*this imagine is inspired by the show dance moms and may contain triggering themes⚠️
Y/N'S POV
"Are you excited for your first day of dance class honey?" "Yes mommy! I can't wait to show off my twirls and wear a tutu," my 6 year old daughter Tatum smiled. Tatum always loved to dance ever since she was a baby. Gray and I would always catch her dancing in front of the tv and when we play music, she always dances along to any genre. So I decided to put her into competitive dance at Studio 56, one of the most popular dance studios in New Jersey. I had researched many places and always heard good things about the studio and the teacher, Mrs. Reed. We soon pulled into the parking lot of the studio and I helped Tatum out of the car. "Mommy, I can't wait to go in there and show off my moves," said Tatum. I smiled at her as I held her hand. "That's right baby, you go in there, show them what you're made of, and most importantly..." "Have fun!" "That's right." We walked in and stopped at the front desk to sign in. "Hi, my daughter is here for Mrs. Reed's class." "Yes, we have a whole new batch of students today to work with Mrs. Reed's class. What's the name?" "Tatum Dolan." "Ok, I've got her down. She can just go ahead and put her stuff down in the green room and then head into the studio. There's a place upstairs for the parents to sit and watch." "Thank you so much!" I walked Tatum into the green room and as she put her stuff down, I bent down to her level. "Now Tatum, I want you to go in there and show them everything that you've got. Make sure you pay attention and most importantly, have fun baby," I said as I kissed her head. "I will mommy." Tatum walked into the studio and I went up into the viewing room where the other parents were.
"Good morning students. I want to welcome you all to Studio 56, the most famous dance studio in all of New Jersey. I am so excited to be teaching you all but let's make one thing clear, this is an audition. You are not guaranteed a spot on the elite competition team. So pay attention and don't slip up," Mrs. Reed said harshly. I'll admit that from the videos I've seen of her classes online, she didn't come off as harsh as she is right now but I didn't think much of it.
As they finished stretching, it was time for the official solo auditions. Each student would go on the center of the floor and do a 1 minute freestyle routine. I knew Tatum was capable of doing that since she's done it for us at home. "Next up, Tatum Dolan." I smiled as I saw my beautiful daughter walked in the center and put her head down as the music started. As she was dancing, I started to tear up because I was so proud of her and was so glad that she made it this far. The music stopped as she ended in her final pose and everyone clapped, except for Mrs. Reed. "What was that? I mean you were all over the place. Your feet weren't pointed, your legs were hideous, and what was the message? I mean, you looked like a beached whale dancing. I've seen enough. You can pack your bags and go home." I looked down at what was happening with my jaw dropped to the floor. How could she say that to a six year old little girl? Tatum ran out of the studio with tears in her eyes. I was fuming as I quickly ran down the steps and walked straight into the studio. "Excuse me, Mrs. Reed. Can I have a word with you?" "No, I'm still going through the auditions." " No, I need to have a word with you right now." "Take a 5 minute break guys," Mrs. Reed said as she walked over to me. "If you have a question about your child, you could've easily asked after the auditions were over." "Why did you tell my child that she looked like a beached whale while she was dancing? Are you calling my daughter fat?" It was no secret that Tatum was not the skinniest girl in the world but there was absolutely nothing wrong with a little bit of chub here and there. "Hey, you said it not me sister. Maybe invest in her getting on a diet and stretching those legs more because it looks like she needs it." I was flabbergasted at the way that she was speaking about my daughter right now. I needed to get Tatum and leave immediately. "You are a disgrace of a dance teacher. I'm reporting you and me and my daughter are not coming back here. Ever." I angrily walked out of the studio and to the front desk area where Tatum was sitting in one of the chairs. My heart sank as I saw her sitting there crying. "Cmon honey, let's go home." I extended my hand out to her and she took it as we walked back to the car.
Gray's POV
I was cooking dinner for the family tonight while Y/N and Tatum were out at dance class. Suddenly, my phone started ringing and I saw it was my lovely wife, Y/N. "Hey baby, how's the dance class going?" "Gray, can you come outside? We're almost home," Y/N said sounding very upset. "Uh yeah sure, is everything okay? You sound upset." "I'll explain when we get home," she finished as she hung up. I looked at the phone with a worried look on my face. "I hope Tatum is alright," I thought to myself. I saw Y/N pull up in our jeep and get Tatum out of the back of the car. She ran to me and hugged me as she was crying. "Hey hey, what's wrong Tate? Did something happen at dance?" "Her dance teacher is the fucking problem!" Y/N yelled. "Tatum had finished dancing and all she did was criticize her legs, her feet, and her appearance. Gray, she said she looked like a beached whale dancing. We are never going back there again." I looked down at Tatum as she hid her face in my chest. "Daddy, I don't like it when mommy yells." "Y/N, I know you're upset, trust me I am livid, but you know Tatum doesn't like it when we yell." She sighed as she crouched down to her level. "I'm sorry Tate, mommy's just upset at that teacher for talking about you like that." I rubbed Tatum's back as she sniffled into my shoulder. "Tate, look at me, she raised her head and looked up at me. "Baby, you are the most beautiful dancer I've ever seen. Me and mommy are so proud of you. Your dancing makes us so happy and you are not fat at all. You are the most perfect 6 year old daddy could ask for." "Really daddy? Do you think I'm gonna be on stage one day in front of a bunch of people?" "Absolutely! I know you'll be so famous Tate." She smiled and hugged me and Y/N. "I'm glad you're feeling better honey. Now why don't you show daddy your dance that you did?" "Ok!" Tatum ran into the house happier than ever. "Gray, you always know just what to say to her." "She's our little girl, I couldn't let her give up her passion. I love her too much to let that happen." "I love you Grayson." "I love you too Y/N," I said as we walked back into the house where our little girl was ready to dance.
