Born to Dance

by June Tate

  Lily flushed with embarrassment and anger. She stood up. ‘If I was Bonny Burton, you wouldn’t turn me away.’

  He glared at her. ‘Bonny Burton wouldn’t cheapen herself this way. Now, for goodness’ sake, leave me alone to get on with my work.’

  She stormed out of the room.

  Lighting a cigarette, he ran his fingers through his hair. ‘Women!’ he muttered angrily. There was always one among the chorus who was trouble one way or another. Well, if Miss Lily didn’t pull her socks up he’d get a replacement. He couldn’t be doing with all this shenanigans.

  Rob’s friend Sammy Kendrick was having a much better time. He and Belle had settled in the dining room of the Dolphin Hotel, and after a succulent lunch and some good wine, they departed to Belle’s room.

  Here, they both renewed their old relationship. After Sammy slowly removed Belle’s clothing and then his own, they climbed into bed. Taking the woman into his arms, Sammy breathed deeply as he felt her bare flesh beside him.

  ‘Darling Belle, how I’ve missed you,’ he whispered as he rained kisses on her and caressed her firm breasts.

  She lay back against the sheets and smiled with satisfaction. ‘I do like a man who knows his way round my body,’ she purred.

  He kissed her neck, then buried his head between her breasts before kissing them, raking each nipple gently between his teeth.

  ‘Careful, darling,’ she said as she pushed his head lower.

  Eventually, they lay entwined – both sated by their love-making – and slept.

  It was Saturday night and the show was going well. Sammy had left Belle in her hotel room and was standing at the back of the stalls in his usual place, watching the show with Rob beside him, looking at the closing number.

  Whereas Sammy was enjoying the spectacle, Rob was searching for any faults from his dancers, and he saw Lily make one mistake as she exited. He was not happy. Storming backstage, he knocked on the dressing room door and walked in. ‘You messed up your exit, ‘he said angrily, pointing at Lily. ‘Don’t let it happen again!’

  As the door slammed behind him, Lily looked mortified and her face was flushed.

  Shirley, unable to let the opportunity pass, said, ‘Oh dear, you’d better not do that again or His Highness might have to replace you, you know what a perfectionist he is!’

  ‘You mind your own business!’ the girl snapped. ‘Anyway, I have other plans and they don’t include Mr bloody Andrews.’

  ‘Your sugar daddy going to take you away from all this, is he?’

  Bonny, sitting beside her, kicked her friend in the shins.

  Lily refrained from answering and changed out of her costume. The other girls sniggered at her discomfort.

  When Lily had swept out of the room, Bonny said, ‘You need a wooden spoon, you stirrer!’

  Grinning, Shirley looked at her and said, ‘You didn’t expect me to let slip such an opportunity to take that bitch down, did you? She’s so damned high and mighty! She needs teaching a lesson.’

  As they left the theatre, they saw Lily driving off in a taxi with her new man. The girls looked at each other and smiled.

  ‘Wonder what she’s offering in return?’ Shirley pondered aloud.

  Before she could answer, Bonny felt a light touch on her arm. A young man stood there, holding a bunch of flowers. ‘Miss Burton, would you please accept these as a token of my admiration for your dancing? I think you’re wonderful.’

  Bonny was completely taken aback. ‘Thank you,’ she said.

  The young man smiled shyly at her and walked away.

  ‘Well!’ said Shirley, ‘you have made a conquest and no mistake!’

  Looking at the bouquet, Bonny was speechless for a moment. ‘I wonder who he is?’

  Nudging her, Shirley said, ‘I’m sure you will be given the opportunity to find out, because he’ll be back.’

  ‘Don’t be silly.’

  Shirley just smiled. ‘You wait and see, he’s really smitten with you. It showed in his eyes.’

  A she walked home, Bonny could smell the scent of the flowers and smiled to herself. How lovely. Someone in the audience thought she was wonderful! But when she told her parents, they both looked concerned.

  ‘You be careful, my girl,’ said Frank, her father. ‘This young man is a stranger. Perhaps I should come and meet you myself and bring you home in future.’

