Disclaimer: I don't own Gakuen Alice ):
Chapter 1- The Audition
She could feel the layer of sweat building up on her skin and she was well aware of her sneakers squeaking on the wooden floor as she moved. Still she continued her complicated dance routine that consisted of steps, jumps, flips, popping and locking. She had been rehearsing this one routine for the past 6 months and she was intent on impressing the judges. After all, failing this audition meant failing entrance to the school.
Alice Dance Academy was not just for anyone, she knew that. It was one of the most prestigious dance schools in the world and only accepted the very best students. The academy provided courses in jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop and contemporary, allowing students to develop their potential and hone their skills. These students then went on to become celebrities, dance stars, reputable teachers and dance show hosts. It was no wonder that everyone wanted to gain entry into this dream school.
Her face a mask of concentration, Mikan twisted and glided across the stage, with her hoop earrings swinging wildly. Briefly, she wondered what would happen if all this was for nothing and she wasn't good enough for the judges after all. She continued to pop and lock, stepping and hopping as she went, before spinning on her head and jumping up for three consecutive backflips. Upon the last backflip, she propelled herself through the air and landed silently on the floor, with her legs split at 180'. Staying in the same position, she posed and waited for the music to fade. Mikan held her breath for a good 5 seconds and practiced a composed look before raising her head to look at the judges.
On the right of the table, sat a pretty, blonde-haired lady in a crisp, white blouse and pencil skirt. She had a name tag identifying herself as Serina. Next to her, was a blonde-haired man. He had astonishing, violet eyes and soft, almost feminine features. Dressed in a white shirt with ruffled sleeves, and loose mauve tie, he sat there with his chin propped up on one hand. His tag was labelled Narumi, and when this Narumi guy sent her an impressed smile, Mikan took a liking to him immediately. The man next to Narumi was not as friendly-looking. His tag was neatly pinned to his dark green suit and had bold letters spelling out Prof. Jinno. His body posture was stiff and his face held an impassive look. The stare he was giving almost looked condescending. Someone, obviously needed to go get a life.
Professor Jinno cleared his throat and started to talk, successfully breaking off all thoughts.
"Candidate 24, you want to enter Alice Dance Academy, and from what you've shown us, I believe that you do hip-hop. Yes?"
"Yup."
"Well to pass, you need a score of 18 stars or higher. Each of us judges will give your overall performance a number out of 10. Please be aware that Mr. Narumi, Ms. Serina and I rarely give more than 7 stars. You can expect to find your results in your mail within a week."
Mikan watched as the professor picked up his pen again and produced a clean sheet of paper.
"Now, why do you want to enter the academy?"
The question came out of the blue and Mikan had no idea what to say. People hadn't told her that the audition would include questions.
"Um, lots of reasons. I want to see my best friend again. She goes to your school."
"I was thinking something along the lines of passion and love for dance."
"Right. I knew that. I like dancing."
She watched with interest as a tick appeared on the man's wrinkly forehead.
"And?"
"And I want to go cuz it's free. Best part of the ADA, there's no tuition fee, right?"
The professor took a deep breath before continuing, "Young lady, when you speak to me, you say because not cuz. And may I remind you that the school is not free, we expect students to work hard and produce results in return for offering them education, facilities and necessities. The academy does not require students to pay tuition fees because it receives so many large donations from wealthy ex-students. It was not built with the intention of serving as a home for freeloaders such as yourself."
"...Gee, do you always speak as if you have a stick up your ass?"
There was complete silence, before Narumi and Serina burst out laughing, clutching their stomachs. Jinno turned fifty shades of red and stood up with a shaking finger pointed at the girl.
"GET OUT. NOW."
"Whatever you say Jin-Jin."
More laughter erupted from the two blonde teachers and Mikan smirked as she strolled leisurely to the building exit. It was only after she had passed the doorway did the professor come to his senses and realise what she'd called him.
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.Hi guys!
This is my first story. Tell me if my writing's ok. I've always wanted to write about life in a dance academy. The competitions, the rivalry, the friendships, the teachers, the activities and all that stuff. This is only the beginning so Natsume doesn't appear yet. There'll be heaps of NatsumeMikan in the next few chapters.
Anyways, if you liked what you read or you have cool ideas for the next chapters, please review! No flames, but constructive criticism is welcome :)
-Pretty Aurora Dream