Summary: Kristoff wants to learn how to dance so he could impress Anna at the upcoming winter ball, so Elsa and their friends decide to help him. A post-movie story.
Rated: K
The Dance Lesson
"Steady…. steady we're almost there..." Elsa whispered. She gently picked up the last two cards from off the table and reached for the very top of her impressive three-foot tower of cards.
Seated in a chair to her left, Olaf's eyes were wide as he watched the queen place the final cards. He had never seen a tower made entirely out of cards before, and the way Elsa was stacking each card with such precision amazed Olaf. When the tower started out small and with the bottom foundation, Elsa allowed Olaf to stack a few cards. When the snowman couldn't seem to do that without knocking them all down, Elsa decided to take over while Olaf watched for every slip and twitch. So far the tower remained still, much to Elsa and Olaf's amazement.
"You can do it Elsa. I believe in you!" Olaf whispered while trying not to breathe so hard. One little puff of air and all of Elsa's work would be destroyed.
"Just two more." Elsa breathed.
She took the two cards and gently leaned forward to set them at the top of the tower. Her fingers slightly trembled and her teeth chewed on her bottom lip as Elsa set the two cards on top and leaned them against each other. She held her breathe as they remained still, and she smiled at how they managed to stay.
Perfect.
Elsa moved away from the card tower and took a few delicate steps back. She met Olaf's relieved glance and rubbed her hands together.
"Papa would've been so proud."
Just as Elsa was about to take a few more cautious steps back though, the door to the queen's study suddenly opened. Elsa and Olaf both gasped in horror as the impressive tower began to fall apart, the individual cards fluttering on the table and wooden floor. At the doorway, Kristoff's eyes widened as he watched the tower fall. When he turned to Elsa and Olaf, he was met with two equally disbelieved frowns.
The ice harvester blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry, I probably should've knocked first. Here I'll pick them up."
"No it's okay." Elsa's frown softened as she knelt down and began to pick up the mess. "What brings you here Kristoff? Are you looking for Anna?"
At the mention of his beau, Kristoff's cheeks turned a bright shade of red. He quickly looked over his shoulder and closed the door behind him. Elsa and Olaf exchanged a curious glance as Kristoff began to help them pick up the cards.
"I'm here to talk to you about something…actually it's more of a favor…actually never mind…forget I asked."
Kristoff turned to the queen just in time to see her arch a playful brow. He released a small sigh in defeat and continued with his pick-up. He might as well tell her the truth, since he did come here to ask for Elsa's help.
"You know that winter ball that's right around the corner? The one Anna planned?"
"Ooh the one that's in five days? The one where everyone's coming from near and far and there'll be lots of cakes and chocolate and ice cream and warm hugs? That winter ball?" Olaf asked.
"Yeah that one…well the thing is that I want to make Anna happy and I want her to have a fun time at the ball. She deserves everything." Kristoff said nervously.
Elsa smiled in understanding. She wanted everything for her sister as well. She neatly arranged her pile of cards in her hands. "And?"
Kristoff handed her the cards he picked up. "I want to dance….I mean I want to learn how to dance, because I don't know how and I know Anna loves it."
Olaf giggled. "Awww that's so cute!"
Kristoff though, continued on. "And I don't want to make a fool out of myself for doing all the wrong steps and I know I'd make an even bigger fool if I don't do anything at all so that's why –"
"You want me to teach you how to dance." Elsa finished.
When Kristoff turned to her in surprise, the queen smiled. "I know Anna probably told you that I don't dance, but it's actually one of my favorite things to do. I'd love to help you Kristoff. I think it's really sweet that you decided to do this for Anna. She'll be thrilled when I tell her."
"That's another thing I want to ask you both." Kristoff mentioned, looking from Elsa to Olaf. "I don't want Anna to know about this. I want it to be a surprise."
"Your secret's safe with us." Elsa vowed and pretended to zip her lips. She then turned to Olaf expectantly. The snowman nodded and pretended to zip his own lips as well.
"Thanks guys." Kristoff grinned as the three of them stood up from the floor. There were no more cards to pick up and when Elsa looked at the clock she noted that it was almost time for lunch.
"I'm sure Anna's already waiting for us at the dining hall. We'll start lessons tonight when Anna's asleep. Meet me at the ballroom ten past nine."
"I'll be there." Kristoff vowed.
True to his word, Kristoff met Elsa, Olaf, and Sven in the ballroom after nine. His friends had kept their promise and did not reveal anything to Anna during lunch, dinner, or their time together in the library afterward. And fortunately for them, Anna had not suspected anything. She chattered all about her time in the village, trying out Oaken's new lingonberry muffins, and doing a one-girl puppet show at the schoolhouse. By the time it struck nine, Anna stood up and bided Elsa goodnight.
