Toe to Toe (On Pointe Book 1) by Penelope Freed (comprehension books txt) 📗

the Senior Classical Division and this time Lisa got called up with me, my heart started working overtime. Lisa and I stood side by side, holding hands, as they read the name of the third place winner, then the second place winner. I was trying to brace myself for disappointment, because I saw the girl who got second place and she was amazing. There was no way I placed first. I scanned the line of dancers, trying to guess who could possibly have won first place. It was hard to be sure, since I didn’t get a chance to see every solo when I had to go change for my Kitri variation. I thought it could be that girl over there with the dark hair, I didn’t remember seeing her classical solo, but I noticed her in class and she was really good.

They called out a name and the dark-haired girl stepped forward to receive the plaque. I swallowed my disappointment and clapped along with everyone else. I had hoped I would place in the top three of at least one category. I have enough self-awareness to know that I’m naturally talented, and I work hard every single day in class. I didn’t think it was cocky of me to hope for something. My shoulders sagged, but we couldn’t leave the stage yet. Lisa squeezed my hand and bumped her shoulder against mine.

As I stood there with Lisa, trying not to show my disappointment the presenter explained that they don’t always give this last award at a semi-finals competition, it only goes to a dancer who impresses the judges in both Contemporary and Classical and rises above the rest of the competition as a truly outstanding dancer. I looked down the line of dancers. Maybe that one guy, the one in the blue shirt at that horrendous first class, won it. He placed first for the guys in both the contemporary and classical divisions. Lisa tugged on my hand, bringing my attention back to the presenter standing at the front of the stage.

“This year’s Senior Grand Prix award for the Orange County Semi-Finals is…Hannah O’Brian!”

I stood stock still for a heartbeat, until Lisa shoved me forward and I walked on unsteady feet to the front of the stage to receive my award.

I still can hardly believe it. I’m standing center stage, knees shaking, heart pounding, cheeks aching from the smile I can’t stop.

“That’s not all ladies and gentlemen,” I hear the presenter say over the microphone as the applause dies down. “As I’m sure you’re aware, one of our judges this weekend was the incredible Marco Bethelo, who will be taking over as the Director of the Pacfic Sound Ballet School in the fall. Marco would you like to join us on stage?” She gestures to someone standing in the wings. The man who walks on stage is the definition of tall, dark and handsome. His square jaw is covered in a layer of scruff, his dark hair has a few touches of silver at the temples, but he walks with the grace and confidence of a prince. It’s not surprising that he was known for dancing all the leading male roles in his time at CBS. Ms. Parker has often said he was her favorite partner to dance with. I recognize him from the judging panel at the audition last weekend.

“Thank you,” he says to the audience, gesturing for them to sit. “I had a wonderful time this weekend,” he turns to look at the dancers on stage behind him and continues. “Thank you for sharing your artistry and talent with us. I know how hard you all have worked in preparation for this competition. You should be proud of yourselves and be sure to thank the teachers and parents who supported you on your journey to get here today.” He pauses and we take that as our cue to politely clap for our parents and teachers. I awkwardly juggle my plaque and try to clap, my eyes seeking out Ms. Parker and my parents in the crowd.

Marco clears his throat before speaking again. “As you heard, I will be taking over as Director of the school at Pacific Sound Ballet. While I don’t officially take over until September, I have been given the honor of offering places to our summer intensive this year.” I turn and grin at Lisa behind me. Oh my goodness, how amazing would it be if we got offered a spot right now? We still haven’t heard back from the audition. “Several of you have received an invitation from me, you’ll find it attached to your scoresheet. Congratulations,” he adds with a smile at those of us on stage.

His eyes roam over the dancers on stage, stopping on a few with a smile. The dark-haired girl who won first place in our division, the boy in the blue shirt and Lisa too, which makes my heart squeeze with joy. Then he turns to face me and my heart stops. “I was also given one full scholarship to award. I am awarding it to Hannah O’Brian for her astounding artistry and exquisite dancing this weekend.” My eyes are open so wide they ache and I think my mouth is hanging open in shock. “Congratulations, Hannah!” He finishes, handing the microphone back to the presenter, then he strides over to me, hand extended, a breath-taking smile on his face.

“Congratulations,” he says again as he shakes my hand. He hands me a large manila envelope. “Here, this is the paperwork you need for the scholarship. You were just lovely. Who is your teacher?” He asks quietly as the presenter wraps up the awards presentation.

“Ms. Parker. Uh, I mean, Leslie Parker,” I stammer out. “She says you were always her favorite partner,” I blurt out, like a total dork. Oh god, I’m so embarrassed. I want to shrivel up and disappear. But Marco just laughs and turns to look out into the audience, a hand shielding his eyes