Prologue

Hi, my name is Grace and in this short book, I’m going to tell you about an amazing experience I had that ultimately changed my life forever. Just a little background, I am an only child, I have never had a pet and I’m more of an introvert. I’m fifteen-years-old and in my free time, I enjoy dancing. If it weren’t for my amazing parents I wouldn’t be where I am today. In fact, without their influence I probably would’ve never found my calling. They have always taught me to be humble and to do what makes me happy. I hope after reading this you will gain confidence and knowledge that in fact you too can go places.

Chapter One: “Oh the Places You’ll Go” (Seuss)

It’s a lazy Sunday morning. I’m in my fuzzy grey sweats and my beloved hoodie, both from Brandy Melville, my all time favorite store. If you are a girl in middle school, high school, 0r college I definitely recommend you get your clothes from Brandy. Brandy is a little on the pricier side but in my biased opinion, they’re great. The only thing I disagree with is their sizing. Brandy Melville is a one size fits all brand. This is very discriminatory to the people who are on the larger or taller side. It’s kinda ridiculous, to be honest. Anyway so I’m in the middle of reading my favorite childhood book my dad read to me all the time, “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss when my mom says, “breakfast is ready.” So I walk upstairs to find my parents at our dining table serving their plates and pleasantly awaiting my presence. “Good morning honey, or should I say afternoon,” says my dad. He’s funny and very sarcastic. That’s who I get my sarcasm from. My mom interrupts him and adds, “How did you sleep? ” She seems to be concerned cause I slept in a lot, but I can’t help it. I was up all night thinking about the events that occurred the day before. Yesterday was my first going out there experience. Like I said before I’m more of an introvert and I like to stay in my comfort zone, but yesterday was different. I auditioned for my first ballet ever. I dance, more for fun and not really for the actual learning aspect I guess. That would be totally fine, but I felt that wasn’t enough for me. I kept moving up in levels at my small town studio and I couldn’t help but want more. My best friend since kindergarten, Olivia, goes to an academy. She is really good, and every time we hung out I tried on her pointe shoes and learned new steps she had just been taught. Although I was very advanced in my studio I was still not en pointe which is a huge step in the ballet world for a dancer. It is a big deal. Anyway back to my story. If you cannot tell I like to talk a lot maybe more on paper than in person. So, back to yesterday. It was late afternoon and I was anxiously waiting for it to be time to get ready for the audition. I was going to be auditioning for Florida’s Finest production of Giselle. Giselle is a very famous romantic ballet that originated from the Paris Opera Ballet company. Florida’s Finest is the academy my bestie Olivia goes to. The night before, her mom called my mom to tell her about the audition. Once I heard the news I was strongly against it. The audition was the very next day and I was not prepared whatsoever. I immediately declined the offer, but my parents being as positive as they are kind of pushed me to do it and I am so happy they did.



Chapter Two: The Audition

It was the day of the audition and boy was I nervous. I felt sweat on my palms as I prepared my hair for a tight, slick bun. I was thinking that most people do not know how much effort it takes to be a dancer. As I was placing the pins in my hair trying not to jab my head from my unsteady hand I heard my mom yell, “It’s time to go!” I yelled back with, “Ok mom just a sec.” I panicked. I grabbed my stuff hurriedly and ran out the door. We were about halfway to the audition but it felt like time was going by so slowly. Why was I so nervous? I tried to calm myself down only to make things worse when I couldn’t find my audition number. I vigorously searched my bag. I must’ve left it at my house I thought. “OH NO, OH NO!” This is not ok. I wonder if I left it on the bathroom counter as I scurried out of the house. I decided not to tell my mom so she wouldn’t get mad at me or think I was irresponsible. As we were driving my mom said “everything will be fine,” and at that moment we pulled up to the studio. I hopped out and my mom tried to calm me down. I touched the cold door handle with my sweaty palms. Just then I saw Olivia and she rushed to greet me. Oh, was I so happy to see her! We hugged and just her warm embrace reassured me that I would be ok. She exclaimed, “Omg Grace I’m so happy you are here I cannot believe you are actually auditioning with me!” I said “I know it’s crazy and very spontaneous of me.” Then she introduced me to her friend Louise. At first glance, Louise was an average height blonde girl with beautiful green eyes. “Hi, it’s so nice to meet you finally! Olivia always talks about you.” said Louise. I responded, “Thanks it’s nice to meet you too.” I tried not to show that I was super nervous and awkward. She was so nice to me considering the fact we had just met. Then the director at the studio Mr. Leopold called for all the dancers in our age division 12-14. I got my ballet shoes and to my Pleasant surprise, I found my audition number right there in my bag. I was so scatterbrained that I probably overlooked it. I pinned it to my black mesh leotard which was my favorite at the time. We walked into the cold dark studio and I felt the butterflies flutter in my stomach. They lined us up by number and fortunately, I was in one of the middle lines. Mr. Leopold started to show us a combination. At first, I was getting the hang of it. But as he sped up I got lost and became even more nervous than I was before. After failed attempts and try hard moments the audition was finally over! Considering it was my first audition and I did not come from an academy I felt I did ok. In the end, I tried my best and that's all I could do.



