After a weekend of wonderful performances, the Divas were sad to see A New Jersey Nutcracker end. The area thawed out, and audiences filled the theater to capacity for both the Sunday and Monday shows during the holiday break. The Times dance critic called the ballet “a luminous production” and in particular, mentioned “a darling debut by Gracie Borden as Clara, who brought youthful exuberance to the role.”
“What’s an exuber-dance?” she asked her mom.
“It means you lit up the stage,” her mother replied, chuckling. “I’m getting this review framed and putting it up in your room.”
Miss Toni gave the girls a mere two days to rest up and recover from the shows. When they came to dance class at four o’clock on Thursday, it was back to business as usual.
“Hang up your toe shoes, Divas,” she told her team. “The Nutcracker is history, and we’re back to competing. Or have you all forgotten what it’s like to go head-to-head with Justine and City Feet?”
The girls shook their heads. They hadn’t forgotten and they fully expected Addison and her fellow Feet to try and get even for everything that went down during Nutcracker.
“We’re traveling to Maryland right after the new year for the Sweet Feet competition,” Toni explained. “I have the group number all planned out. It’s called ‘Chip and Dip’ and each of you is going to be a giant chocolate chip cookie.”
Liberty’s jaw fell. “A cookie? Seriously? Wasn’t playing a gingerbread dancer torture enough?”
“Well, after you tortured Gracie during Nutcracker, I’d say you’re getting your just desserts,” Rochelle said, teasing her.
“I haven’t decided on solos yet,” Toni continued. “But I do know we’ll be having a guest join us.” The door opened and Olivier walked in, decked out in a red velvet fedora for the holidays.
“Yay! Olivi-yay!” Gracie cheered. “Are you going to be my duet partner?”
“No, you and Liberty are going to be doing a duet,” her teacher said without looking up from her clipboard. “I think you actually made a very good team.”
Scarlett waited to see if Gracie—or Liberty for that matter—was going to freak.
“K-dokey,” Liberty said, winking at Gracie. “Martian twins reunited!”
Miss Toni looked satisfied. “I just want to say how proud I am of all of you,” she commented. “And I have a little gift for you for the holidays.”
“You’re giving us the rest of the week off?” Rochelle asked hopefully.
“No. Nice try. I’m bringing in a guest choreographer to work with you while I go visit my family upstate,” Toni said. She waved at the studio door and Marcus walked in.
Gracie ran over to hug him. “I thought I’d never see you again!” she said.
“I understand we have a competition to win,” Marcus said, taking a seat at the front of the studio.
“Are you sure you’re okay about going up against Justine?” Rochelle asked.
Marcus smiled. “Bring it on.”
He stood up and had the entire team line up in front of him.