Dear Reader,
Today I took my first ballet class at a local dance studio here in New York City, it was nothing special really just a small little venue with two studios. Studio A and studio B, I was in studio B, adult ballet, which didn't make sense to me considering I am not an adult. I was 17 years old though, so almost an adult, but not quite yet.
I waited for the class currently in studio B to finish so that I could go and start my class. I took a seat in the lobby and I waited, as I did a lady, who I can't remember the name of, to save my life approached me and asked me "Is this your first dance class?" I nodded in response . "I can tell.." she said, "You seem kind of nervous, don’t be. I have two boys that dance in this studio they are currently in studio A dancing with instructor Ángel Corella. Just keep to yourself, smile and if you don’t know what you are doing just fake it till you make it." "Thank you" I said. "No problem" She replied with a smile. Everyone in studio A and B were released and I sat there on the lobby bench. As I saw the red faces of all the little blonde girls, the dance instructor of studio B was talking to the parents about the spring recital. As I sat and listened to the conversation the dance instructor from studio B saw me sitting there. "Excuse me for a moment."She told the moms. She walked over to me and with a thick british accent she said, “Hello and you are?“
"Ivan" I said, "Ivan Gomez"
"Well, welcome to the Ballet Academy. I will be your dance teacher, Miss Nadia. Go ahead and walk in to studio B and I will be with you shortly." I nodded and walked into the room to find three girls in pink tights and black leotards with perfecltly shaped buns. After I walked in a tall male with black cropped cut tights and a fitted white shirt walked in as Miss Nadia walked in and she said,“Brent may you please assist Ivan? This is his first lesson.”
“Of course“ he said.
“Oh and darling please don’t be scared we don’t bite… Well most of us don’t” I laughed and I walked over the bar. Brent stood behind me, while Miss Nadia gave choreography, and I kept having to look back at him. “Would you like me to get in front of you so you can copy me?“
"That would be great." I said as he walked in front so I could copy. Later on Miss Nadia announced "Okay everyone to the corner of the room we are doing grand jetes." I did an okay job. I only fell on my butt twice, but I didn’t die so that’s good, I guess.
After class Miss Nadia approached me and spoke "you are a great dancer.." she said, "You have a great male body type, a great arch in your foot and you're cute so that helps." "Thanks" I said giggling. "Would you liked to preform? Would that be something you might be interested in?" She asked. "Of couse" I said "Perfect!" She smiled. "I lost a boy for our spring show." "Are you interested in taking his role?" She questioned. "I would like that very much" I replied. "Great!" She said, "I will let you know when I need you" she finished. "Okay" I said "I will see you next Wednesday for class at 8:00 o' clock sharp see you then." I walked outside the studio and sat on the step as I waited for my ride. As I waited I knew that this was the beginning of a beautiful journey.
Sincerely,
Ivan Gomez
