“That was beyond incredible,” she said. I let myself breathe then, grateful to Eliza for breaking the ice. Then she turned to my team.
“You make an outstanding team.” She smiled at everyone.
“Wow, thank you so much!” Trina said. “We didn’t see yours, but I’m sure it was great, too.”
“I agree!” I said. “I totally do.”
Eliza gave me a big hug,
Megan looked away from us, and everyone else talked politely with one another until we were all invited back onstage.
Trey Thompson threw back a smile as we piled in. “As our top three dance troupes make their way back on stage, let’s show them some New York City love and congratulate them on a fantastic job on this nationals stage today.”
The applause filled my ears. I definitely felt the love. I was also feeling the butterflies. Plenty of them!
CHAPTER 16
Unlike yesterday, when we held hands in anticipation of group qualifier announcements, there was no hand-holding going on at this moment. Lots of hand-wringing, sure. But that was it. We were totally in the moment.
“Trey looks amazing,” Riley breathed.
Trey Thompson was wearing a flashy jacket today. He paired a retro baseball bomber with his blue jeans and work boots. Only thing was, his bomber and the cool swirly lettering on it was made entirely in shiny sequins. And yes, he looked great. “Judges, I don’t envy the tough job you have had today.” Trey gestured to the panel of five people seated flush to the stage, in front of where the corral of performers sat yesterday. “So, please—a round of applause for the judges, too.”
The crowd applauded politely, as did all of us onstage. It was nice to have the attention take a break from us. The spotlight beaming on us literally shifted to the judges. But then, just as quickly as it was gone, it was back. I stood up taller and smiled.
“Now,” Trey announced with a backward glance at us, “before we announce the winning group from today’s amazing performances, let’s see these beautiful trophies!”
Everyone oohed and aahed. Augh, I could hardly take the suspense anymore. I knew he was building it on purpose for the excitement, but I was about to explode. Finally, he said it.
“Now, here is the moment these talented performers have been waiting for. The judges have tallied their scores, and we are ready to announced the forty-fourth annual nationals winning dance group!”
The crowd seemed to collectively sit up and move to the edge of their seats. I for one was glad that the solos announcements were out of the way. It was on to the team awards—something we were all in together. I could tell the difference this made. Slowly, I could feel Lily and Trina’s shoulders pressed close to mine as we all gravitated closer to each other for support. And then one of us must have been the first to reach out and take the hand of the person next to them, because it started a chain reaction until we all were holding hands.
“Nah, just kidding!” Trey said.
We all croaked a collective groan.
“Your boyfriend sure is super chatty,” Trina whispered to Riley.
“I know—what is he trying to do, kill us with suspense?” Lily asked under her breath.
Trey introduced last year’s winning dance team. We watched last year’s group dance winners step onstage wearing Santa hats and waving to the crowd.
“Were they even competing this year?” Megan wondered aloud.
“I don’t recognize them,” I replied.
“No, they didn’t compete this year for some reason,” Riley said, like she’d just Googled it.
“No wonder they look so relaxed and stress-free.”
Riley knew what she was talking about. She’d studied the roster of the winners from the last few years. She’d even noticed a few patterns and shared her observations with us over dinner one night.
“Without further ado, the envelope, please,” Trey said, probably wishing to himself that he had a live drummer on hand to add even more suspense.
One of last year’s winners took an envelope and passed it to the dancer next to her, and so on, until Trey held it in his hand.
“Here we go!” Trey tore through the envelope in no time, thankfully. We squeezed one another’s hands tighter and moved closer together. Trina even squeezed her eyes shut.
We’d come to New York City ready to compete. We’d done this, and we’d done it well. No matter whose name was called, this would be what carried me through any disappointment. I was proud of how we’d performed. And most of all, I was proud to be a member of DanceStarz Academy’s Squad.
I spotted Vanessa in the crowd. She was standing and touching her fingers to her mouth, her eyes creased with anticipation and worry. When she caught me looking at her, she nodded.
