The dancer life

Chapter 18: Shannon's pOV

I decided to give my self a little reminder of why I do this sport. It helps me keep my sanity while I'm waiting sidestage. I'm always so anxious to get on that stage and have it be done with, but at the same time I love waiting sidestage, I love walking onto the stage, and I love performing. That's the thing about Irish dance. Some parts are hard, and some are fun, but no matter what I still love this sport. All the countless hours of drills and stamina and dancing full out at classes. Feis friends, cool dance music, getting a new dress, nailing that new move, having your hard work payoff, making your teachers proud. I am made to do this.
While I was sidestage, I gave myself another quick pep talk.
In this dance, you have to give it your all. You must convince the judges that you deserve to be here and that you deserve to have that top spot. Go out there and leave it all out on the floor.

After stretching and keeping my legs warm, the girl on stage before me ended her set. I put a smile on, put my chin up, and put my shoulders back as I walked up to the side steps to the stage and went to the back of the stage. The familiar tune of my set was played by the musician (a.k.a planxty Davis which makes me need an ambulance at the end of this set since its way too long). After the long intro, I pointed on 7 and started my set.

As I started to dance, my mind went blank and I focused on my dance. I blurred everything out. I danced as if no one was even in the room.
Treble treble up and double click and toe bang and diddly dum and toe spin
Good Shannon, push through your halfway done.
And drum up up and toe toe toe up and toe spin step spin
Oh no
I slipped a little on the spin. I didn't stop though, I kept going as if nothing was wrong.
It didn't happen Shannon, it didn't happen, I told myself. Keep dancing, good good.
And click down and heel twist up and dum da dum and diddly dum
Come on Shannon, finish strong
Treble toe and bang turn point
I smiled and bowed for the judges and walked back to my spot as I waited for them to ding the bell. I was so happy. Sure, I fell, but I can't control that. I'm happy with how I did and I'm sure my teacher and friends and family are too. The judge rang the bell and I pointed and bowed and walked offstage.
"Im so proud of you sweetie," Hugged my mom. "Patrick told me how amazing your set looked, even if you slipped there's no way it'll effect your score."
"That's a relief. I wasn't too worried, I can't control it." I said.
My friends ran up to me.
"This room was dead silent, Shan, you were amazing out there!" Cheered Kaitlyn.
"I'm so proud of you!" Said Grace as she attacked me with a hug.
"You were amazing, Shan." Said Michael as he put his arm around me.
"Good job Shan!!" Congratulated Cara with a hug. I'm glad Cara and I are starting s friendship now.
"Thanks guys," I said. "Now I can finally relax for a little bit."
After taking off my dress, I watched Michaels, Graces and Kaitlyns sets and they were so good. I was so proud of how all my friends danced today.
After sets, we all goofed off and played and ran around the venue like little kids. We were so relived our dancing was over, but we still had one thing to worry about: awards time.