Striving for Greatness: A Vladimir Chigvintsev Story

16

"We did it! We are going to Paris!" Valerie said excitedly after the scores had been tallied and announced. All of our hard work truly did get is to this moment.

"Bet when you met me you never thought we had a chance at winning, I was a jerk."

"You were a jerk." She confirmed it "but you have grown up since then and have always had the passion for dance. Thanks for taking the time to build that winning connection with me."

Suddenly Valerie's eyes darted to someone approaching us backstage. Our families were allowed to come back here and congratulate us.

It was her parents. Her father was dressed very nice and was carrying flowers. She began to cry. I squeezed her shoulder for support and then nodded at her dad and gave them some space.

I had my own family to greet. Dad and Alek walked over and I hugged them.

"We're so proud." Dad said "you did it, I'm so sorry that I haven't been around.."

"No more apologies!" I demanded "I love you dad." I wanted to make sure he knew that.

"Am I going to Paris too?" Alek asked "I love watching you dance."

"You mean you love something other than books?" I said pretending to be shocked.

"Yeah, surprising I know" he said back. It felt good joking around with my brother. Pretty soon he will be in high school and college I am sure and he's going to truly be something much greater than I in the future.

However, If dancing is all I will ever know, that is good enough for me. It is all I have ever known my whole life. And one day I hope to pass my love of dance down to my children like my father(s) before me.

• • •

Maks walked up to us and my dad shook his hand and then Alek nodded at him.

"Could I have a minute?" He said looking at me and then my dad apologetically.

I nodded and my dad said he would see me at home.

"Vlad, congratulations." He shook my hand. "You did it."

"We did it." I corrected him.

"Look, I was thinking, if dancing and becoming as great as you can be is important to you, I thought that maybe you might like to come with me to Paris.. I know some legends out there that could put you through the wringer and push you more than even I could."

I couldn't believe this opportunity. To train in the city that the World competition is going to be in next year, that would be an honor.

"Really? Are you going to still be my coach.."

"It would be a month of vigorous training, I wouldn't be training you but I would be there with you."

He was looking at this as a bonding opportunity. Something to do as father and son. I was kinda liking the idea but then thought about Valerie.

"What about Valerie." I asked "could she come too."

"I think you need to talk to her about her plans for the future."

"What do you mean?" What did he know that I didn't? Did she plan on quitting? She can't.

He nodded over in her direction. She was standing there alone.

"Valerie." I said and waved her over.

She came over with a big smile on her face.

"What's next for you?" I asked her.

She looked at Maks who nodded. Great more secrets.

"Vlad I didn't want to tell you until after the competition and after celebrating." She said

"You can tell me. What is it? You don't want to continue as my partner?"

"My family is finally coming together. My father got a job offer in Chicago. I want to finish high school and attend College.."

"But you are a dancer, the greatest in the country."

"I think I want to join my new schools dance team and work on my studies. I am so sorry. You are going to go places. Places that I could only ever dream of..."

"It doesn't have to be a dream..." I said to her.

"There's plenty of amazing dancers for you" she smiled "it's time for a new chapter."

I decided not to question her any further, it wouldn't be right. She already made this decision and it shouldn't affect us celebrating our victory today.

I looked at Maks and gave him my answer to his offer.

"When do we leave?" I asked him.