Love, Aristotle

chapter 14

Aristotle

"Okay so now mark it once without me and we'll do it three more times full out," I said. They nodded and I pressed play on my laptop, the music filled the air.

I watched from the side as my students did the dance combo we came up with within the past hour. Truly, I think everyone was doing amazing and this was just the first class. Whatever doubts and worries I had all faded away into the night.

Class would end in ten minutes. It definitely did not feel like two hours, that was how I knew it was all going to be just fine. Damon was right, I'd make a great teacher. I've been going to this studio since I was little and look where I was now. Teaching my very own class.

The part of the song I chose came to an end and I pressed start again, quickly making my way over to the front. Usually, we'd all follow the same method. Each teacher would pick a song, split it into a smaller part and create a choreography to it. When it would come down to recitals, we'd pick a full song and so on.

This was a simple practice. We followed the sound of music, syncing our movements as Solas by Jamie Duffy played. The movements were simple but said everything. As we danced, our reflections looked back at us through the mirrors.

I let everything go and allowed myself to feel free. At ease. All the burdens I had been carrying were lifted off my shoulders, momentarily. I wouldn't think about that. For now, I was free.

The melody faded and as did our movements. I turned around, facing the smiling kids and congratulated everyone. "And that's it for tonight. I'll see you guys next Monday!"

I received a chorus of "thank you" and "bye Miss Ari." A sense of pride and fulfillment filled my chest. I also couldn't believe I did it. I actually did it. I taught my first class. On the outside, I kept a calm and collected smile, waving goodbye to them. But inside, I was freaking out. My heart was jumping up and down, my soul danced with joy. My mind, filled with big hopes and dreams.

As I was closing my laptop and un-connecting it to the bluetooth speakers, Sloan entered the room. "So... how was it?" Her smile was just as wide as mine.

"Honestly, I think it went really well."

"Oh my god, I remember when we were their age, now look at you."

I placed my hands in hers and squealed, "I know, it was so bizarre. Fun but bizarre." I breathed out a sigh, "How was yours?"

She got to teach the five to eight ballet class. While I got the nine to twelve contemporary dance class. Both were competitive. Meaning there was a huge show coming up. In two months to be exact.

She told me about tonight's events while we walked into the ladies' change room. "Did you hear? We might get to perform at the theatre for the entire city!"

We could have the city's biggest stage, just for us. Pouring our hearts out into the crowd. Unbelievable.

My eyes widened in excitement, "What?" She nodded, "How did I miss this?" I opened my locker and eagerly awaited for her to tell me.

"I overhead Lexi talking. They'll probably tell us about it later."

I took a moment to let this information sink in. Speechlessness overtook me completely. "Sloan, we're going to perform,"

"In front of the people. I know," she finished.

"This is, wow." then I thought, "Halley's is going to be there."

"Yeah. But regardless we still have a chance. Besides, all the studios within San Diego are going to be there."

Oh my. "This is unreal," I managed.