ALDC ~ DANCE

one

(This is not set in a specific season, just the ALDC LA with Maddie, Mackenzie, Brynn, Kalani, and Kendall)
chapter 1:
Here we go, Fiona. You can do this. I pull open the doors of the ALDC LA studio.

I have been dancing at the ALDC since I was 2. I was put in all of the classes with Maddie and the elite girls, but I was never good enough to push myself over the edge and join the team.

You're just as good. You've known them forever. I've always been one of Abby's favorites, but she never let me on the team until now.

You've been training hard. You deserve this. I've been best friends with all of the girls for forever, especially Maddie.

Just hold your head up high. I started in Pittsburgh with everyone else, but when they moved to LA, my mom had us move as well. I guess she knew I would get on the team. Correction: I am not on the team. Yet. I am still on probation. But I fully plan on making the team.

I walk into the dancer's den, the cameras filming me, which seems a little weird at first, then I get used to it. I put my bag in my usual spot and go to the viewing benches.

I run up behind Maddie and jump on her back. "Ack!" She screams and we both start laughing.

Eventually, we settle down and just talk with the other girls while I start doing my over-splits on the steps. Abby comes out and starts talking to us.

"Fiona, welcome to the elite team rehearsal! I want you to stay out here until I call your name, ok?" I nod my head professionally as the other girls and moms all walk into Studio A.

I sit outside with my mom while they start the pyramid. Abby takes off the bottom row of Kendall, Brynn, and Mackenzie. Then, the middle row, Kalani and Maddie.

I walk closer to the door and hear my name. "Fiona!" I open the door and rush out, my light brown hair in a perfect bun and my favorite pink ALDC leotard.

The girls all run up and hug me for the camera, even though we already saw each other before. I smile and walk back next to Abby.

I snap back into my 'military' status, speaking very professionally.

"Fiona Carry. I have almost 100 titles to my name, 14 years old. I also enjoy singing and acting. I have been dancing since two years old." I step in line next to Maddie and go back to being the relaxed, fun person I usually am.

Abby nods at me with respect, then goes on to the assignments. "This week, we are going to New York!" We all cheer and hug. I love traveling!

"There will be two solos, and one group." We all nod. "Fiona, you will not be in the group, because you are still on probation." I nod seriously. "You do, however, have a solo."

I smile brightly. "It is called 'The DayDream', and it is a lyrical-contemporary piece." I look over at Maddie, who smiles at me and squeezes my hand.

"The other solo is Maddie. You have a tap piece entitled 'Show Stopper'." Maddie smiles, but I can tell she would rather have lyrical.

Abby continues talking. "Fiona, if you can beat Maddie, you just might have a permanent spot on the team." I look at Abby, ready for the challenge.

"The group is called 'Second String', and it is a contemporary piece about how all notes in an orchestra are different. Maddie will be the lead."

Abby tells is to start stretching and that after stretching, I will stay in Studio A for my solo while the other girls will go into Studio B to take a technique class.

***

After we stretch and get ready, the other girls leave and wish me luck on my solo.