a multitude of colors as they are the best I have ever seen.  While I know many ladies out there prefer not to wear shoes under their gowns I do, and my feet and shoes showing slightly when walking is something I can live with. Yes, I could shorten my stride with another walking animation, and even tried that, but looked like I had a corncob up the ole wazoo when walking.  I’ll just stick to my preferred walk thank you very much lol.

Jewels are by Lazuri and my hair is a style I have had like forever.  It’s by Amacci and a more structured updo which works well with tiara’s.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the beautiful setting where the above photograph was taken.  The Venues Ballroom located on the Angel Manor Estates is a stunning build and perfect for taking that formal shot.  It’s also void of any gaudy advertising and shops. Nothing to derender.   Nothing but elegant surroundings for you and your dance partner.  Angel Manor Estates consists of nine regions, each one beautifully decorated and landscaped to perfection. For more information please see the website here and I also include the landmark for you here.

Be kind to one another.  TWMA♥

I would like to thank:

Maitreya : Mesh Body ‘Lara’

Amara Beauty/Zoul Creations : Gabriela Skintone ’06 Caramel’, Eyebrow Set ’05 Black’, Kristy Eyeshadow ‘Smokey 03’

Amacci : Rina ‘Black Coal’

Lazuri : MVW 2013 Empress Josephine Jewels & Tiara

TWA (The White Armory) : Bird of Paradise Gown Set

Manifeste ‘The Art of Posing’ : Model 28 NLA

LumiPro : LumiPro HUD 2016