Chapter Three: The Results

It has been a couple weeks now, long, hard, stressful weeks, but today the long-awaited letter from Florida’s Finest is here. Each day I have been checking the mailbox to see if anything regarding my audition came but nothing, zero, nada. Until now! I pull the envelope out of the mailbox. It is addressed to Miss Grace Conwell. I run into the house, dial my mom and take a seat. I call my mom repeatedly, but she does not respond. I decide to just open the letter myself and tell my parents the news when they get home. My hands are shaking while I’m trying to rip open the letter. At this point, I do not care if it gets torn. My emotions fill the room. I’m on a rollercoaster. I’m getting on the ride, buckling up, and a whirlwind of feelings are running through my spine as I start the ascent. I am climbing to the top and you can see the drop, but I’m not quite there yet. I violently pull the letter out of the envelope and here comes the descent. While I read, my eyes move from left to right like a ping pong ball in a table tennis match. My nerves get the best of me while I am trying to decipher what this letter is informing me. I jump to the word “Congratulations, you have been accepted into Florida’s Finest production of Giselle as the role of a village girl.” I am thrilled. I never pictured myself being in a real ballet before. Now is my time to shine. My parents finally arrive home from work after what felt like a million hours. I tell them the news and they are overjoyed. They are so proud of me and it feels almost foreign.



Chapter 4: The Performance
Fast forward a couple weeks. After intense training and long hours at the studio, today is the day. The day of Giselle. Nerves fill my body as I’m warming up for the performance. The chaperones help us get dressed in our gorgeous gowns. The stage is set; the dancers are ready. It’s lights, camera, action minus the camera because there is no flash photography allowed at the performance. I peek through the curtain just like in the movies and I swear I can see my parents in the audience. This delights me but at the same time makes me queasy. Just then one of my instructors, Madame Lina, walks up to me. Her face always looks stern but to my surprise, she has a slight grin. She says, “I wish you the best of luck tonight Grace. I know you will do a fantastic job.” “Thanks, Madame.” I mumble, but deep inside I am reassured that I will do well and I am humbled. “Dancers this is your five-minute call to the top of Act 1, five minutes to the top of Act 1 please, five minutes please,” announces a crew member. I hustle to stage left where I wait in the wings. The stage lights glisten, the dancers warm up, and I freak out. The music is cued and we are off. The first scene goes smoothly and it is almost time for the village dance. I hear my music and I make way to the stage. I spot Olivia backstage and she winks at me. I then run on and start the dance. When I step foot on stage I know I have found my outlet. After the performance my parents greet me with a bouquet of flowers. They take me to my favorite restaurant and we celebrate my accomplishment. We go home and I get a good night of sleep.



Chapter Five: Lessons Learned

After all my hardwork and dedication I have learned a few things about myself. I can be an extrovert when I want to, I can make new friends on my own, and I can perfect my art when given the right opportunity. Through this experience I have come out of my shell. I will pursue my dreams and never give up. One of the many things my Instructors at Florida’s Finest taught me is to never say “I can’t.” This sells yourself short. You always can if you try your best and give it your all. It may take practice, but in the end you become a stronger and better dancer. The moral of the story is to try something new, and you may just find your calling.