{Dancing With The Stars Studio}
Hollywood, California
The Next Day
River and Michael have made it to week three of the competition. This week was a little bit tougher than the previous weeks.
"Michael remember connection and footwork." River reminded as they were rehearsing. The dance they were assigned to do this week was the Rumba and Michael was struggling a bit. "Slow, quick, quick."
"Right," Michael stated. River could see he was doing the moments but he wasn't connecting the dots."
"Okay let's stop" River quickly turned off the music. "I can tell that you're not connected emotionally. The Rumba is supposed to be sexy and sultry. Eye contact is a key part of this dance. Tell me what's going on?"
"I'm sorry" He sighed looking down. "Making eye contact is difficult for me." She understood that Michael was very shy. She remembered how he would get flustered at times when they were dating. "I'm used to having that wall between me and another person."
"I get that Michael." She nodded her head. "I want you to feel comfortable with me. If we're not on the same page the judges are going to see it. I need you to push through." She had to be a little tough on him this week. He's been doing a great job so far in the competition. If they wanted to stay at the top of the leaderboard they have to take it up a notch.
Michael knew she was right. This dance was more intimate than the previous two they've done so far. He knew things weren't going to get easier and he wanted to work hard. When it came to being intimate it took him time to become comfortable with another person. "I know I'm sorry." He apologized again. "Being in the ballroom is still out of my comfort zone. On stage is where I grew up and it's where I feel the most comfortable."
"I understand" She nodded. "Remember what I told you doing week one? I want you to treat the ballroom like it's the stage. Let's take a break and sit on the couch." She grabbed his hand and the two sat on the couch. "What's making you so nervous Michael?"
"The Rumba is a complex dance. Every move has to be precise and I feel like I'm failing." He huffed in frustration.
She could see the struggle in his eyes. "You're not failing Michael. I don't want you to beat yourself up over this. Today is the first day you're learning Rumba. That's why we have the rehearsal studio. This is where we can make mistakes and improve the routine to the best of our ability. I don't want you to feel bad. I know you can do this Michael. I believe in you and you have to believe in yourself."
"Yeah sitting here isn't helping."
"Sometimes it's good to sit down and talk. How about you look at it this way? Each dance tells its own story." She explained to him. "This is what works for me when I'm dancing." He looked at her listening. "When I'm choreographing the routines I already have the idea of what I want to do. I create a character that goes along with each routine. Once we perform I take on that character."
"Really?"
"Yeah think of each dance as if you're playing a character. This week being Bond Night should help. I'll be playing the femme fatale and you're going to be the agent. The two of us are going to be going back and forth throughout the routine. It's seductive and dangerous. I want you to embody the character."
"I know I'm just struggling to connect but I know I have to." River is thinking of ways to help Michael.
"I have an idea." She smiled at him.
"What is it?"
"Maybe the issue is that we're in the studio." She gestured to the room. "I think we need to go somewhere that will help. Getting out of the studio could do you some good."
"Where will we be going?"
"I'll let you know before our rehearsal on Friday." Now he was intrigued to see what she had planned.
"I have to wait that long?"
River laughed. "It's not that long it's already Tuesday. You can wait a few more days."
"Fine, I'll have to wait." He sighed dramatically.
"You're so dramatic for no reason." She giggled. "Seriously I don't want you to stress yourself out. I know the pressure can be overwhelming at times. Especially with this being a new experience for you. The goal is that each week you're improving in each style of dance that you learn." She gave him encouraging words. "When I first learned this style of dance it wasn't easy. My parents are legends in competitive ballroom. There was a lot expected of me when I started competing."
"You're amazing Riv. You've made a name for yourself on your own. I know that your parents are proud of what you've accomplished."
"Yeah, and I'm proud of myself too." She nodded. "It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get here."
"Exactly and now you're teaching me. It's a full-circle moment. I think you're right talking does help."
"See" She empathized. "I know a thing or two."
"Yeah, you do." He then hopped off the couch. "I'm ready to give the routine another try. I want to make it to next week. I need to make sure that I'm doing my part like you're doing yours."
"That's the spirit." She then stood up taking his hand. "So let's take it from the top."
"Alright," He gave her a determined look. "Thanks for the pep talk I feel a bit better."
"Of course I'm not just your teacher I'm your friend remember? Through this whole process, I have your back."
"I'm glad to hear that." He took a deep breath. "Okay, I'm ready." The two started to rehearse again now taking a different approach.
