Chapter 2
Marissa hurried into the big exercise room. The walls were covered with mirrors and lined with ballet barres. Andy, the piano player, was playing some lively music.
The other girls were already warming up. They stood in front of the mirrors, holding on to the barres.
Madame Stone called out, “And plie one, and plie two.”
Marissa hurried to an empty spot in the corner. She hoped Madame wouldn’t notice her sweatpants right away.
Marissa put one hand lightly on the barre and began her plies. She carefully held her feet in first position.
Suddenly, she realized that Madame Stone had stopped counting and was staring at her. All of the other girls stopped their exercises and turned around to look.
“Marissa,” Madame Stone said, “where is your leotard and tights?”
Marissa could feel her cheeks turning red. She stared at the floor.
Madame Stone gave her a long look. “Oh well,” Madame said. “If you forgot your leotard, it doesn’t really matter for this one class.”
She turned back to the rest of the students. “Girls! Pay attention! Ready and go,” Madame instructed.
Marissa slid one leg out to the side and back again, being careful to point her toe each time. She stared at herself in the mirror as she practiced. Marissa could see that she was at least six inches taller than the other girls around her. She was also heavier. Everyone else looked like butterflies, but she felt like an elephant.
“Marissa,” Madame Stone called. “We are ready to start our practice routines. Would you please show us the first steps of routine A?”
After the warm-ups at the barre, the dancers always moved out into the center of the big, open floor. They practiced more complicated jumps, leaps, and turns.
Usually, this was Marissa’s favorite part of the class. Madame Stone often asked her to demonstrate certain moves. Marissa had always loved it. But ever since she started growing so much, Marissa had been dreading dancing in front of everyone. She felt like a giant, thundering creature, not a graceful ballerina.
But she knew she had no choice. Madame Stone was waiting for her. So was the rest of the class.
She slowly walked to the front of the room as Andy began the music. As she lifted her right leg, Marissa saw Kelly and Clarice. They were whispering to each other and giggling.
They’re talking about how I look up here, Marissa thought as she began to dance. She stumbled and fell to her knees.
Madame Stone signaled to Andy to stop playing. “Marissa, are you all right?” she asked.
Marissa quickly got to her feet. “I’m fine, Madame,” she said. Rachel gave her an encouraging smile. Kelly and Clarice were still laughing.
Madame started the music again. This time, Marissa couldn’t find the rhythm. She fumbled through the arabesques and leaps as fast as she could. All she wanted to do was finish the demonstration.
When Marissa was done, Madame was quiet. Marissa could tell she knew something was wrong.
Finally, Madame said, “Thank you, Marissa. Let’s have everyone on their feet to try this routine.”
For the rest of class, Marissa tried to forget about Kelly and Clarice.
At the end of class, Madame Stone clapped her hands. “Girls, give me your attention, please,” she said. “Our recital is coming up soon. This is the time when we show our family and friends the progress we have made in ballet.”
Marissa looked around. All of the dancers started whispering with excitement.
“The piece we are going to perform this year is called The Rose Fairy,” Madame Stone went on. “The dance tells the story of a Rose Fairy. She has lost her other flower friends and is looking for them. If you want to dance in the recital, you’ll have to try out for the part. The auditions will be next week. That’s it. See you girls tomorrow.”
Everyone got up and started heading toward the locker room. Clarice and Kelly brushed by Marissa. As they passed, Marissa saw Clarice glance at her and then whisper to Kelly. They both burst into laughter. Marissa felt her face heat up.
“Marissa,” said Madame Stone. “Can I see you for a moment?”