Fifteen

Chapter 31: Nobody's Perfect

Madame Boudreaux was every bit the Dragon Lady as the blogs described. Sophia Kate should have been focusing on what Alexia was saying as the dancers lined up behind her. Instead, she was too busy eying the male figure Madame Boudreaux spoke to. He looked ill.

His eyes said, "Give me a moment to clear my mind" and his posture said, "I've just been whipped with a shoe, cable and hanger." His knuckles were white with a side of Casper. She sat poised as her back made a straight line. Please let us make the company! She thought as she could sense Aria's nerves from where she stood.

If there was one thing Sophia Kate was good at, she could fake it until she made it. That was a skill she had mastered early. This was the pageant portion of the audition and she was determined to make the cut. "What is the relevance of dance in society, Number 4?"

Her voice was so crisp and devoid of emotion it made everyone sit and stand at attention. "Ms. Boudreaux, I'm Er – " The older woman cut her off. "I know who you are. I know who you all are. If I wanted introductions, I would have invited you to my annual garden party."

Adele Boudreaux looked fit for a woman her age. To be honest, she looked fit for a woman any age. Sophia Kate had a feeling the woman never indulged in cookies and cream. As each dancer did their best to answer their unsuspecting question when called, Sophia Kate braced herself for impact. "Who is the most influential person in your life, Number 20?" Sophia Kate tried her hardest not to turn and watch Aria. She prayed internally for her friend as the silence grew.

"The most influential person in my life is my mother. She is exactly the kind of woman I want to be: kind, compassionate and a true epitome of a virtuous woman. My mother is an inspiration and a blessing for me, my twin brothers and everyone that knows her." The theatre erupted in cheers and applause and Sophia Kate let out the breath she didn't know she was holding in. "Quiet down, please!" Ms. Dubois said through a smile. She really was the good twin. Her demeanor and countenance were the polar opposite of Madame Boudreaux.

"If you were given the chance to change something from the past, what would it be, Number 2?" Sophia Kate sighed internally as she tried to piece together an answer. "If I were given the chance to change something from the past, I would change slavery." Sophia Kate learned early that repeating the question bought you more time. She took a breath and continued.

"The society we live in and the people we all are today are products of our past. However, the past is something that cannot always be cherished. Slavery has begat a culture of beauty and strength, but it never had to be that way. I would change slavery, but since I can't I just ask that we continue to learn from the lessons and insights it provides and use that knowledge today as a betterment for the future."

Her answer was met with another round of applause and cheers. Sophia Kate used the opportunity to look over at Aria who smiled widely at her.

It seemed like an hour had gone by as more questions were asked of each dancer. Aria did not understand the importance of including this portion in the audition, but it seemed that everything Madame Boudreaux did was unpredictable. "What is your edge over the other dancers?" Mr. Farmer asked.

There wasn't a dancer in the world that didn't know Anthony Farmer. He had major influence on Broadway and Hollywood with an ever-growing list of musicals and films under his belt. Aria couldn't believe she was in the same room as him – let alone talking to him.

"One of my edges is that I have a very supportive family who have done their part to ensure my love of dance is nurtured and encouraged. My mother is very inspiring and understanding of what it takes to be a focused dancer and not everyone has that. It is through her support that I have continued to prepare for this audition and equipped myself with all that it takes to be an asset to this company."