Fat Ballerinas

i love Spanish women’s fascination with fans. they bring them everywhere…on the metro, to the cafe, walking down the street. the fan has a language of its own, an unwritten air of mystery or perhaps femme fatal. i cannot believe that i never used one in Arizona. although i kept one on my nightstand, it rarely got used and never in public. here it is not only necessary in a hot bar while sipping a beer, but an extension of the feminine allure. women use them to show their esposos their annoyance, or to broadcast their intention of “come hither” or more. you can find them everywhere….from simple ones in a rainbow of colors to the gaudy “bought by tourists” plastic versions of the lace painted fan. most locals chose the basics but don’t let the simplicity fool you. the fan may be plain and have a simple purpose, but women here know how to use them for much more. they skillfully open and close them depending on their mood….a quick flick either used to describe their irritation with the heat or to show their companion their impatience, the slow repetitive open and close with its clicking noise used in boredom, and so much more. i aspire to discover the many nuances of this device, becoming a true señora.

ladies, don’t be surprised if you receive a fan from me as a gift…i invite you to discover what it has to offer. you may get looks at first but ignore them. the feel and ritual will become intoxicating.