The Royal Scandal | Prince William |

Pride

"A few weeks ago, I was pulled into Gillian Lynne's office," she paused briefly, taking a split second more to inhale softly as she stared all of them down. "She proceeded to tell me that dancers must be thin, that they must be underweight. In truth this is nothing but a stereotype, enforcing the negative precedent around dance."

"I know the onslaught of criticism from the american press has cast some worry onto this board, so much so we started up our weigh-ins again. Yes, there are evident flaws in the company's weight system, but I am not here to suggest you change something that is so deeply rooted in the history of dance. I have no problem with the company tracking my weight, the problem comes in when that number is used against me or my fellow dancers."

The words tumbled out with ease, like all curses, and tears, and pain throughout her career formed into effortless words. Everything she'd wanted to say came together. And it didn't matter if Director Mason was still dilling ominous holes through her, or that most of the other board members still looked unmoved.

She felt moved. She felt proud.

"It's understandable to expect us to be in shape. Strength is required to jump, an engaged core is needed to keep balance, and stamina is necessary to dance for a long time. However, I was cast as Juliet for our upcoming show over five months ago. Throughout this period I have not gained weight, nor have I lost muscle. If my appearance is a problem now then it should've been a problem then and I should not have been cast."

The more she spoke the stronger she felt. Her voice was composed never going above the careful tone she practiced in the bathroom. She didn't want to come across as an angry child throwing a fit, but she needed to be assertive so they wouldn't push her around.

"This board is allowing those you hire to bully your artists because they are privy to how much we weigh. Perhaps we should have an in-between person. A nutritionist with no connections to the company to keep out bias, and this person should be the only one responsible for guiding us with our health. I aso implore you to start teaching the children in the Royal Ballet School. Give them a program or a class that will teach them how to eat properly to fuel their bodies."

The older faces that looked down on her slowly started to crack with apprehension. As if they realised all the dangers that could come if she truly unleashed her full power on them. Jaclyn switched her eyes never lingering on someone too long. Her hands moved with her words, and she had to fight to keep the prideful smile off her face.

"I know we all idolize the idea of being thin and delicate, even I have dreamed of that look for myself, but a number on a scale is no reflection of talent, and these methods used are not helpful. They're mental abuse. When someone thinks of a dancer your first image is skinny, frail, and graceful. However the realistic dancer is strong, poised, and powerful. "

She paused briefly, a sudden statement coming to mind. One she heard years ago that changed her life.

"So, I'd like you to remember there is more grace in strength than you know."

She took three breaths, standing still at the front of the room with all eyes on her, before the silece finally broke. "Thank you for your insight, Miss Webber," Director Mason nodded and gestured that she could leave.

She went to exit, but Ms. Lewis cleared her throat bringing Jaclyn's attention back to the table. "I would just like to say I was very moved by your speech Miss Webber, and that the role of Juliet is yours no matter what "

For a moment she was stunned. She lingered, basking in the fact that she truly did that. Soaking up the moment when Charles allowed his stoicism to fall briefly, letting her see that he was proud, and when she felt satisfied Jaclyn gave the room of board members her biggest smile beofre gliding out.