A girl turns in the centre of a great ballroom, her plum velvet skirt opening into a wide circle. Her arms stretch outward and her long hair follows the movement, while her closed eyes and small smile give the room a private sense of celebration. A pale lace collar catches the candlelight above the deep folds of her dress. Dark tights and shining shoes complete the simple party clothes.

Tall arched windows line the wall beside her, revealing a silver path across the sea beneath a bright moon. Black and orange swags fall between the windows, edged with dried autumn leaves. White pumpkins gather on the tables and beside the fireplace. Above, branching chandeliers hold many small flames whose warm reflections stretch over the polished parquet. The low viewpoint leaves generous space around the dancer and draws the eye through the repeating windows toward the far end of the room. Cool blue light and warm gold meet on the floor, holding the single turning figure between sea and candlelight.