Love & War

week 9: semifinals

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The semifinals had arrived, and the stakes had never been higher. Five couples remained, each fighting for a coveted spot in the finale. For Frankie and Val, the pressure was palpable as they prepared to take on two daring styles: a dramatic Viennese waltz and a fiery Paso Doble. 

The rehearsal studio was quieter than usual, the weight of the competition settling over them like a heavy fog. 

Frankie nodded, taking a deep breath. "Okay. Let's do this."

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Their first rehearsal focused on the Viennese waltz, set to Joji's "Glimpse of Us". The dance was an intricate blend of elegance and vulnerability, with sweeping turns and moments of stillness that demanded emotional depth.

"Think of it like a movie," Val explained, guiding Frankie through the opening sequence. "You're the heroine, and this is your most vulnerable moment. Every step has to tell the story."

Frankie nodded, her movements tentative at first but growing more confident as they rehearsed. Val pushed her to focus on the tiniest details— the tilt of her head, the softness of her arms, the connection in their hold.

"Don't just dance it," Val said during one run-through. "Feel it."

By the time they finished their final rehearsal, Frankie's confidence had blossomed. "I think I'm starting to get it," she said, a small smile on her lips.

"You're not just getting it," Val replied. "You're living it."

The Paso Doble rehearsals were an entirely different beast. Set to "España cañí" by Pascual Marquina, Val had crafted a fiery, bold routine, infused with sharp accents and daring movements that required Frankie to unleash a new side of herself. Val wanted Frankie to embrace the full force of the dance, commanding the floor with unyielding strength.

"Paso is all about strength and precision," Val said, demonstrating the sharp lines of the dance. "It's like a battle. You're not just performing; you're commanding the room."

Frankie threw herself into the rehearsals with everything she had, determined to embody the fierce character of the dance. The choreography pushed her to her limits, with fast-paced turns, intricate footwork, and a dramatic cape sequence that left her breathless.

"You've got to sell it with your eyes," Val coached during one particularly intense session. "The audience needs to feel your power before you even move."

By the end of the week, Frankie was exhausted but exhilarated. "This dance is no joke," she said, collapsing onto the studio floor.

"No joke," Val agreed, offering her a hand. "But you're nailing it."

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For their first dance, Frankie and Val transformed into fierce competitors, ready to tackle the Paso. The stage was set with deep red lighting and dramatic shadows, creating the perfect backdrop for the fiery routine.

From the second the very first beats began playing, Frankie commanded the floor with an intensity that surprised even herself. The sharpness of her movements echoed the fierce power Val had choreographed, while her eyes blazed with determination. She was owning this dance, and it showed in every aggressive accent, every dramatic cape flourish. The steps were bold and precise, and Frankie's connection to the fierce persona of the dance made it all the more captivating.

The crowd erupted as Frankie and Val hit their final pose, her arms outstretched in triumph.

Bruno was on his feet, clapping wildly. "That was a Paso Doble with bite! Frankie, you owned that dance. The power, the precision, the passion—it was all there!"

Carrie Ann was equally impressed. "Frankie, I've never seen you so fierce. You attacked that routine with everything you had, and it paid off. Well done!"

Derek smiled, his critique more measured. "This was a strong performance, Frankie. Your energy and commitment were incredible. There were a few moments where the transitions could've been sharper, but overall, a fantastic Paso."

The scores came in: A perfect score from all the judges once again. Frankie and Val would be ending the night with a 60 out of 60.

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The ballroom was electric on semifinal night, the air buzzing with anticipation. Frankie and Val were the third couple to perform, their Viennese waltz kicking off their night.

Frankie and Val glided across the floor in perfect harmony. Frankie's soft blue gown flowed behind her like water, and the emotion in her expression was palpable. Every movement, every turn was filled with the subtle elegance Val had imagined when creating the routine. The connection between them was undeniable, and the moment she leaned back into his arms for the dramatic dip, it felt like time itself slowed. Frankie's face was a mixture of vulnerability and strength, making it the emotional high point of the dance.

As the music faded, the audience erupted into applause, a standing ovation sweeping through the ballroom.

Carrie Ann's voice trembled with emotion as she spoke. "Frankie, that was breathtaking. You transported us into another world with that performance. It was elegant, emotional, and absolutely stunning."

Derek nodded in agreement. "You've grown so much, Frankie. That was a masterclass in storytelling through dance."

Bruno was his usual exuberant self. "Darling, you were like a dream drifting across the ballroom. The way you carried the emotion through every step—bravo!"

The scores reflected the judges' praise: 10s across the board, for a perfect 30.

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At the end of the night, the leaderboard was tight, with only a few points separating the couples. Frankie and Val stood on the stage, their hands clasped as they awaited the results.

When it was revealed that no one would be going home, Frankie let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She hugged Val tightly, tears streaming down her face.

"We did it," she whispered.

"We're not done yet," Val replied with a grin. "The finale's next. Let's go win this thing."

As the night ended, Frankie reflected on how far she'd come. The semifinals had tested her limits, but she'd risen to the challenge. Now, with the finale just one week away, she was more determined than ever to leave everything on the dance floor.

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Please check out my new story star-crossed! Chapters are posted ever Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Next chapter is the finale! I'll combine your votes in the previous chapter and this one to decide the placements so make sure you vote!

Jenn and Sasha

Frankie and Val

Joey and Jenna

Chandler and Brandon

Stephen and Riley