Dirty Dancing

Pirouette

pirouette: noun

a fast turn of the body on the toes or the front part of the foot, performed especially by a ballet dancer.

8 am

I woke up to the curtains glistening in the sunlight and the faint buzz of the traffic in the Big City.

I breathed in and out, still feeling drowsy. For the past year, this was my routine- wake up at 8, get ready, head to class, grab lunch, practice again and retire in the evening.

I enjoyed it, I was used to it, comfortable with it.

Little did I know, that this would be my last routine day.

Noticing the weather, I impatiently pulled leg warmers on, grabbed my jacket, and made my way to the main building.

The dorms were on campus hence it took a second to reach the main building. Strolling through the doors, I smiled at the receptionist, who was busy helping someone find their studio.

Thinking nothing of it, I made my way to the first ballet class.

I secured my hair into a bun as people filled the studio. After greeting a few friends, I began to warm up.

'Good morning boys and girls, I hope you had a good weekend. Before we start, there are a few students who've moved from our Korean branch to join us here. Introduce yourselves please.', our instructor said, signalling to the first girl.

I didn't pay attention to the names as I continued stretching, but it seemed like everyone else was fixated on the newbies... Or rather... Three specific newbies.

'I'm Jay!', said one boy with a bright smile.

'Hi, I'm Jonathan.', said another as he waved.

'Nicholas.', one of them nodded, seeming slightly antisocial.

Oh, it's the boy who was at the reception.

My eyes travelled up and down his form when his eyes caught mine in a staredown.

Breathe, Rose.

10 am

'To the centre everyone', my teacher said.

'Group yourselves. Your exercise is developpé, preparation and two en dehor turns.', Mr Alexander demonstrated.

I stood ready, being in the first group along with Tiana, Jonathan, Thomas and Mary.

Tiana, my best friend, was a honey-skinned beauty. Her headstrong attitude differed from mine, but we were like sisters. Thomas and Mary were one of the first friends I made here at Allure. Finally, Jonathan, whom I was getting to know, was pretty cool too.

The pianist played as we executed the combination well, earning a compliment from the teacher. The second group, however, wasn't as lucky.

'Nicholas, you're too hasty, you need to finish the two pirouettes precisely.'

He made the group go again and I watched as Nicholas wobbled. Mr Alexander sighed and moved on with the exercises.

At the end of class, the students piled out of the studio, but Nicholas was made to stay back and practice.

Before I could step out, I heard my name.

'Yes?'

'Would you please help Nicholas with his turns? I have a meeting with the faculty.', Mr Alexander requested.

'Oh, um, sure.', I said, meekly.

Not like I have anything to do anyway.

I dropped my bag on the ground and rolled down my tights.

'All right, there's your issue,', I said, after watching him.

'You're looking everywhere. Focus on yourself in the mirror and whip your head around. You'll lose balance if you look elsewhere.'

He tried again.

'Better.', I said quietly, moving behind him.

His chest moved up and down as he inhaled and exhaled deeply.

'Lower your frame', I corrected, gently resting my fingertips on his bicep, lowering his arm.

Wow... He is muscular.

Taking in his slight scent, my breathing quickened. I looked up in the mirror only to see him watching me with dark eyes and a straight face.

I cleared my throat and stepped back, continuing to give him pointers while he diligently followed- which was nice to see.

'Thank you, Rose.', he said with a slight smile before I left.

I caught myself grinning as I walked away.