dancing into her world / Taylor Swift

Chapter 3: Welcome to the Team

The morning of the first rehearsal began early, and Amira felt as though she hadn't slept at all. Her alarm had gone off at 6:30 a.m., but she had already been wide awake, her mind replaying the steps from her audition despite knowing it was behind her.

The rehearsal location was a sleek, modern studio in the heart of Los Angeles. As she approached the building, she caught sight of other dancers gathering inside the glass-walled lobby. They all looked effortlessly confident, their movements fluid even as they chatted or stretched casually. Amira's stomach churned slightly.

She took a deep breath and pushed the door open, feeling the cool air of the studio wrap around her. Inside, the energy was electric. People moved with purpose, adjusting their gear, warming up, or chatting in excited tones.

"Amira, right?"

A cheerful voice broke her thoughts, and she turned to see one of the choreographer's assistants. Amira recognized her from the auditions.

"Yes, that's me," she said, her accent slipping slightly into her English.

"Welcome!" The assistant smiled warmly. "We're starting soon. You can drop your things over there and start warming up. Taylor will be joining us later, so stay ready."

The mention of Taylor made Amira's chest tighten with anticipation. She hadn't been able to shake the memory of Taylor's kind words after the audition. Though it had been a brief interaction, there had been something genuine in her tone, something that lingered with Amira long after she left the studio that day.

The rehearsal began with Tyce Diorio addressing the group. He stood at the front of the room, his commanding presence drawing the attention of every dancer.

"Alright, everyone," he started, his voice firm but not unkind. "You've made it here, but the work is just beginning. This is the Eras Tour, not just any tour. We're here to create magic—every step, every breath, every moment onstage. You're part of Taylor's story now, and she deserves nothing less than your absolute best."

His gaze swept across the group, landing briefly on Amira. She straightened her posture, hoping to look composed despite the butterflies in her stomach.

"This isn't just about dancing," Tyce continued. "This is about storytelling. You are extensions of Taylor herself. Show me what you've got."

The first routine was for Shake It Off, a high-energy number that left Amira's legs burning within minutes. The choreography was demanding, packed with jumps, quick transitions, and sharp arm movements. Each formation had to be flawless, every dancer perfectly in sync.

Despite her best efforts, Amira found herself struggling to keep up. Some of the other dancers moved with lightning speed, executing every step with precision that bordered on mechanical. Amira felt her rhythm falter slightly, and panic crept into her chest.

"Amira," Tyce called out, his tone direct but not harsh. "More presence. I need to see you perform, not just dance."

She nodded quickly, her cheeks flushing.

As the music restarted, she pushed herself harder, this time focusing on her expression as much as her steps. She imagined herself onstage in front of thousands, channeling the joy and defiance of the song's lyrics. When the routine ended, she was drenched in sweat but felt more in tune with the choreography.

"Better," Tyce said with a curt nod before moving on to another dancer.

Amira exhaled shakily, relieved but not entirely satisfied.

Hours passed, each one more intense than the last. By midday, Amira's muscles were screaming, but she refused to stop. Tyce's voice rang out constantly, correcting, encouraging, and occasionally criticizing.

"Hit the angles, people! This isn't a TikTok routine—it's art."

"More energy on that turn, Amira, don't forget to breathe through the movements!"

By the time they broke for lunch, Amira was exhausted but exhilarated. She had never worked this hard in her life, and though the pressure was immense, she felt alive in a way she hadn't