CHAPTER 10

Showtime

After one final contemp practice, it’s showtime. Sophie and I get into position in the largest studio at Ms. Marianne’s, along with the rest of the contemp dancers. All the other dancers and instructors are squished into the studio to watch what we’ve learned. It’s not a recital, but I’m still excited to show off my new moves.

Be loose, I tell myself. The music starts, and we pop our hips and lift our legs to the side for the tilt. The music speeds up, and we swing our legs back and forward again for the fouettés.

Sophie and I bring our hands to the floor. Our fingertips touch while our legs lift behind us.

Upright again, we form two circles for the layouts. We arch our backs, kick our legs forward, and raise our arms behind us toward our ears.

Melt, I tell myself as I bend forward, bringing my leg behind me and extending my arms backward to grab my ankle for the scorpion pose.

For the illusion, we stand in a V and bend our torsos toward the floor. In needle position, we move our bodies in a half circle, using the balls of our feet to propel us around. Our legs swing around, twirling like the hands of a pinwheel.

As we finish, the other dancers who’ve crowded into the studio applaud. Our contemp team links hands and takes a bow.

“Yeah, Sophie! Go, Gabby!” Grace, Brie, and Jada holler above everyone else.

I squeeze Sophie’s hand. Grace, Brie, and Jada jump up and down as they cheer. They look so proud of us. I feel proud of myself too.

I finally figured it out. Old moves are just as important as new ones. Together they create something new and wonderful. Friends are the same. Bringing together old friends and new friends creates twice the fun and new memories.