Dance with Your Heart and Your Feet will Follow

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So I haven't had a chance to fully edit this story but I trust that it's okay for spelling. It was written by my other best friend ever friend, Kiersten. She loves ballet so I prompted her to write a story about it and this is the wonderful tale she came up with. Enjoy! The picture was drawn by Kiersten as well.

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     "I can feel it more!" exclaimed Janessa, a tall girl with blond hair and blue eyes. Ever since her last visit with the doctor Janessa started to feel some sensation in her legs. " Are you sure? It is the only way to be sure you are recovering properly," stated the doctor in concern. "You're positive darling? We don't want to get your hopes up," asked her mom, who was about Janessa's height, had brown hair and green eyes. "Positive."

     Two years ago when Janessa was 9, she and her parents had gotten into a car accident resulting in her father's death and herself being paralyzed from the waist down. Ever since, she has been longing to be cured so that she could follow her dreams. She wanted to be a ballerina.

     The doctor said if I was telling the truth then in about a month or two it would be possible that I could start walking. With the good news, my mother and I went to our home in Toronto, full of hope.

     "Sweety, how would you like to go see the Nutcracker on Saturday?" my mother asked.

     "I would love to!" Janessa jumped into her mother's arms full of joy. "Good, you even get to visit the dancers at the end." "That sounds wonderful. Oh, I can't wait for Saturday to come."

     Saturday arrived with a chill in the air, and we were off to the Nutcracker. The first dancer came on stage and her graceful jumps, leaps and turns instantly mesmerized me. I was so inspired by the creative choreography and technique the dancer displayed as she danced, that I wished I was up there with her.

     It was the finale and the dancers put on a great show. Sadly it was over, but I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the dancers backstage.

     As I wheeled into the back of the Toronto International Ballet Theater, anger and jealousy filled me. I gazed at the costumes and talented dancers wishing I could have one of their lives. "Hey, you must be Janessa,"one of the dancers assumed. "Yes, who are you?" I asked. "I'm Maya. I heard you've always wanted to dance." "Yeah, but ever since my accident I haven't been able to. The doctor says that in about 2 months I might be able to start walking." I kept telling her about my life and she listened very intently. "Wow. You've been through a lot. Hmm. Wait, what if you had a solo in our Swan Lake ballet production? It is in about 6 months. That gives you time to heal and learn plenty of ballet moves." Maya suggested. "That would be amazing! I'll have to talk with my mom about it."

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     "Janessa, are you ready for bed!" mom yelled from the kitchen. "Yes mom, I'm just waiting for you." "OK. I will be there in five minutes. You just read your devotions." I started my devotions which was about knowing that God has a plan for you, no matter what happens. God has been my comforter through all my challenges in life and it is good to know He is always with me. "Hey, sweety. It is time to go to sleep. Did you brush your teeth?" "Yes, mom. Umm, do you think that I could dance in the Swan Lake when I get better? It's all I have ever wanted." I asked. "Well, as long as you are truly feeling better." "Oh, thank you mom." I gushed in gratitude. "Your welcome. Now go to sleep." I closed my eyes ready to sleep while I heard the patter of my mom's feet on the floor leaving my bedroom. All night I dreamed of the solo I could possibly dance in 6 months.

     The next morning I woke up to the bright sun shooting through the curtains onto my face. It was Sunday morning and we had to prepare for the church service. I picked out a pretty, long sleeve, blue dress, put my hair into a bun, and put silver flats on my feet. My mom came downstairs to get me. She was in her beautiful flower dress and a white shrug along with black heels. Her hair lay over her shoulders in curls and her makeup was pretty pink. "Ready to go Janessa?" "Yep!"

     We arrived at church just in time. There were some announcements along with the one about me and how I am starting to feel my legs. The minister gave a wonderful sermon about God having a spot in this world for everyone and that we all are important. The church service was over and we went home to spend the rest of the day thinking about the sermon and enjoy some time to play games.

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     1 month has passed and I feel that I am ready to make an effort to walk again. We go to the doctor and receive exercise to practice so that I will be ready to walk and dance in no time. In the meantime I go to private dance classes, for the solo I will perform, and practice some arm movements. My teacher is Miss Isla and she has auburn hair, hazel eyes and is very beautiful. She is also very kind and patient. "Are you ready to get started on the arms for your solo?"she asked. "Yes! I am thrilled to get started." We spent an hour on it and I eventually got the hang of it. And the song was very beautiful.

     About 2 more months have gone by and I have started dancing on my feet. It has been the most wonderful experience. Now that I am dancing full out, Miss Isla starts adding the feet into the dance. It is a little tricky because I have been practicing with only my arms for a long time but I am up for the challenge. My feet are also a little sore because they are not used to this kind of work.

     After classes some of the girls invite me to a party being held at the dance studio Friday night when no classes are going on. I obviously answered with a yes.

     The party was a blast. There were so many new people I didn't know whom Maya introduced to me. It felt good to make new friends. The music was pumped up and everyone was dancing in a silly way. This was the best party I had ever gone to and wished for more to come.

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     Time passed quickly so that it was one week until the Swan Lake ballet production. I am starting to feel butterflies but at the same time really excited for my very first dance.

     The curtains are lifted and the dance has begun. Everyone puts on their best smiles and performs to the best of their abilities. The time has arrived and it's my turn to get on the stage and wow everyone with my dancing. The song begins and I start fretting but then I start dancing with my heart and my feet start to follow. As I finish I give a curtsy and run off while everyone applauds for me.

     I find my mom at the end, along with a lot of other friends, who all congratulate me. My mom gives me the biggest hug ever and tells me how proud she is of me. And she also tells me she has registered me for more dance classes. I squeal in excitement.

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     Janessa danced for many more years and eventually became a teacher. And she danced happily ever after.

                                                                      The End

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Please let me know about any spelling or grammar mistakes. :)

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