She Keeps the Alabama Ballet on Its Toes — One Stitch at a Time
Armed with vintage sewing machines named Francesca, Tiffany, and Wanda, Alabama Ballet's costume director Wendy Gamble brings the company's most iconic performances to life. Image: Wendy Gamble
Twenty years ago, Wendy Gamble volunteered to help sew costumes for her daughter’s ballet school. Today, she is the costume director for Alabama Ballet. Armed with her fleet of vintage sewing machines (all named after women) and a “think outside the box” approach, she guides the company’s shift away from massive, elaborate designs to sleeker, modern, and more cost-effective costumes.
Whether she’s stitching on sequins, scrubbing stained tulle, or ordering custom pointe shoes, Wendy proves that keeping a ballet company on its toes takes more than a sewing machine — but “Francesca” and “Wanda” certainly help!
Are you originally from Birmingham?
I’ve lived in Birmingham since I was 22 years old, so 39 years, first in the Huffman area and currently in the Roebuck area. I grew up in Gardendale and Morris before moving to Birmingham. I’m very proud of our city and am hopeful it will continue with the amazing progress that has been made.
The road to costume director wasn’t linear. What did your career path look like?
I have worked at a law firm, as a stay-at-home mom, and for Birmingham City Schools for almost 10 years. There, I worked with special needs children at Wright Elementary and in the school office at North Roebuck Elementary before joining the ballet full-time.
How did you eventually end up at Alabama Ballet?
I came to Alabama Ballet through my daughter’s interest in dance. She was a student at the school. I could sew, and I ended up being recruited as a parent volunteer and then eventually as a part-time assistant. It helped fill the time while she was in class. I also saw how much the professional dancers gave of themselves, and I wanted to do my part to support their artistic endeavors.
When did you first pick up a needle and thread?
I learned to sew from my mom and took Home Economics in middle school. I remember watching my mom sew clothes for both my sister and me when we were young, as well as things for our house, like curtains.
More importantly, she made clothes for my Barbie dolls. I’m still amazed to this day that she sewed such tiny outfits for them. I know she didn’t have an expensive machine. I don’t think it was even a Singer sewing machine, so it was constantly acting up.
I was in my 20s before I experienced sewing on my mother-in-law’s vintage Singer and realized that things could go more smoothly. Maybe that’s one of the reasons I own so many vintage sewing machines now. All thrifted, of course.
Yes, we understand you have quite a unique collection of vintage sewing machines. What’s the story behind them?
I have various vintage Singers, including a treadle machine on its own table, manufactured in 1901. I also have various vintage European and Japanese brands. They are universally easier to repair and find parts for as well. Sometimes, I find them in cute colors like blue and pink. They are metal, for the most part, and much more durable than modern machines.
My vintage machines also all have to have a name: the sleek and sexy black Singer my daughter bought me is “Francesca,” my blue Japanese-made machine is named “Tiffany,” and my pink Atlas is named “Wanda.” I purchased Wanda at Irondale Pickers.
What excites you about creating costumes?
What appealed to me about costuming is that I am making something that will be used and enjoyed. It can also be an interpretation of an idea. When my kids and nieces were young, I made them costumes for school productions and Halloween but never thought about it as a career choice. I always say I fell into the job sideways.
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve noticed in the world of dance during your time with Alabama Ballet?
Over the past 20 years, I have seen costuming move away from large-scale productions with very intricate, traditional ballet costume styles to smaller, more contemporary pieces that are more cost-effective to produce, especially for a smaller company like ours.
Costs have increased for arts organizations, so we are constantly looking for ways to present new works and keep our audience engaged.
What is something that might surprise people about your job?
I think the romantic thought about my job is that I make tutus every day and put beautiful jewels on them. The reality is I do a lot of scrubbing and laundering. I organize, label, and repair all the costume pieces in various productions, as well as prepare costumes in our inventory to be rented to other ballet companies.
There are many days when I don’t even touch a sewing machine. I also order and distribute pointe shoes and ballet slippers for the company.
What is the most exciting part of designing for a ballet company?
I love the historical accuracy that theater costuming requires, but I really appreciate the freedom of taking a piece and making the costumes “danceable.” You have to use your imagination and resources to enable the performers to accomplish the choreography. Thinking outside the box really appeals to me.
How do you unwind after a busy day at the studio?
I am fortunate enough to live in a 100-year-old house in the Roebuck area, and I love thrifting items for it. I frequently shop at Sozo because it’s right down the street from the Ballet if I need a quick pick-me-up. I also frequent both Lovelady locations, Goodwill and Salvation Army, along with America’s Thrift. It’s quite a hobby of mine.
I love looking for picture frames, artwork, knick-knacks, and anything quirky and unusual to furnish my house. In my opinion, we need much more whimsy in this world. I also love looking for various handmade items, as I truly appreciate the amount of time and effort that goes into hand-making anything.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I think the best piece of advice has been to slow down and take some time to process a situation before acting in a rash way. You will often find that what seemed insurmountable is not. I don’t know if I’ve ever gotten a piece of advice that was worthless. Even if it did not apply to me or my situation, there was still something I could learn from it or about the person who gave the advice.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What is your favorite ballet? I really love Giselle, Christopher Bruce’s Rooster, Bonnie and Clyde, and Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo.
What is a hobby you enjoy outside of work? I especially love reading and make time to do so, even during production weeks. Also, I have too many pets and am constantly feeding and rescuing any stray animals that cross my path.
What is your favorite spot to eat in Birmingham? There are so many, but I really, really love Taco Morro Loco.
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Erin Slay Wilson
Erin Slay Wilson is the Market Leader for StyleBlueprint Birmingham. She lives in the Crestwood neighborhood with her family and their golden retriever, Butter. When Erin isn't writing and building relationships within the community, she loves to read, go on walks around the city, garden, and scope out treasures at local antique malls.
