On the Tips of the Heart || Sienna e Rebecca AMICI24

Chapter 1: The first stages of selection

Sienna was nervously clenching her hands between her fingers, sitting on a plastic chair in the long waiting room, her heart beating like a tambourine. It was the day she had dreamed of for years, the day of the casting for the school of "Amici di Maria De Filippi". The walls were covered with posters of former students who had achieved fame, dancers who had left their mark, faces that were now part of the history of Italian dance. Each photo seemed like a monument to success, and each look an invitation to try, even if the numbers were never in everyone's favor.

Rebecca, sitting a few seats away, looked at her watch, almost impatiently. She had never been one to wait, but today was different. Like Sienna, she had also danced for years, sweated and toiled in the dance studios of her city, but unlike many other aspirants, Rebecca had always believed she was different. "I'm not like the others," she repeated to herself. Yet, that thought didn't stop her from feeling a slight anxiety growing in her stomach.

The room was full of boys and girls from all over Italy. Some were focused, others were nervously chatting with their parents or friends who had accompanied them. Sienna, on the other hand, was there alone. She didn't want any distractions. She knew that this opportunity could be one in a million, but she had been preparing for years. Dance was everything to her.

"Number 87, Sienna Osborne!" a voice called from the door.

Sienna stood up, her heart beating faster and faster as she walked towards the audition room. Her legs felt like lead, but her determination pushed her forward. She entered the room, lit by neon lights that made her feel like she was on the stage of a large theater. In front of her was a jury of famous professors and choreographers. Among them was Timor Steffens, one of the most feared teachers, who was watching her with a critical look.

"Sienna, right?" Timor asked in a neutral tone, scrolling through the girl's profile. "What are you going to show us today?"

Sienna nodded and took her place in the center of the room. This was the moment she had been waiting for. She had been preparing for months, perfecting every step, every leap, every turn. The music began, and she moved with grace and precision. Each step was an expression of everything inside her: passion, sacrifice, love of dance. When the music stopped, the room seemed to be silent for a moment.

"Interesting," Timor said, his face showing no emotion.

Sienna's heart skipped a beat, but she tried to stay calm as the judges chatted among themselves. After a few tense minutes, Timor looked at her again.

"Next step."

Sienna could hardly believe it. The first hurdle was over, but she knew she still had a long way to go.

Outside the room, Rebecca waited her turn, watching Sienna emerge with a look of relief and disbelief. Rebecca had always had a competitive mind, but something about Sienna's serenity caught her attention. For a moment, their eyes met, and there was a mixture of mutual curiosity. Both were here for the same reason, but they didn't yet know that their destinies would intertwine in ways they couldn't imagine.

Rebecca was called shortly afterward. Unlike Sienna, she entered the room with more determination, almost aggressive. She introduced herself with confidence, looking the judges directly in the eyes."Rebecca Ferreri," she said in a firm voice.The music started and her dance was an explosion of energy and power. Unlike Sienna's fluidity and delicacy, Rebecca's style was more contemporary, with clean, decisive movements. Every leap was precise, every step strong. When she finished, sweat was running down her forehead, but her breathing was steady. She had given her all, and she knew it.

Timor nodded slowly, but didn't say anything right away. After a few moments of silence, she consulted with the other judges, then said, "You, too, move on to the next round."

Rebecca walked out of the room with a small smile. She was satisfied, but she knew this was just the beginning.

Rebecca was standing outside, leaning against the wall. When she saw Sienna, she gave her a small smile, a smile that conveyed understanding, as if she knew exactly what she was feeling.Sienna was waiting to see the results of the selections, and Rebecca joined her.

"How did it go?" Sienna asked, her voice still shaking.Rebecca shrugged. "Good! They never say much. The important thing is that we showed up and moved on to the next round. Now it's up to the professors."

Their eyes met again, but this time there was something more. A silent recognition between two souls who had chosen the same path. Even if they didn't know each other, there was a connection.

The "we" struck Sienna more than she expected. They were both bartender hopefuls, yes, but somehow she felt a connection with Rebecca.