The Academy

Chapter 2

The day has finally arrived. I awake to the smell of blueberry chocolate chip pancakes my absolute favorite breakfast food. If I listen closely I can hear my mom down stairs in the kitchen singing a Carrie Underwood song while she is cooking. She only sings when she thinks no one can hear her. My guess is that she thinks I am still asleep.

Carefully I roll out of my full size bed trying not to disturb the sleeping Mr. Fluffers. He is sprawled out and is practically taking up half the bed. I take a minute to admire the rays of sunshine illuminating my room and the crystal blue sky just outside my window.

I rush to my calendar on the wall and look at the red circle around today's date. My first audition for the Villette Academy of Dance is later today. The calendar countdown began back in September when they announced there would be another audition due to available space. Actually pretty close to my birthday. It was a nice early birthday present.

Ganelle wanted to audition as well but her parents refused to let her participate. They were not too keen on having their seventeen year old daughter living under someone else's roof. But she fully intends on auditioning for the company once she graduates.

We had so much fun performing last night at the Holiday Spectacular. The leadership team and student government decorated the gym to fit the winter theme. White, silver, and green balloon arches lined the entry ways. The Bobcat band performed along with chorus, color guard, and the cheerleaders. The annual holiday event is great for the town of Bristol. When you live in a small town the events at the local high school are a pretty big deal. The dance our group performed was a hit with the audience and everyone loved our creative festive costumes. 

Ganelle and I took a ton of pictures to remember our last time together at Whitmer Ridge High. She plans to add them to the scrapbook she started making freshman year to catalogue our high school journey. We have had some great times together and it saddens me to think I will not be able to spend much time with her anymore. Well that is if I get into the Academy.

***

After breakfast, I begin my preparations since I have plenty of time to make it to my noon audition. I start off by gathering my long silky hair into a perfect bun.

Next is the task of choosing my attire, the leotard, tights, and dance shorts. I have chosen a velvet maroon leotard with a few jewel rhinestones outlining the top. Finally, I sit down at my antique mahogany mirrored vanity and began to apply my make-up. Deciding on subtle neutral tones with a hint of purple eyeshadow to enhance my big almond shaped hazel eyes.

And last but not least, I double check my dance bag for like the tenth time to make sure I have all the necessary items. Pointe shoes, check, jazz shoes, check, dance paws, check.

The audition will consist of three main sections ballet, jazz, and contemporary. With progressive cuts you must pass round one before you can move on to the final audition. The dance industry is highly competitive and right now I am just hoping for a chance to make it into the Academy to have the ultimate privilege of experiencing the best training.

Villette Academy of Dance was founded in the late 19th century. Each generation has kept the Academy in business since its opening in Bristol, Michigan. The buildings gothic architecture transports each student to a historical time while they are there. It is one of the most prestigious and selective schools in the country.

The Academy is a full time training facility with a vast variety of both academic and dance technique classes. According to previous students the school has an exquisite ambiance accompanied by passionate and inspirational instructors. Many former students have gone on to perform with some of the world's leading companies in all genres of dance.

When I was five years old my mom took me to see the production of the Nutcracker. I can still remember when the show started and how the lights slowly illuminated the stage. The set was majestically created enhancing the story to be told. Watching Clara, the Snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy dance was a surreal experience. It was at that time that I discovered my love for dance. The performance was held at one of the Villette Theatres by the Villette Dance Company. Since then I have decided that my goal is to be a member of the Villette Dance Company. In order to achieve said goal I really need to make it into the Academy.

If I am accepted I will be required to move into the Dance Academy's dormitories prior to beginning classes in January after winter break. Since it is not ideal to start at a new school in the middle of the year, especially when you are a senior, most of the dance students will be starting their education at Villette's after the start of the New Year.

Driving through my hometown of Bristol I remember all the things I did while growing up with family and friends. If all goes well today I hope to be starting a new chapter of my life.

It snows a lot here due to the close proximity of Lake Erie. Lake effect snow is a common repeated term throughout the winter months. The green and white scenery continues to pass by our car window. The snow sprinkles the ground and houses like powdered sugar on a cookie. Mmm cookies. Wow I have to stop thinking about food otherwise I will be hungry and distracted for my audition.

Villette is about seven miles from my house. So we do not have that far to drive. Once we arrive within viewing distance I take a moment to gaze at the brilliant design of the gates surrounding the property of the Academy. The eight foot high gates swirl around creating intricate detailed patterns. The academy does not look like any other building I have ever seen growing up here in Bristol. It has an appearance of a fortress. This part of the city is pretty secluded with only trees and land around the border of the property.

As we near the wrought iron gates of the Academy my mom gives me a reassuring pep talk. "Just be your own personal best and believe in yourself always", she says.

"Awe thanks mom."

My mom sometimes refers to me as her baby snowflake and it seems fitting today since it is the winter solstice. It is said that on the solstice the sun stands still. Today is December 21st, the shortest day of the year and the first official day of winter.

"Even if you do not make it today, you can always try again next year. Remember it is important to never give up on your dreams. No matter how many times you hear the word no you should keep trying until you succeed. You will feel better in the long run knowing you did everything you could."

It has been just my mom and I since I was two years old. We have lived in Michigan my whole life. She has always been there for me and we are really close. I have been told that we are kind of like the Gilmore girls. I've never really traveled anywhere unless you count Ohio; which is just south of the state line. My mom and dad met in college while they were both studying music. They married shortly after their graduation and I arrived a year and a half later.

"Call me as soon as you are done. Okay sweetie, love you."

"I will mom, don't worry and I love you too."

If I could only stop the now tangible nervous energy swirling round and round. It is not every day that you are judged and told whether or not you are good enough to be a part of such an elite organization.

***