One Dance (Written by Gabby L.)

My hands traces the fabric of the tutu gently, feeling the silk soften my finger tips. The beige dress with glitter lining rests on my forearms. I study the beautiful gems twined into the straps. It sparkled as I moved it slightly, watching the light movement shake the loose ruffles. I smile, pulling the dress over my black leotard and light pink tights. I stare in the mirror at the girl I’ve become, never in a million years would I have thought I would be backstage, getting ready for this recital. Never in a million years did I think I would be on stage doing a solo routine in front of hundreds of complete strangers. Never in a million years would I have thought this would have been my life. “Isabelle, are you ready?” knocks Ms. Paisley on the dressing room stall. I take a breath and look at myself in the mirror. My bun is perfect and my makeup is dark enough to contrast my eyes, but light enough for me to not look silly. “Just putting on my shoes.” I say sitting on the bench, grabbing my pointe shoes from the floor. I pull them over my feet, carefully lacing the delicate ribbon up my shin. I stand up, pointing my toes and flexing my feet to make sure they’re on correctly. I glance in the mirror one last time before turning away from my reflection and pulling open the curtain. “We’re going to be late, hurry up!” She says grabbing me by the wrist. I roll my eyes and follow her with a smile. This was it. We make it to the base of the stage, the teacher shushes me before lightly pushing me into the dark backstage room. I adjust my eyes to the darkness, focusing on the outlines of bodies by the wings of the stage, all whispering excitedly, awaiting their turn. “Hurry.” Whispers one of the stage hands, beckoning my to follow her to the 3rd and center wing. I take a deep breath, feeling goosebumps run down my arms. My first solo, wow. I hope I do good, I hope I look okay, were my shoes on tight enough? I look down and everything looks fine… but what if it isn’t? I bend over and fumble with my ribbon before hearing something loudly say, “Go!” I glance behind me and see a group standing around me, beckoning me out on stage, their eyes wide. I tuck the ribbon into my shoe, hoping it wont fall off during the dance, and take a couple steps forward. The curtains open, and I start walking forward, my shoes lightly thumping against the polished, oak floor. I stop center stage and put my foot behind my leg and hold my arms in first position, smiling brightly, I gaze around the audience. So. Many. People. Are. Here. I gulp, feeling my smile falter a tad as it dawns upon me the hundreds of people and tens of cameras watching me. But once the upbeat ballet music started, the tondues became easier. The pirouettes became more graceful. My smile grew larger and more real, I could feel the prick of tears in my eyes as I realize how far I’ve become. How hard this journey has been, but how I wouldn’t change the hard times for anything. I end my dance with one “courtesy” and lift my head quickly, gazing at the faces around me. The applause grew and grew, and I can see the forms of people standing and applauding. A couple flowers were thrown onto the front of the stage and I grabbed them before making my way to the sidelines. “You did great Anne!” exclaims Ms. Paisley, wrapping her arms around me tightly. “Thank you.” I whisper, closing my eyes. Tonight was one of the best nights of my life, and it’s completely changed my perspective on everything. I know when I walk out the back door in blue jeans and a tank top, tutu carefully placed in it’s silk cover, I’ll be smiling. I know this experience just gave me the confidence I had lost, and I know things are different now. My whole life has change from one dance.