Maci Ziegler || ON HOLD

The Apple of Her Eye

"Come on, girls. Let's go!" Miss Abby calls for us.

We all enter studio A.

I'm really nervous because we got seventh place last week.

"I've been trying to figure out, what does the Abby Lee Dance Company need to do to get back to first overall high score" Miss Abby says.

"We went all the way to Minnesota. I've never been there before, and I'm probably never going back."

Pyramid

"All right, now for the Pyramid—- Mackenzie. I told you to stay off of your foot. I even went and got you a wheelchair so that you weren't standing on hard cement all day long, but you didn't listen. You were hopping all over the place. This week, you are benched. You will not be performing" Miss Abby says.

Poor Mackenzie...

"Paige. You do a good job. It's fine. But I don't want good. I don't want fine"

"Brooke. In the group dance, you're almost lethargic. You move slow.  You don't have a lot of zip a lot of energy"

"Chloe. Have you learned your lesson? I hope so"

"Moving on, Maddie, second two weeks in a row. We're going to see, do you have what it takes? Can you get past second"

"Next, Maci. Third place! Unacceptable." Miss Abby says.

I bit my lip.

"Next, Kendall. Jill, I use your new headshots that you gave me" Miss Abby says.

"It's beautiful" Melissa says.

"Do you guys like it?" Mom asked.

" I didn't realize we were doing new head shots for the pyramid" Holly says.

"Um—-" Mom starts.

"Kendall's a pretty girl. You have the face, but you go on stage and you don't use it" Miss Abby says.

"And on top of the pyramid is Nia" Miss Abby says.

We all clap for Nia.

"I thought you looked great. Your face was off the chart. You are Beyoncé up there" Miss Abby says.

"I like that" Holly exclaims.

Nia

Kendall Maci

Maddie Chloe Brooke Paige Mackenzie

"Now, this week, we will be attending Powerhouse Dance competition in Cincinnati, Ohio. And I have a rotten feeling that you know who is going to be there" Miss Abby says.

Ugh...

I haven't seen her in a while.

"The group routine is about Rosa Parks"

We all look at each other. The Rosa Parks. I learned about her in history.

"She broke down barriers, and she united entire races. Don't assume anything. I have no idea who will play Rosa Parks" Miss Abby says.

It was quiet for a moment and Holly cleared her throat. "Really" Holly exclaimed.

We all laugh. Abby gives her a boring look. "I'm just saying" Holly says.

"Holly, what's going on with the short skirt? And your hair is in your face. I mean, come on" Miss Abby says.

" I'm surprised you don't like my style" Holly says.