Ballet Shoes

VI

The long awaited charity dance show is about to begin. I don't think y'all are ready.

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Third Person's P.O.V.

From his position in the wings, Ben could hear the murmuring of the audience. It was much more than it had been in all his years of performing here. The theater was completely full. That wasn't much of a surprise considering everything that led up to this day. There was no doubt that there were more people and aliens alike who were going to watch the charity event from their homes. It was a last minute decision to also broadcast it on the internet and extranet. As well as create a website for donations to be made from those viewers to the various charities.

The whispers of the audience died down as the lights faded. Caroline soon walked onto the small section of the stage in front of the curtains. A spotlight following her along the trek. She held a wireless microphone in her right hand and the program for the show in her left. Caroline beamed as she greeted the audience. Reading them the program of the show and wishing for them to enjoy the performance. The audience politely clapped as Caroline took her leave, the spotlight fading out as it followed her offstage.

After a few moments of silence, the curtains opened. Revealing the silhouette of the first performer in her position on the stage. The stage lights came on and the music started. It was a neoclassical solo. The girl performing it absolutely nailed the variation and the audience applauded at the end. The lights turning off and the curtains being drawn shut.

As the next act, a group of five girls, began their contemporary piece, Ben readjusted the fedora atop his head. He was going after this group. The first routine he was performing tonight was a jazz piece to the Pink Panther theme. Ben was dressed accordingly but more nervous than he should've been. Like Rook said two days before, why let uncertainty stop him now when he never did before? He was going to do just fine.

The audience were clapping again and the curtains closed once more. The group of five exited the stage and gave Ben a thumbs up as they passed. Ben ensured his jazz shoes were on properly and that the cuffs of his button up were secured at his wrists. He took a deep breath and sauntered onto the stage. Getting into his starting pose as the curtains eased opened and the lights came on.

With that familiar tap of a piano key, the Pink Panther theme began. Ben could feel the anticipation radiating off the audience as he started to dance. This jazz routine wasn't as crazy as the one he performed last year but great skill was still displayed. His movements were smooth throughout. Following along to the music. 

Soon, Ben struck his ending pose. Facing away from the audience. There was a moment of silence before applause echoed throughout the theater. Some of the guests even standing as the did. A few people and aliens alike cheering. The lights cut out and the curtains closed. Ben hurried off the stage, heading towards the dressing room he was assigned. Other dances giving him positive affirmations along the way.

"That wasn't so bad," Ben thought once inside, "One down, three to go."

-page break-

A few dances passed before Ben was back in the wings. Waiting to perform his lyrical routine to 'Human' by Christina Perri. His costume consisted of a short, layered, asymmetrical skirt over a leotard with off-shoulder sleeves. Both items were mostly a light blue with sections of dark red to create a contrast. Ben was also wearing sparkly wristbands big enough to cover the omnitrix on both his wrists as well as his half sole shoes. 

Ben then took a few deep breaths. Trying to shake off his remaining nerves. The last dance before his next one started. It was a contemporary solo performed by a guy he's seen here a couple times in the last few years. Finn was his name.