AustLit

'Carly and Tara and Kelly are sitting on the floor. Each has a brush in her hand, and they are all brushing their little daughters' hair. The children sit with heads bowed, very still, legs crossed, hands gripping their feet The feet are in pale pink ballet slippers. Legs covered with the powdery cloth of ballet tights. Silky black leotards, skimpy skin, crossover tops with long sleeves concealing skinny little arms. "Sometimes, I can't decide which is better, hairspray or mousse," Carly says. Her daughter Peyton shifts a fraction sideways on the carpet. ' (Introduction)