Against the Law

Chapter 36: Dreams

Emily's POV:

I've been thinking a lot lately about my future. There's something I've always wanted to pursue, dancing. I've wanted to be a professional dancer for as long as I can remember. And I wanted to tell James but I didn't know how.

We've been good friends for awhile now, but I had never opened up to him about my deepest passion. Today, I had gathered the courage to share my dreams with him.

As James sat by me watching tv, my heart raced. I took a deep breath and greeted him with a warm smile. He gave me a polite smile back, and then I knew it was time to reveal my secret.

"James," I began, my voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension, "I have something important to share with you."

James looked at me curiously, sensing the seriousness in my tone. "What is it, Emily? You seem a bit different today."

I took a moment to collect my thoughts before speaking. "Well, I love dancing. It's always been a huge part of my life, but lately, I've been dreaming of taking it to a whole new level."

James leaned in, his eyes filled with genuine interest. "Tell me more, Emily. What kind of dreams are you talking about?"

My face lit up as I took the opportunity to paint a vivid picture of my aspirations. "I dream of becoming a professional dancer, James. I want to perform on big stages, inspire others with my movements, and express myself through the art of dance."

I continued, my words flowing freely now. "Dancing has always brought me joy and a sense of freedom. I've been taking classes secretly for the past few months, and I feel like I've discovered a part of myself that I didn't know existed."

James listened intently, his eyes reflecting his admiration for my courage. "That's incredible, Emily! I had no idea you felt this way about dancing. You have such talent and dedication. I believe in you."

A mix of relief and gratitude washed over me as I heard James's encouraging words. "Thank you, James. Your support means the world to me. I know pursuing a career in dance won't be easy, but I'm willing to work hard and make sacrifices to chase my dreams."

James reached out and gently squeezed my hand. "You have my full support, Emily. I've always admired your passion and determination. I have no doubt that you'll achieve greatness as a dancer."

With James's unwavering support, I felt a renewed sense of determination. Opening up about my dreams had made us feel more tangible and within reach. I knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with James by my side, I felt ready to take the first steps toward my dream of becoming a dancer.

That afternoon, we sat at the kitchen table, our excitement palpable as we discussed the next steps in my journey to kickstart my dancing career. Armed with determination and ambition, we began brainstorming a plan to make my dreams a reality.

"Okay, Emily," James said, leaning forward with a notepad in hand, "let's break this down. What are the key milestones we need to achieve to get your dancing career off the ground?"

I took a sip of my water, my eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "First, I need to find a reputable dance studio or academy where I can receive professional training. It's essential to hone my skills and learn from experienced dancers."

James nodded in agreement, jotting down my first notes. "Great. How about we research some well-known dance studios in the area and schedule a few visits? It's important to find the right fit for you."

I smiled, appreciating James's practical approach. "That sounds like a solid plan. I'll start researching and make a list of potential studios we can visit."

James continued, "Once you've found the right studio, we should look into scholarship opportunities or financial assistance programs. Pursuing dance professionally can be expensive, but we'll explore all avenues to make it feasible for you."

I nodded, my determination unwavering. "Absolutely, James. I'm willing to put in the effort to secure any scholarships or grants available. I won't let financial constraints hold me back."

We moved on to the next milestone. "Performances," James said with a glint of excitement. "We need to get you out there, showcasing your talent and building your reputation. Let's research local dance events, auditions, and even consider creating your own showcase to gather attention."

My eyes widened with anticipation. "Yes, James! Performing in front of an audience is exhilarating. I'll start looking for upcoming auditions and events where I can showcase my skills. Maybe we can even collaborate on organizing a showcase!"

As we continued outlining the plan, James emphasized the importance of networking. "Emily, connecting with industry professionals and other aspiring dancers can open doors for you. Attend workshops, masterclasses, and dance conventions to expand your network and learn from experienced individuals."

I nodded, my mind buzzing with excitement. "You're right, James. Building connections within the dance community will be crucial. I'll make sure to seize every opportunity to meet new people and learn from their experiences."

With our plan taking shape, James and I felt a surge of optimism. We knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but we were ready to face the challenges head-on.

As they finished our task, there was a knock at the door. "I'll get it." I smiled and made my way to the door.

"Emily..."