Troy opened the envelope and then stared wordlessly at the name. The light danced across his sequined back.
“Oooh, this is good,” he said.
“Read it!” someone shrieked from somewhere in the dark sea of the audience. Everyone cracked up, obviously feeling the same but too polite to express it. Even Trey chuckled and shook his head.
“Okay, here we go. For real now.” He smiled mischievously before clearing his throat and gaining his composure. “Ladies and gentleman, the winning group of the forty-fourth annual nationals competition IS…
“…”
“… the Squad, from DanceStarz Academy!”
“We did it?” Trina asked in shock.
We all sat there for a split second as the crowd erupted.
“WE DID IT!” we all shouted back.
We jumped in a huddle like baseball players at the New York Yankees World Series (my favorite baseball team no matter where I would move!). It was unbelievable how things seemed to be happening in a dream. We jumped up and down with such a spring in our steps, I wouldn’t have been surprised if our heads hit the ceiling. It felt as if electric current ran through each of us through our hands, zapping dizzying joy into us. We felt a jolt of happiness that was hard to describe.
“Congratulations to the Squad from Florida’s DanceStarz Academy!”
We were near the edge of the stage, right next to Trey. There was dance music blaring from the speakers, with loud, thumping base vibrating my chest. Trey handed Megan—she was front and center and ready for this moment, and for once, I didn’t judge—the gleaming, towering trophy that was to be ours from now on. It was gorgeous.
“How are we going to carry that back on the plane?” Trina asked. We all started cracking up.
Aside from the trophy, the applause, the cheers, and the flashing cameras, we were also handed bright, fragrant bouquets of blue and white flowers. Everything was happening so fast. We were ushered and arranged in a group photo with Trey in the next hot minute—so fast that Riley didn’t have time to stand next to Trey. I quickly switched places so she could stand next to him in the front. She smiled at me appreciatively. She deserved that souvenir!
“And as if that isn’t exciting enough,” Trey said, “let’s surprise all the dancers with some great news. Your coaches have been sworn to secrecy.”
We all looked out at Vanessa, who looked smugly back.
Then Trey told us the huge news.
Anyone who made it to the solos round would not technically be competing against one another for a medal, trophy, or title. The solos were created to be the pressure-free last day of nationals. It was like a happy send-off for the participants and audiences. The performances were meant to follow a festive theme and get the crowd in the spirit. Traditionally, local schools were invited to watch the show. When I was in elementary school, my class had taken a class trip to nationals just for the day-three exhibition fun.
“Except… this year…”
Trey went on to explain that anyone selected to perform a solo would instantly be in the running for one of the most sought-after summer dance programs in the country—the Dance New York Summer Intensive! Recruiters would be attending our solo showcases and approaching their choice dancers with offers of a l
ifetime for the summer dance intensive!
“WHAT!” Everyone onstage was buzzing, just thinking about this. I’d never been this close to an opportunity like that before, and neither had most of us on this stage.
An envelope had been placed on the stool next to Trey—most likely by one of those stagehands who dressed in all black and had the superhuman ability to be invisible in plain sight. Trey took it and opened it deliberately.
“Let’s introduce this nationals audience to the six dancers invited to perform at tomorrow’s solo exhibition!
“From the Scottsdale Steppers, please help me congratulate Alejandra and Amy!” The two girls covered their mouths and looked at each other, stunned.
I watched how this group congratulated the singled-out dancers. Had they hugged, high-fived, or just patted one another on the back? Had the dancers shown their medals to the other girls or just kept them to themselves after coming from taking their bow with Trey? Had the non-singled-out girls smiled widely or kept tight-lipped gracious smiles? I needed to prepare myself emotionally and physically for any circumstance. The Arizona group cheered excitedly for their winners. They hugged and high-fived Alejandra and Amy before they crossed the stage to collect their medals from Trey.