  ‘You certainly will not!’ Bonny was furious. ‘I’ll look like a schoolgirl and I’ll be the laughing stock of all the others. For goodness’ sake, Dad. I’m a grown woman, earning a living, not a child!’ And she went into the scullery to find a vase for her flowers.

  ‘Now, Frank,’ her mother said quietly, ‘Bonny is quite right. She’s no longer your little girl so don’t treat her like one.’

  ‘I know that, but besides being her father I’m a man and I know how they think.’

  Millie raised her eyebrows in surprise. ‘Whatever do you mean?’

  ‘You’ve read about stage-door Johnnies. They see a pretty girl on the stage and think she’s easy pickings.’

  ‘But our Bonny’s not like that. She’s been brought up right, and now you have to let her make her own decisions.’

  ‘Maybe, but I don’t have to like it.’ He folded his paper. ‘I’m off to bed.’

  Millie sought out her daughter. ‘Your father is only being protective,’ she explained. ‘You have to give him time to get used to the idea that you are now a grown woman.’

  ‘I know, Mum. But what on earth will he be like if I ever get a job in London?’

  Millie couldn’t answer because she was wondering how she would react if her daughter left home in the future. Cutting the apron strings was never easy for any mother, but they all had to face up to it at some time. She just hoped it wouldn’t be for a while yet. And with that crumb of comfort, she too went to bed.

  Four

  With Belle Carlisle on the bill at the Palace Theatre, the demand for tickets was fierce, and on opening night the stalls, circle and upper circle were full to capacity. Bonny peered through the curtain, thrilled to see the townspeople scurrying to their seats.

  The opening number went well and the girls had plenty of time to change before closing the first half of the show. ‘I’ve never seen Mr Kendrick so nervous,’ said Bonny to her friend, who was repairing her stage make-up in the seat beside her.

  ‘That’s because Belle is on the bill. According to Jack, the stage doorkeeper, she’s a handful. Nothing is ever quite right and she complains constantly. But she brings in the crowds, so poor old Sammy is usually tearing his hair out by the end of the week. Or so I’m told.’

  The wardrobe mistress, who was helping Bonny to change, leaned forward and in a quiet confidential tone said, ‘No doubt he’ll be on hand at her hotel later to calm her down!’

  Both girls stopped what they were doing. ‘What are you inferring, Nan?’ asked Bonny, intrigued by this nugget of information.

  ‘They go back a long way,’ they were told. ‘They’ve been lovers off and on for years.’ And she moved on to the next girl.

  ‘Dirty old devil!’ exclaimed Shirley.

  ‘I’m not that surprised,’ Bonny said. ‘After all, he does have a wicked twinkle in his eye. I’ve watched him looking at the chorus line with more than a little interest.’

  ‘He hasn’t tried anything with you, has he?’

  ‘No. As far as I know he hasn’t with anyone.’

  ‘I wonder that Lily hasn’t worked her so-called magic on him. After all, he is the producer.’

  ‘She wouldn’t stand an earthly against Belle Carlisle now, would she?’ And they both laughed at the very idea.

  Belle stood in the wings waiting for her entrance. Smoothing down her dress, patting her hair, taking deep breaths.

  Sammy Kendrick walked on to the stage and made his announcement. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to welcome one of London’s best loved stars to our stage. Please give a warm welcome to
Miss Belle Carlisle!’ He held out his hand towards the wings.

  As the music began, Belle, wearing a stunning blue gown studded with sequins, made her entrance to huge applause. She walked slowly and deliberately to the microphone, smiled at the audience and started her opening number: ‘Night and day, you are the one …’

  There was not a sound to be heard from the audience as she sang. She went through her repertoire faultlessly and left the stage to a standing ovation. She waited in the wings for a few moments, returned to the stage, bowed slightly and eventually signalled to the conductor – and then sang an encore.

  The chorus were waiting in both wings to close the show as she took her final bow and swept off the stage.

  She pushed past Bonny and Shirley, storming and swearing under her breath about the man on the spotlight.

  ‘Trouble at mill!’ Shirley remarked as they tapped their way on to the stage.

