Sequin star

Ballet Class Part 1

Claire was supposed to be facing the barre, practising relevées. Madame Petrova was concentrating on helping a few of the students on the other side of the room, so Claire whispered and giggled with her friend Amy. 'What are you doing this weekend ?' asked Claire as she rose up onto the balls of her feet and back down, both hands resting on the barre. Like all the girls, she wore a navy blue leotard and crossover, with pale-pink tights and satin ballet shoes. Her long, dark hair was pulled back into a sleek bun. 'Mum and Dad are having a big party,' Amy replied, gesturing with one hand. 'There'll be lots of awesome food, and I'll probably stay up late watching movies and eating chocolate.' Claire smiled. 'Yum. That sounds fun.' Amy shrugged nonchalantly. She was a pretty girl with wavy blonde hair that always seemed to be escaping its ballet bun. 'You?' Claire imitated Amy's casual air. 'Nothing much. Mum is planning a family lunch, plus I have an assignment due on Monday.'

Amy huffed. 'Why don't you stay at my place for a sleepover? That would be much more exciting.''I'd love to,' Claire said, then her face fell. 'I'll have to check with Mum. She gets a bit funny about family things.''Tell your mum you're not a kid anymore,' Amy suggested, 'that you need to spend more time with your friends. About ten of us are all going to the movies on Thursday. You should come.' Claire nodded uncertainly. 'We have something on Thursday - with my grandmother.' Amy rolled her eyes. 'You poor thing. Your mother never lets you have any fun.' Claire paused in her exercises, trying to think of something to say in her mum's defence. Of course Mum let her have fun, but she was sometimes strict compared to Amy's mother. 'Miss Stanton, I expect better from you,' barked a voice over Claire's shoulder, making her jump with fright. It was Madame Petrova. 'Those relevées are a disgrace. The audition for the concert is next week , and I hope you will be showing me what you are really capable of. Put some effort into it.''Sorry, Madame.' Claire pulled her back straight and held her head high, her eyes staring straight ahead as she repeated the exercise. Amy tossed her head. 'And as for you, Miss Thomson,' continued Madame Petrova, 'you will never improve if you don't practise. And your hair is a bird's nest. You could both learn something from Lucy.' Claire risked a sidelong glance at Amy. Lucy was the star of the ballet class and, according to Madame Petrova, she did everything better than most of the girls. Amy rolled her eyes at the ceiling and wobbled her head. Claire stifled a giggle. 'Now girls, into the centre for port de bras,' ordered Madame Petrova. 'And I would like to see some good work from you two for the rest of the lesson.' After class , the girls gathered in the foyer outside the classroom, waiting for their parents. Claire untied the ribbons on her satin ballet shoes. 'Zees relevées ees a disgrrrace,' Amy said, mimicking Madame's Russian accent and throwing her arms around. 'And Meess Thomson, zee hairrr ees a birrrd's nezt.' Amy tucked a wayward......