*Nia*
“5…6…7…8” Abby said, counting us in to start the new combination. We’d just learnt a new part of a solo that we are competing for, there are 7 of us and only one solo. We all know Miss Abby will pick Maddie or maybe Chloe, so what is the point in the rest of us wasting our time when we could be learning the group dance. I mean it’s not like I don’t want the solo, of course I do, I want the chance for a solo at nationals but my chance is slim to none.
I’m Nia if you didn’t realize. My last solo was Goodbye Mya and I won with it so I really want another chance to prove myself to Miss Abby. The solo is a lyrical number which isn’t what I’m best at, but I’m going to try my best, obviously. It’s a really dark piece about a ghost girl wanting to be seen by everyone but can’t, I really think I could get into the role and I hope the hour practice we’ve just had is enough time to perfect it.
We are about to perform the routine one by one in front of Abby and the moms and I’m really nervous, my hands are shaking and I can’t keep still. At least I’m last and can take tips from the other girls. Mackenzie is up first and nails the aerials but messes up the turn section, I’m not too good at the turns but I will straighten my knees, point my toes and hope for the best. Maddie and Chloe were great they had pretty much perfect technique and their faces were alright. Kendall, Paige and Brooke all forgot the same part which is strange but they had really good emotion. Now it’s my turn, I take a deep breath and walk to the centre of the studio. Right, I need to feel the music, show emotion and not forget any of it. Don’t forget. Don’t forget. Don’t forget….
***
That was it. I’d done it. I’d done all I could to secure the solo. Abby looked along the line of us and said, “Well I can’t say any of you were perfect, you all had your flaws. If I could merge you all into one person I would. But I can’t so……” I stood nervously, I can’t get my hopes up, it’ll be Maddie or Chloe. Abby carried on, “Okay, I wasn’t looking for just technique, I wanted character and storytelling and for that reason I’ve chosen, Nia” I turned around and looked at my mum, who was smiling proudly and clapping with excitement. I had done it, I had got the solo, I won and I was against all 6 of the girls.