“Our next two… from DanceStarz Academy in Florida… Megan and Harper!”
Megan is Megan! Harper is… ME! Megan and ME won! I mean, I won! ME!
“Harper, get up there!” Lily smiled and practically shoved me to get up. Megan was already racing across the stage, and I followed her with a huge, stupid grin on my face.
“Congratulations,” I whispered to Megan during our walk back to the Squad.
“Congratulations, Harper,” she answered like she meant it.
Trina held out her hand and high-fived us on our way back to our spots. I stood there, the weight of the cool medal resting around my neck. I couldn’t wait to show my parents and Hailey! Even my new friends at school from drama club would understand this big opportunity. I thought of my family, who were watching the live stream of this event right now, and I gave a special smile, hoping they’d know it was directed at them. It was ironic how coming here felt like going back home, yet when I thought of my family in Florida right, now I felt away from home at the same time. The tears threatened to spill over.
Keep looking at the sequins—the shiny, shimmery sequins, I told myself for the second time as Trey continued with the final soloists.
“Eliza and Genevieve of Dance City, congratulations and welcome to the solos competition!”
Oh, wow! The smile that spread across my face was a reflex. Everyone around me applauded politely, and I joined in. Unlike all the other winners announced so far, Eliza and Genevieve took the fabulous news in stride. Their faces beamed, and their eyes were wild with excitement, but they came short of looking surprised. They high-fived the other dancers on their team and walked together to collect their medals. On their return, they kept their heads held high. When Eliza glanced my way, I grinned giddily and nodded.
And that’s a wrap!
People had started milling out, the music was playing low enough to hold a conversation and the ballroom lights were back on. We were still onstage, posing for photos and speaking to officials and reporters, who’d wanted to know a few details for their photo captions online.
“Harper, congrats!” A voice close behind me drew my attention away from a stagehand who was handing out small bottles of water to everyone. Eliza was waiting patiently.
“Ohmygosh, Eliza!” I threw my arms around her, careful not to scrape her with the flowers I’d been holding. She hugged me back.
“I’m so proud of you. You guys owned that stage. I saw the whole performance.”
It meant so much to hear her say that. “Thank you!” I said, feeling choked up. “Congratulations on your solos slot! I can’t believe how exciting that is!”
Eliza grinned. “You too!”
We threw our arms around each other again.
I sighed, still in disbelief. “Remember how we always imagined and hoped to compete on this level?”
Eliza shook her head. “We made so many plans.”
“Remember the bucket-list plan to take a pic together on the nationals stage?” Eliza pointed. “Let’s get someone to take a quick pic of us in front of that backdrop—but hold on,” Eliza said, standing on her toes and craning her neck to peer over the small stage crowd. “My coach has all our phones.”
Eliza caught her coach’s eye and stepped away to retrieve her cell. I waited for her.
“We’re missing Harper!” Lily called out from the front of the stage. When she spotted me, she frantically waved me over for a group shot with Vanessa and Trey Thompson. “Hurry up!”
Eliza was back with her phone,
“Ready?” she asked.
“I have to jump into a team pic,” I said to Eliza, conflicted.
“This will only take a second,” said Eliza.
“Harper, we’re waiting!”
Not again.
Eliza wanted to head to the rear of the stage, and the Squad needed me up front.
Think and act fast, Harper, I said to myself, hoping to avoid any more tension. Too late. I was in my second Eliza/Squad standoff today. Everyone was giving me that stare, like they’d bet on what I’d do next. I couldn’t exactly escape to the bathroom like I did last time. I made up my mind. The Squad came first. This was our moment, and I couldn’t let that slip by.
“I’ll be right back,” I said to Eliza.
I walked away before Eliza could react, because I knew I could be guilted into changing my mind. Leave it to me to want to play both sides of the fence. I just wanted everyone to be satisfied. But easier said than done.
“Yay! Here comes Harper,” cheered Trina.
“Can I get you to stand next to your coach?” the photographer had me fill the last empty spot.
