Marie peeked out behind the large, red curtain that separated her from her fears. Her extravagant costume dress suddenly seemed too tight as if it were slowly suffocating her, depriving her of the sweet oxygen.

The crowd beyond were mingling with each other, anticipating the introduction act, which would be danced by her of course.

"Hurry up!" Vite! Vite!, her teacher, Madame Marseille, said.

For the first time that evening, Marie noticed the other girls, the other dancers who were just as nervous as she. She smiled weakly at Rebecca, a much younger girl who wore the face of confidence. Marie thought it was naive.

The eighteen girls ran in formation for the introductory act of Swan Lake, with Marie in the front and center.

Before the curtain rose, she looked over her shoulder but Madame Marseille was no longer visible.

This is it, she thought and took a deep breath.

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Author guidance for This story

A young woman, Marie, is sixteen years old. She's been taking ballet lessons since she could walk and has always been entranced with it. In the opening scene, she's getting ready to dance her most important dance- the one the recruiters will be watching.

That's all I have so far and even some of that was off the top of my head. I'll randomly add to this as time goes on. Everyone needs something to keep them sane. ;)

Any suggestions, helpful hints, or just random thoughts are helpful and appreciated.

Thanks in advance. :D

updated Jan 25 '10 by anonymouskitten