High school for the arts

[art_dancer]

I listen to him and nod, very thankful that he was being so nice and patient with me. Most people would have just shoved me aside and ignored me for being shy, but he actually tried to talk to me, and I was actually talking, I think. I don't know, I don't have much experience with it. Finally I say softly, "I guess there is no harm in trying out." Wait, what did I just say? I didn't mean it. I open my mouth to take back the words I just said, but before I can get a chance to speak, the bell rings. Signaling the end of class, students started clearing out of the room, and I knew I should be heading to my next class as well.

[it.will.rain]

"Great! I will add you to the audition list. All you need to do is act out a part of the show and they will give it to you when you show up. They are right after school tomorrow. Then if you make the cut, they will have you dance and sing for them but they will teach you that too." Eric said. "I have to go but your class is upstairs and go to the left. The stairs are out the door and to the right." He said. "See you later." He said and ran off to class.

[art_dancer]

He threw a lot of information at me all at once and before I knew it he was leaving. "O-okay, thanks," I say awkwardly and then he's gone. Ugh, I'm an idiot. Why did I agree to do this? It didn't matter now, there was no backing out of it, I had a feeling he wouldn't let me. Following his directions, I head up the stairs to my next class. Ah, my favorite: dance class.

[it.will.rain]

Eric went to another acting class that was a private acting class so he was the only student. He worked with the teacher on improving every little detail of the script they were working on in the class before just so he could do it perfect. Not because he had too but because he wanted to be an amazing actor. He looked at the clock and then worked on something else with his teacher.

[art_dancer]

After changing into tights and a black leotard like the other girls, we head to the barre. The nice thing about dance was that you didn't have to talk, and today was ballet so I knew it'd be quite serious. I take a spot in the back, hoping I could go unnoticed. However, as we move to working across the floor, the teacher calls me to come to the front. Oh gosh, am I that bad? She shows me a dance combination once then asks for me to do it as best as I can. With little trouble, I mimic her movements, hopefully doing good, then end in fifth position. The teacher is silent for a moment before she tells the class, "now that is how you do it. I expect better from all of you." Then the other students clap, and I feel as though I'm about to faint from all this attention.

[it.will.rain]

Eric worked with his teacher for a while on everything that he needed to do and then was dismissed. He went to the courtyard to hang out for a while. He read a book silently. It was all about improving your acting and how to be the best actor you can. He really wanted to be able to go on Broadway when he got out of school and was hoping to be good enough he would not be stuck in the back all the time.

[art_dancer]

I quickly run out of the room as soon as class is over. My face was still red from embarrassment and I wanted to be alone. I couldn't do this, I couldn't be here. I wasn't right for this school. How do I ever hope to achieve my dreams of being an actual dancer if I can't dance in front of people? I stop, sitting under a tree and plopping my bag down next to me, taking deep breaths in hoping to calm myself down.

[it.will.rain]

Eric was putting his book back in his bag when he saw someone run to the tree. He stood, grabbing his bag before walking over and sitting next to her. "Hope you don't mind if I join you. Are you okay?" He asked her. "I noticed you ran to here and thought maybe your first day is not all that you thought it would be."

[art_dancer]

I shook my head, on the verge on crying and completely breaking down, I continue to take long, slow, deep breaths as my sister had told me in the past when I started to feel a panic attack coming on. It always helped, having her around too, but now she wasn't here. When I was calm enough to speak, I say softly, "the teacher called me up to the front of the class. Everyone was staring at me."

[it.will.rain]

Eric nodded and listened to her. "It's okay." He said and rubbed her back. "It is hard to get used to at first but once you do, it will be fun. I was the same way when I started here." He said to her and rubbed her back not sure how else he could comfort her. He sighed and tried to think of something. "Well, it is lunch time and we can go off campus for lunch so want to go somewhere?" He asked her.