We stood almost like a class picture. The trophy was on the floor, flanked by Riley and Trina, who were both kneeling on one knee. Behind them stood Lily, Megan, and me. And on either side of us were Vanessa and Trey Thompson.
Riley was looking up at Trey Thompson. This picture was going to be entertaining, at least.
The photographer put up one hand. “Everybody say ‘nationals group champions!’ ”
“NATIONALS GROUP CHAMPIONS!” we all said.
“Trey, do you want to give me your number,” Riley asked, “so I can send you a copy of the picture?”
“I think the tournament will handle that,” Trey’s manager jumped in out of nowhere. “Sorry, Trey has to go! He’s appearing at the opening at a shoe store.”
“Good-bye, Trey Thompson!” Riley called out dramatically. Trey disappeared quickly. He was not the only person who disappeared.
One second, Eliza had been watching our photo shoot while she waited on me, her phone in hand. But the next time I looked up, she was gone. I didn’t see her anywhere on the stage. It hurt that she’d decided not to wait for me to take our dream photo.
“Girls! Girls! So exciting!” Megan’s mom and Riley’s mom had navigated their way from the large crowd, through security, and made it up onstage. They were greeted by their daughters with joyful, excited hugs. I watched their sweet hugfest. It was a precious moment, getting congratulated by their proud moms. I missed my mom, but knew I’d be getting a similar hug once I was back home.
Minutes later, we were in the dressing room, gathering our things and throwing on our team track suits.
“So, what happened to Eloise?” Megan asked, smirking. “Or wait, Elena? Elise? What’s her name.”
“You know it’s Eliza,” I said, rolling my eyes. “And I don’t know. Actually.”
“I thought you two were attached at the hip,” Megan said.
Lily’s face dropped. I opened my mouth and tried to make a comeback, something to shut down Megan and perk up Lily, but Vanessa popped in happily.
“Celebration dinnertime. We’re going to eat someplace fun
and different to celebrate!” Vanessa said.
“Yes!” Riley clapped and did a little hop.
“Fun, right Lily?” I tried. She didn’t really respond.
“Okay, let’s go upstairs to shower and change. We’ll meet in our shared hall in about a half hour,” Vanessa said.
“Sounds good!” we said.
“Just one request,” said Riley nudging me. “When you make the reservations, can you request a seat for one more person?”
Was this a setup for an Eliza-the-fifth-wheel joke?
I wished Vanessa hadn’t taken the bait. “And who would that be?”
Wait for it. I prepared myself to apologize to Lily for this one.
“Our trophy,” Riley cracked herself up. “I call him Trey-phy Trophy Thompson.”
Ha, okay, that was funny. We all cracked up again.
Her idea was totally silly, but her point was clear. We had a new symbol for our shared experience as members of the Squad. And like the memories we were creating together, we wanted to take it everywhere we went.
CHAPTER 17
Welcome to the New York City subway system!” Vanessa stopped us so we could take yet another group selfie outside the subway sign that said ROCKEFELLER CENTER.
“We’re taking the subway?” Megan asked, disturbed. “Can’t we walk to the restaurant?”
It was true: Every place we’d gone up until then had been within walking distance. And I wasn’t talking New Yorker walking distance, because that would easily be twenty- and thirty-block walks. This neighborhood had so many attractions within it and nearby, we hadn’t ventured out of it and hadn’t even noticed or minded.
“There are other areas to explore!” Vanessa responded, her words forming white puffs in the cool air.
“And it’s kind of the coldest day it’s been so far, and I heard the subways are nice and warm,” said Riley, pulling up her coat collar. She looked like a turtle ready to hide its head in its shell.
“Yeah, I’m sure that warm air is pretty healthy and clean,” retorted Megan with an eye roll.
“Great, Megan,” said her mom, checking her cell phone screen. “The picture caught you mid–eye roll. Let’s do it one more time.”
The Competition Page 10