HeartBLOOD

Chapter fifty-one

Okay, guys, concentrate!, Alec exclaimed to get everyones attention- today, to his disadvantage, his students were in a chatty mood.

Were already starting four minutes later than we usually would, Id appreciate it if youd keep the catching up to the changerooms- we have no time to lose., he said, calmly accepting the annoyed gazes- he had felt the same way, at some point.

How does it matter to you whether we learn something or not?, a girl with red French braids talked back- her name was Ricarda and she always had something to say, but never anything smart. Sometimes, he even asked himself why she was there in the first place.

Because, you wont believe it, but I actually want you to succeed. And if you dont want to succeed yourself, youre at the wrong school. Coach Cat didnt build this for you guys to waste the opportunity given to you., Alec replied, smirking- just what Cat had always said herself.

So far, luckily, he had no problems with any of the students. And though they sometimes were giving him a hard time, he still tried to stay as collected as possible. After all, he remembered what it had been like: Those were kids had 100 things on their minds, and dance was just one of them.

Okay, everyone, go to the barre- who still remembers this weeks combinations?, Alec asked whilst everyone went to their spots.

As nobody raised their hand, he sighed: You guys have to start memorizing the combinations, otherwise youll be busy trying to figure out what youre supposed to be doing instead of actually doing it. It doesnt work like that.

I just dont understand all the steps!, a girl in a white leotard, Vicky, exclaimed.

Okay, then tell me what I should explain again- Ill gladly do it, you just need to let me know when youre struggling., Alec replied- he could tell that the ice between him and his students wasnt broken yet, and he desperately needed for that to happen.

I just dont get how you do your back attitude., she replied, a bit frustrated.

Okay, let me help you- everyone else, try for yourselves and see whether you struggle as well., Alec said before approaching the girl.

Okay, you need to tuck in your pelvis- otherwise, your stomach will stick out. Then, the flexibility comes from the spine and the strength from your glutes., Alec explained, very well remembering how he used to struggle with that same pose as well.

But my leg just doesnt go that high!, Vicky whined after watching Alec demonstrate one more time, I look like a peeing dog, I think my body is just incapable of that pose.

Come on, just try it, and with some time youll get there., Alec replied, Ill prove to you that its not impossible.

Intrigued, Vicky did another back attitude, it already looking better than the previous one.

May I?, Alec asked, which upon she nodded, so he stepped behind her, one hand against her torso to keep her upper body upright, the other one underneath her leg. Gently, he pulled the leg up, sensing when she was stiffening.

See? Thats how far it goes with your current flexibility. If youll improve your strength, youll get to this point yourself. And if you work on your flexibility too, youll go even further."

***

Hey, excuse me?, a lady in her late thirties approached Alec on his way out of the training room.

Hi, how can I help you?, he asked, putting down his way too heavy dancebag.

Are you the new coach?, the woman asked- probably a mother of one of the kids.

Yes, my name is Alexander Lightwood- Alec, really., he introduced himself.

Nice to meet you! My names Celine, Im Vickys mother, I just saw you help her and thought Id say hi! I was just talking to Cat, saying how youre a great addition to the staff, in my perception.

Oh, thank you!, Alec replied, blushing- he had never gotten a compliment like that before.

Truly, Im grateful youre here. I feel like a lot of the girls and guys are a bit blinded by their illusions of dance as a career, so I think your input will be very valuable!

Ill try to pass on as much of my experience as possible., Alec chuckled, But your daughter is really good- shes determined and ready to work hard, which is basically what it comes down to. Its always a pleasure to work with driven people, she could go a long way in whatever field, really.

Thats sweet of you to notice! Vicky is very passionate about what she does, but she hasnt fully decided on how to proceed with dance just yet., Celine replied, smiling- it was obvious that she was very proud of her daughter.

Shes still got plenty of time., Alec smiled, How old is she?

Twelve., Celine replied as she noticed her daughter coming out of the changing rooms.

He was just saying how much of a good job you did today, honey., she smiled as Vicky approached her.

Mom, come on., she blushed, a bit uncomfortable. Alec understood her perfectly well- though he had never been in a situation like that himself, he could only imagine how uncomfortable it probably was to have your mom chatting with your coach about you.

Shes not lying, I do think you did amazing. Dont forget to stretch, otherwise youll be sore tomorrow., Alec winked and excused himself before sneaking into Cats office. He had a break of twenty minutes, before hed have to go back in to train the seniors.

Waiting for Cat to arrive, he did a few stretches himself- he was definitely past the point where he could just work out without stretching beforehand. And, as they were rehearsing a routine with the seniors, he made sure he was going to be able to demonstrate something a bit more demanding than the basic steps which he needed for the teens. But, doing all those basic steps whilst focusing on his technique truly felt good- they had been doing so much crazy stuff at NYABM, he had lost track of the fundamentals. And especially trying not to overwork his knee, technique and warmup was key. Back to the roots, one might say.