let's light up the sky ☆

Chapter 21

Cody and I walked hand in hand behind Mom to the main stage in the premiere conference room. Beams of green, purple, and blue lights illuminated the white curtains in the back. One of the adult international ballroom heats was already underway. 

The first ballroom showcase was almost finished. The colorfully dressed couples twirled across the wooden floor in their sparkly evening gowns. I stood at the edge of the large stage, following their movements and finding my right headspace.

The day's emcee with a microphone tapped on my shoulder and took my attention. "Anoush Manikas? Are you available for a quick interview?"

I was a little more than surprised. I had never been called out for an interview at a competition before. I flashed Mom and Cody my best star power look before I agreed.

"Which camera?" I asked, before the emcee gestured to the one standing in front of us.

"Welcome back to the 2024 Desert Classic Dancesport Championships. I'm here with the lovely Anoush Manikas and her glamorous curls," the presenter said to the camera. I shyly hid my blush and smile behind my hands. "Thank you for being with us today, Anoush. Tell our viewers more about yourself."

"Well," I started, hoping not to stumble over my words. "I'm Anoush, I'm 17, I'm from Glendale, California, and I'm here to perform a mostly self-choreographed solo lyrical performance."

"So, this is your first time here at Desert Classic. According to your biography presented to the judges, dance has always been a part of your life. Can you tell us more about the rich history you have with the sport?"

"I come from a creative family" – an extreme understatement, of course, but I didn't want to brag too much – "so finding a creative craft has, you know, always been in my blood. My parents said that their first sign that I would love to dance was when we were watching Eurovision in 2009. I was doing my toddler thing, napping and clapping when I heard a song I liked. The moment that Armenia's act came on stage, I was immediately on my feet with my little jazz hands in the air."

"Do you remember the act's name? Who put that love of performance in your heart?"

I laughed awkwardly. "The song was 'Jan-Jan,' and the singers were... Inga and Anush."

"Oh, so it was one adult Anoush who passed along her expertise to the baby Anoush?"

I smiled and nodded. "I guess you can say that. I'll have to remember that if I ever get lucky enough to meet the real Anush Arshakyan."

Our interview was the easiest conversation I've ever had on camera. For a brief moment, I forgot everything except for the best things that I could say about myself. Our interview ended right before I was announced on deck, and that's where the real flutters began.

I stood by the entrance of the dance floor, waiting patiently for the last couple of the heat to finish their routine. I looked over to the edge of the stage and saw everyone standing there – Dad, Mom, Armen, Cody, and even Mrs. Melkonyan, who got my invitation in her going-away package at the end of the school year.

"Good morning, everyone," the emcee started after the overhead lights dimmed. "Let's give a warm round of applause for our first solo exhibition. Performing "Future Lover" by Brunette, it's Anoush Manikas of Glendale, California."

I tip-toed across the hardwood floor, taking advantage of the silence and dark stage to get into position. I waited patiently for the first twinkling notes of the song. As soon as it was going, all my worries about this weekend seemed to melt away. 

I let the spirit of the music carry me away into every beat that followed after the next. Dancing in front of the people who loved me the most, I felt invincible. No matter my final score for this weekend, I felt like a winner as long as I knew they were standing there for me.