Backstage: Third Time's the Charm

Vanessa Morita

Vanessa Morita
Grade 11
Dance Program

Ms. Staut proved to be more difficult than we imagined. She'd joined our class with Ms. Helsweel to help us improve our choreography for the winter showcase. And Ms. Helsweel had assigned me to assist her.

She clearly preferred only traditional steps because her choreography was stale and lacked creativity. She quickly rejected my ideas to bring our routine to life. Even Helsweel seemed a little annoyed with her.

She'd been particularly tough on Carly since she'd been awarded the scholarship.

"Point your toes, Ms. Catto," she snapped during class. "I said point not drag!"

Ms. Helsweel gave her an undignified stare. "Thank you, Ms. Staut," she said stiffly. "I believe that's enough for today. Our choreo is still lacking and I've seen enough terrible dancing for today." She shook her head in disgust and turned away from the class.

She and Ms. Staut stood in one corner whispering furiously.

"I thought you were helping Ms. Staut with our choreography," Carly said. She frowned. "We're not going to impress anyone with that dance."

"She rejects all my ideas," I said. I peered around Carly and watched as Ms. Staut threw her hands up in frustration and then limped out of the studio.

Sasha looked up from tying his shoes. "Maybe you should go to Helsweel." He stood from the bench near the back wall. "She asked you to help."

"Helsweel scares me," I said. "It's not like I can do much against a teacher."

"We're supposed to start rehearsals with music next week too," Sasha said.

"What'll Bianca and Scarlett think of this mess?" I groaned.

Helsweel's death glare landed on Carly. "Ms. Catto, I need to speak with you."

Carly whimpered and walked over slowly.

"Poor Carly," I whispered to Sasha.

"You too, Ms. Morita." Helsweel's voice cut through the room.

"Poor you," Sasha said, giving me a sympathetic glance.

I moved to stand next to Carly.

"As you know, I was working with some of the seniors at the end of last term to re-institute the Primas at Keaton," Ms. Helsweel started. "Which means I'll need to appoint someone as Dance Captain."

Carly looked at me and raised an eyebrow.

"Ms. Catto, you were the grade ten dance captain last year, but Ms. Morita was the captain during our summer program. I've decided you'll be competing for the honor. Each of you will prepare a routine in addition to this one and you'll perform it during the winter showcase."

My heart sank. Cassandra, the old Prima Dance Captain, had recommended Carly last year. What chance did I have?

And every time either of us got involved with the Primas, we fought. Our friendship might not survive another competition.

*********

"What do you think about Prima Dance Captain?" Carly asked as we changed out of our ballet clothes.

I shrugged as I pulled on a t-shirt. "I mean Cassandra had already practically picked you."

"Cassie's not here, Vee." Carly undid the bun on her head and blonde hair tumbled over her face.

"You both have a good chance," Jenna said. She looked up from where she was sitting.

Carly's phone buzzed. She picked it up and wrinkled her nose before slinging it into her bag.

"What was that?" I asked.

She shook her head. "It's just Sasha. He wants to hang out."

"And you keep telling him no?"

"Why would you do that?" A dreamy look crossed Jenna's face. "If Sasha asked me to hang out—" she cut off abruptly. "Never mind."

"I just need some space right now," Carly said. "What big plans did you and Beckett have last week?"

I grimaced. "Dinner with Ms. Helsweel."

"No way!" Her eyes widened. "What's she like?"

"Not much different from the way she is here."

"The thought of having dinner with one of my teachers is terrifying." Jenna shuddered.

I sat next to Jenna as we waited for Carly to change shoes. "She's not that bad."

The three of us headed to our next classes, Sasha and Beckett trailing behind us.

"Good luck," Carly said, "with the audition."

"You too." I smiled.

Maybe this time would be different. Maybe this time our friendship wouldn't fall apart.