A MEETING AT THE BARRE

CHAPTER 12.

The next day, the dancers all meet up in their regular practice room and go over the logistics for the team trip. 

"Alright, gather around everyone," LeFue says with his French accent peaking through the vowels. "Morris and Michael will be joining us. They are two new instructors to the conservatory and they are well versed in hip-hop jazz, tap and lyrical. Let's give them a round of applause as they introduce themselves."

The class claps and greets the two men with a welcoming aura. The students loved learning from different instructors because they knew it would eventually make them better. 

"Hi guys, my name is Morris. My specialty is Jazz and hip-hop."

"My name is Michael, you can call me Mike. My specialty is tap and lyrical."

The men clap once more welcoming the new guests to the institution. 

"I definitely want to learn from Michael because he knows my specialty," Rodney says to Nick, another member of the company.

"I want to learn from both of them," Nick replies, "but I also wouldn't mind either of them teaching me a few things if you know what I mean."

The two dancers share a laugh under the rumble of applause.

"Alright," LeFue exclaims, "everyone not going to the competition, you're dismissed. Be sure to check in with your other instructors while the other 5 of us are away."

The other dancers exit and the 3 instructors and 5 dancers remain.

"Now gentlemen, we leave in a few minutes, the bus is on its way. Although you 5 will be the ones competing, we will have a few people coming from the company to spectate. Michael and Morris will be joining us at the competition. Now unfortunately, there were some last minute changes to the room assignments. So the room assignments will go as followed:

Tyler and Trevante per usual.

Rodney you'll be with Michael.

Morris and I will share a room. 

Korie and Patrick, you two will room together. 

Sound good everyone?"

Rodney and Michael share a glance toward each other. Rodney hadn't really paid attention to Michael when he was first introduced, but now that he was looking at him a little deeper, he couldn't help but notice that Michael was extremely attractive. His blue eyes in contrast with his bronzed skin and veiny muscles definitely caught the young dancer's attention.

Michael's eyes meet the tiny dancer's and he flashes him a smile. Although Michael is older, he finds himself drawn to younger men since his relationship with Morris. To Michael they were easy conquests to fill the void left by Morris. Michael had been in a couple relationships since Morris, but none of them really matched Morris. Michael is not trying to lose his job so a turn with the young dancer may not be in his best interest, but he may still test the waters to see whether or not he still has it.

"Sounds good," Tyler says, silently resenting that he wasn't paired with Rodney.

"Alright gentlemen, let's load the bus," LeFue exclaims.

As the men pack their bags, Michael walks over takes the opportunity to introduce himself to the young dancer.

"Hey, you're Rodney right? I'm Michael. Looks like we're together."

"Hi, Michael, I'm Rodney, it's so nice to meet you!" He says in his bubbly tone. 

"Nice to meet you too, and I promise, I don't snore," he says flashing his pearly white smile. He is very charming. He holds his hand out to shake Rodney's.