Chapter Six
MADDIE
ONE MONTH LATER
“Front, side out, back…side out, front…” Gianna says, leading us into more barre exercises. While I’ve taken two semesters in a row of ballet, I still haven’t gotten used to rehearsing in the middle of the day between regular classes. For hours, I’m in a leotard and pointe shoes, then I go to jazz before rushing across campus with sore ankles for calculus. “And back into first. Arms not too wide, Maddie. Yes, good.”
Quickly inhaling a deep breath, I tighten my core and try to refocus. It’s been difficult lately with the stress of midterms and everything else in my life. Ballet has been my passion for years, and it’s always been an escape. I know I’ll never be perfect in it, but it’s always come naturally to me. I’ve enjoyed learning more about dance t
