"And this is the dance shop, Broadway Babys. It's named after my dog." I smile and nod. We are getting a tour of the studio.
"While we're here, let's get you some dance clothes." Ms Abby says.
I nod, and she begins to figure out what size I am.
"So she's a size six." I nod, and hope I remember that.
I find a few pairs of tights, leotards, dance shorts, and dance t shirts to throw over. They all say ALDC on them. We also get me dance shoes, because I kind of need those. We pay, and I go into the bathroom to change. Seconds later, I walk out. Mommy takes a picture of me, while Ms. Abby starts getting my jazz shoes out.
"You guys can sit there." She says, while pointing to some benches.
They nod, and I follow Ms Abby into a room. I turn around for a second a see mommy vlogging. I make a silly face, and put my attention back on Ms. Abby.
"So, a big girl is going to help if that's okay." She says.
I smile and nod, as I love watching older kids dance.
"For now, just stretch."
I nod, and go into my right split. I watch YouTube videos a lot to help me.
"Woah Lilly! You're really flexible." I blush. "We need to sign you up for acro as well." I nod, and the door opens. A girl walks in. She looks as if she's around eleven or twelve years old.
"Perfect timing!" Miss Abby says.
"Lilly, this is Mackenzie. Mackenzie, this is Lilly."
"Hi!" She says, smiling.
I wave, and smile back. We do some warm ups, and now they're going to have me do leaps and stuff. I do a regular leap, and suddenly they start teaching me different types.
"And that, is a calypso. You try." Kenzie says.
I nod, and slowly walk to the corner.
Chaine up, chaine down, calypso.
They clap, and begin teaching me a dance. We do hip-hop next, and then acro. I think they were really impressed with acro which is good. I want to dance with big girls!
"Ok Kenz go get your sister." Ms Abby says.
"Bye Lilly!"
"Bye Kenzie!" I say, hugging her.
She walks out, and seconds later another girl comes in. She looks like Mackenzie but older.
"Hi, I'm Maddie. I'm going to help you with ballet and tap. What's your name?"
"I'm Lilly."
"Ok Lilly, can you put on your tap shoes?" I nod, and with some help I get them on.
We quickly go over the basics, and start a routine.
"Ok Lilly can you try it by yourself now?"
I nod, and walk to the center of the room. The music starts, and I begin. As quick as it started, it ended.
"Good job Lilly!"
"Thank you."
I walk over to my shoes, and put on ballet shoes. There is a barre set up, so I walk over to it.
"Maddie, teach her the positions, and then do presses. Don't forget batmonts."
Maddie nods, and we start.
We finish up, and I'm asked to get my parents.
"Okay, I've figured out Lilly's schedule."
We are given a piece of paper with lots of writing.
"I know this is more than she wanted to do, but that kid has talent."
Monday- (3:30) ballet class, 12 year olds
(4:45) tap class, 9 year olds
(6:00) technique class, 10 year olds
Tuesday- (4:00) hip hop class, 11 year olds
(5:15) jazz class, 8 year olds
(6:30) ballet class, 12 year olds
Wednesday- (3:15) acro class, 9 year olds
(4:30) private lesson
(6:00) contemporary class, 8 year olds
(7:30) ballet class, 12 year olds
Thursday- (2:30) acting class, ages 9-12
(3:15) vocal private
(4:30) lyrical class, ages 7-8
(5:15) ballet class, 12 year olds
Friday- (4:30) ballet class, 12 year olds
(5:15) acro class, 9 year olds
(6:30) technique class, 10 year olds
"Lilly,are you sure you want to do this?" Mommy asks.
I nod.
I pack up my bag while the adults are talking.
Maddie's helping me, and we're just talking about dance and stuff. In the other conversation, I keep hearing the words compete, competition, home schooling, prodigy, her choice.
"Hey Lilly?" Ms Abby says.
"Yeah?"
"Do you want to be on tv?"
"Yeah!"
"Ok, do you want to go to a dance competition maybe?"
"And compete?"
"Yes."
"Yup!!"
"Ok, but it won't be for a while."
I nod, and walk back over to Maddie.
"Lilly, your life will never be the same."
"What do you mean?"
"When I was your age, I did tons of dance. And now I'm at dance all the time."
"And?"
"Just be prepared."
I nod, and we head back to the car.