What I Want

Chapter 1 - The Audition

Technically, I've been dancing ever since I was in the womb. My mother was an artistic director with the top ballet company in the state, Winston Ballet. Also known as, my dream dance company. 

Mom danced almost everyday of her life and I was right along with her. She didn't let her pregnancy get in the way of her love for contemporary ballet. In fact, she was ecstatic to be having a baby so she could make them into a dancer from the second they were born. 

By the time I was three I was well acquainted with gray Marley dance floors and the wooden barre. I was the star of Pre-Ballet and Creative Movement. And today, I'm still dancing and I hope to never stop. 

Mom wasn't even surprised when I decided I wanted to be a professional ballet dancer. It was in my blood. 

I've been taking all levels of ballet for the past twelve years at Winston Ballet's supporting ballet school, Winston Ballet Centre. I am fifteen years old now, and I audition for the Junior Studio company today. The last step before I become a professional. I could barely breathe. 

My feet were sore as always, and my body yearned to be stretched. I did a deep plie in second as I got out of bed. 

"Amanda, breakfast!" My dad called from downstairs. 

I rolled out of bed and put my hair up into a ponytail. I grabbed my phone, it's white light brightened my face. Ding.

7:30 AM Junior Studio Company Audition. Good Luck!

I would never allow myself to be unprepared for this. This is basically my entire future! If I don't get in, I might as well kiss 'professional ballet dancer' away forever.

The smell of onions and tomatoes in the pan pleased my nose. Dad was a great cook, mum too, but dad's foods were delicious. Everything he made was inspired by his childhood in Guyana. My mouth watered as he set a plate down in front of me.

I dug in immediately. "Hanks Daf" I said between mouthfuls.

"Are you ready for you big day, Amanda!" Mom came running down the stairs, a black duffle bag under her arm. I really didn't want to talk about it, my insides we're churning.

"I guess." I choked back.

"Wow, I really shouldn't run down the stairs, not good for my ankles..." She said to herself, rolling her right ankle around, "but don't worry hun, you'll be fine. Your technique is outstanding."

Every dancer knows that your technique doesn't matter if you're too frazzled to do anything correctly during the audition.

I finished the rest of my food and went back up stairs to my room.

I got dressed in a basic jeans and t-shirt. I slipped my feet into my high top Converse and grabbed my backpack.

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The cold school hallways and bustling noise were a distraction to my audition worries. As much as worrying made me feel worse, I wanted to do it. If I worry about every possibility, then I'll be ready for anything, right?

"AMANDA!" I awoke from my trance.  Someone had been shouting my name, but their face was lost in the sea of teenagers.

"Amanda..." A red headed girl popped out of the mix of students. Hayley.

Hayley has been my best friend since I was three. We started dance together and Ive known her ever since.

She caught up with me. "Holy shit. At least half of those kids need some deodorant." She laughed and locked her arm around mine. Seeing her eased my worries a bit.