  When the show was closing and the various artists made their way on to the stage, backed by the chorus, Bonny wondered if Belle would appear. But she came on to the stage all smiles, blowing kisses to her rapt audience.

  The smile died as she reached the wings. ‘Sammy!’ she bellowed, ‘I want a word in your office!’

  As the girls made their way to their dressing room, they could hear the raised voices of Sammy and Belle in heated argument. ‘I want that man fired! He’s bloody useless,’ screamed Belle.

  ‘I certainly will not fire him; he’s worked with me for years.’

  ‘Then at least make sure he knows what he’s doing,’ she cried. ‘His spotlight wasn’t fully on me, I had to move over. I don’t expect to work with incompetents! Get it sorted out before tomorrow or you won’t have a star!’ And she left, slamming the door behind her.

  Sammy mopped his brow and lit a cigar. He looked up with some relief as Rob Andrews walked in.

  ‘Fiery isn’t she?’ Rob remarked with a grin.

  Pouring himself a drink, Sammy grimaced. ‘I’d forgotten how difficult she can be,’ he admitted. ‘But she brings in the punters so I have to keep her sweet. I’ll have a word with Bill and tell him for God’s sake make sure she’s well lit. I’ve ordered flowers to be sent to her hotel. She’ll cost me a bloody fortune by the end of the week.’

  With a wry smile, Rob said, ‘But you will have at least some reward for your efforts.’

  Sammy’s eyes twinkled. ‘I have to say the lady is worth every penny, but I’ll be a nervous and physical wreck by the time she goes.’

  ‘How are the bookings for our musical week going?’ Rob asked.

  ‘Very well. I hope you have something special lined up with your girls?’

  ‘You won’t be disappointed, I promise. I’ll see you tomorrow.’

  There was a huge crowd waiting at the stage door that night. They crowded round Belle as she left with Sammy, asking for autographs, plying her with flowers and chocolates. Flattering her with their admiration. She smiled at them all, signed programmes, handed the bouquets to Sammy before climbing into the car and being driven away.

  ‘Thank God that’s over,’ she complained.

  Sammy, a true professional and businessman, was irritated by her remark. ‘Don’t forget, Belle, without those people, you would be just another singer!’

  ‘I would never be just another anything!’ she retorted, stung by his sharp tone.

  ‘Don’t come it with me, Belle. Remember I knew you long before you hit the big time, and I’ve seen bigger stars than you fall from that pedestal when they got too big for their boots. I wouldn’t like to see you go the same way.’

  She looked at him sideways and saw the set of his jaw and knew he was angry. No one else knew her as well as he did and no one else would ever get away with talking to her that way. But Sammy and she had travelled the road to success together. ‘I’m just tired,’ she said by way of an excuse.

  On Saturday, as the audience filed in for the last performance, there was a buzz backstage. It was rumoured that a talent scout for a big London producer was in the stalls. Every act was full of nervous tension as they waited their turn to perform. Rob Andrews came into the girls’ dressing room before the show to talk to them.

  ‘Tonight I want you to dance as you never have before,’ he said. ‘Out front is a talent scout and I want him to see you at your best. Look as if you are enjoying yourselves, so smile every moment you’re on stage.’ And he turned on his heel and walked out.

  There was a second of complete silence, then the girls all started talking at once.

  ‘Do you think we’re good enough for a London show?’

  ‘What if he likes us?’

  ‘Maybe he’s only come to see Belle Carlisle.’

  Shirley sat back and saw to her make-up, seemingly untouched by the excitement.

  ‘Aren’t you thrilled?’ Bonny asked her friend.

  Shirley shrugged. ‘Not really. These men are usually looking for a solo act, one that’s a bit different, not the chorus. There’s no one on the bill apart from Belle who would interest him, I wouldn’t think. After all, the jugglers are much of a muchness, and the comedian is nothing special – yes, he gets the laughs, but I’ve seen better.’

  Bonny felt deflated. Rob had worked so hard with the dancers and she thought they were good, thanks to the many hours of practice. But Shirley knew far more than she about such things.

