my life with you {cheryl tweedy}

January 15th, 2009

Author

"Baby, I'm so excited to see you dance." Cheryl pulled her daughter in by the shoulder as they walked towards the 'The Place' which is a performing arts theatre. The dance team Melanie dances for was invited to the competition and the whole team is ecstatic.

It's Melanie's first dance competition and she's really nervous. For the past year, Melanie has been dancing with the London Mini Elites team. They were originally just a club, but now they've created the mini team into a competitive group like the juniors.

"You're not helping my nerves, Mamma." Melanie groaned as Cheryl giggled. Normally, she would tell her daughter off, but she knows that she's just trying to keep her game face on.

The two girls walked into the theatre and went backstage to the dressing rooms. As they walked through the door that had their team name written on it, they were met by all the minis running around.

"Melanie!" One of the girls, Sierra, ran up to Melanie and hugged her. Cheryl saw her daughter's smile come back and knew that her nerves must have settled.

"Mamma, I need your help." Melanie pulled on her mother's shirt to keep her from talking to the other Mum's. Cheryl looked down and saw that Melanie needed help putting on her makeup.

"Okay, c'mon." Cheryl held Melanie's hand as they walked over to the vanity. Cheryl sat down at the chair and had Melanie stand in front of her. Melanie allowed Cheryl to do her makeup and get her all ready.

"You look beautiful." Cheryl complimented her daughter as she brushed a loose piece of hair behind Melanie's ear. Melanie smiled at her mother and went back to practice with the other girls.

"Okay girls! Let's get ready to go, we have the group dance first!" Their coach, Ms Ashley, excitedly called out and watched all her girls run over towards her. They all excitedly jumped as the parents cutely watched along. They did their circle cheer and threw their hands in the air, signaling that their ready to dance.

"Good luck and I'll be on the right a few rows back, okay?" Cheryl bent down and met Melanie's eyes. Melanie nodded her head and felt her Mamma's lips on her forehead. She smiled as her Mam walked off to find her seat.

"Hey!" Cheryl excitedly smiled as she saw Nicola and Kimberley saving her seat. Ashley was also seated one seat over from Kimberley, leaving a space for Cheryl.

"Hey!" Nicola and Kimberley simultaneously responded and stood up to give their friend a big hug. They all shared their hugs and kisses and then sat back down. An announcer walked out on the stage and announced the first team of dancers.

Team after team, Cheryl became more nervous for her daughter. All these elite teams are amazing, but she knows that Melanie has it in her.

"Okay, ladies and gentlemen please welcome to the stage act number twelve, 'Saturn'." The announcer said and everyone went quiet again.

Melanie walked onto the stage with her team and took her position. Cheryl already felt tears in her eyes and the music hadn't even started. Kimberley held onto Cheryl's hand as they watched Melanie dance around the stage.

The child's flexibility was phenomenal, making all of her jetés flawless. Melanie's leg lifts were also impeccable and exceeded her mother's expectations. When Melanie flowed in dance it was as if it were the only way her body truly knew how to speak. Verbally, she was guarded about her feelings, but on stage her personality, her sensuality burst through into the most vibrant picture of a beautiful soul. Cheryl couldn't take her eyes off of Melanie.