  The show went well and the paying public showed their appreciation at the final curtain. As the dancers, now exhausted after the week, took off their make-up in their dressing room, Rob Andrews was talking to the man they had all been wondering about.

  Bernie Cohen was a short, tubby man with a balding head, who had been in show business all his adult life. Now in his late forties, his nose for fresh talent had not diminished and tonight he had seen a girl who had interested him. ‘I can’t believe that this is her first professional job,’ he told Rob. ‘The girl lives to dance, it shines in her eyes in her every expression. And she’s a natural. I’m sure that you know all this, otherwise you wouldn’t have given her that solo spot.’

  Rob smiled slowly. ‘Quite right. Mind you, she works her socks off so she deserves to be there, but wait until our musical tribute the week after next if you want to really see her potential. I think you’ll be even more surprised.’

  Cohen shook Rob’s hand. ‘I’ll look forward to it, but please, no mention of this conversation. I don’t want to put any pressure on the girl.’

  ‘My lips are sealed,’ promised Rob.

  Unaware that she was of any special interest to anyone, Bonny left the theatre. Belle Carlisle had left sometime before and so the crowd at the stage door had dispersed, apart from one or two eager young men, waiting for their date for the night. As Bonny walked down the steps, the young man who had given her flowers once before stepped forward.

  ‘Miss Burton, good show tonight. I thought your solo dance was great. Congratulations.’

  ‘Why, thank you,’ she said.

  ‘Would you allow me to take you out to dinner one evening?’ He noted her hesitation. ‘I realize you are tired after each performance, so we could make it a Sunday if you would rather. Lunch, if you would prefer?’

  Shyly, she studied the young man. She thought he was in his twenties. With his blonde hair and blue eyes, he looked a gentle sort, and she felt she would be safe with him, but tonight she was exhausted and couldn’t make up her mind. ‘Ask me again sometime and I’ll think about it, but not now.’ And with a smile at her admirer, she walked away.

  The young man stood and watched her, before leaving the theatre in the opposite direction.

  Rob Andrews had watched the two of them as he stood at the top of the stairs, smoking a cigarette. He’d overheard the conversation and frowned as he heard the young man’s invitation. He’d been relieved to hear Bonny’s refusal. If he was to get her to the top of her profession, she’d have little time for personal relationships. He’d learned that himself, the hard way.

  The f
ollowing week was the hardest any of the dancers had known. Rob had worked on several dance routines for the girls to be performed in the new musicals show, and there were long practice sessions as well as their performances in the theatre. But Bonny was in her element when first he told her that she would be doing a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers duet – dancing with him. She looked at him with eyes wide with surprise. ‘We are going to be dancing together?’ She could hardly believe it.

  ‘Yes, you are Ginger and I’m Fred.’

  ‘But they are gods of the dance!’ she exclaimed.

  Rob looked at her and laughed. ‘What’s the matter, Bonny? Don’t you think I’m up to it?’

  She was overcome with embarrassment. ‘Good heavens, no! I was thinking about my not being good enough.’

  ‘If I didn’t think you were, I wouldn’t even think about doing it. You’ll be fine, but we have a lot of work to do. I need you to come in an hour earlier than the others every morning, because we can’t let Mr Astaire down now, can we?’

  ‘Or Miss Rogers, although I have red hair, so I won’t look a bit like her.’

  ‘You’ll be wearing a blonde wig,’ he said, ‘and I’ll have to smooth my hair with Brylcreem, but it will be our feet that will be doing the talking, Bonny.’ He became animated as he told her about the number. ‘I’ll be wearing evening dress, as will the chorus, which will be backing us. You will have a long dress, and we all have to work with canes.’

  ‘That could be a bit tricky,’ Bonny remarked, trying to visualize it all.

  ‘Practice will make us perfect,’ he assured her.

  And practice indeed was what he demanded of them all.

  Bonny showed up early for her first rehearsal with Rob. She couldn’t help feeling nervous, as she was to dance with him. But he put her at her ease as he showed her the opening set of steps. He then told her to take a break as he showed her what the rest of the number would be like, telling her as he danced what she would be doing.