Now with her sister asleep, Elsa thought it would be the best time to teach Kristoff how to dance. She slowly closed the doors behind her and led Kristoff to the center of the ballroom. Olaf and Sven sat nearby and watched them.
"Okay so before we begin to dance, let's go over some proper etiquette." Elsa suggested.
Kristoff frowned. "Etiquette?"
"Yes etiquette." Elsa said with a nod. "This isn't going to be an ice harvesters' party where everyone is going to sing and drink and curse good tidings at each other."
"Uh we don't do that." Kristoff assured her.
"There'll be dignitaries and royals from other kingdoms, and they will all be expecting a well-behaved gentleman who doesn't pick his nose and eat with his mouth open." Elsa insisted with a giggle.
"And smell like a reindeer." Kristoff turned around and scowled at Sven, who innocently batted his eyelashes in response.
Beside him, Olaf chuckled and patted the reindeer on the back. "Oh stop teasing him Sven."
"Well luckily for you Kristoff right now I'm just going to teach you how to approach and ask a girl for a dance. So let's pretend that I'm Anna. It's the night of the ball and I'm already here. You just came into the room and see me standing close by." Elsa explained.
"Ooh I have something I wanna say." Olaf pointed out.
"Yes Olaf?"
"Anna wouldn't be 'just standing'. She'd be at the buffet table and trying all the delicious desserts." Olaf explained as Sven nodded in agreement.
Elsa rolled her eyes with a small smile and pretended to eat a truffle. "Okay so I'm standing by the buffet table and eating a truffle. What should you do Kristoff?"
Kristoff straightened and swallowed down his sudden nervousness. What was he worrying about? This was Elsa, not Anna. "I should go up to you."
Elsa continued to eat an imaginary truffle as Kristoff approached her and cleared his throat. "Excuse me."
The queen turned around and smiled at the young man. "Oh hi Kristoff! Great party isn't it?" she asked in a high and excited voice that matched her sister's.
"Yup that's definitely Anna." Olaf whispered to Sven.
"It's great." Kristoff answered and tugged at his shirt collar. "I was wondering um if you….you'd like to go to…I mean dance!"
Elsa could not help but giggle at the ice harvester's jittery gestures. "Of course I'd love to dance with you Kristoff."
Kristoff held out his hand and Elsa took it with a polite smile. She then allowed Kristoff to lead her to a spot on the floor and they both turned to face each other.
"Relax." Elsa encouraged gently. "Anna's not going to laugh or make fun of you. So now that we're on the dance floor, let's get into position."
Elsa took two steps forward and closed the space between them. She then took Kristoff's left hand into her right one and made sure their palms faced each other. Holding onto Kristoff's hand, Elsa used her other hand to set Kristoff's right hand to her shoulder blade. Smiling, Elsa placed her right hand on Kristoff's broad shoulder.
"This is how to get into position. Just remember that you take Anna's right hand into your left hand and place your right hand onto Anna's back or waist. And Anna needs to set her right hand on your shoulder."
"Wow that's a lot to remember." Olaf admitted.
"No kidding." Kristoff agreed.
"You'll get used to it, and I'm sure that even if you forget, Anna will guide you through." Elsa insisted. "Okay so that that we're in position, I'm going to step away and you're going to hold your position. That means that you're just going to keep your hands held out and your posture straight. Just pretend Anna is standing in front of you."
Elsa released her grip on Kristoff's hands and took a few steps back. Kristoff remained still and frowning awkwardly as he held his position, his arms held up and his posture straight.
"So now what?" he asked.
"I moved back so we can start to learn the basic box step. I think that this dance move is best learned alone first. Watch my feet as I do it."
Elsa straightened and raised her arms into position. Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven watched the queen as she began to dance. Her steps were light and Elsa counted steadily with each step she took. Kristoff had to admit that she looked more confident than he felt.
"One two three, one two three. See what I'm doing? I'm controlling my steps." Elsa said as she danced with an imaginary partner.
Kristoff nodded as he watched her feet glide across the floor. "Your feet are stepping in a box."
"That's right." Elsa nodded and stopped her dance. She dropped her arms and smiled at the ice harvester. "Are you ready to try it now?"
Kristoff nodded, feeling a little nervous once more. "Yes."
"Let's get into position again." Elsa instructed and lifted her arms.
Kristoff followed her lead and Elsa began to dance and count her steps once more. As she did that, Kristoff bit down on his bottom lip and began to follow her movements. Unlike Elsa's graceful sweeps and glides, Kristoff's was clumsy and out of order. He tried to match Elsa's moves but he kept getting lost in the counting and steps, and the more he tried, the more confused and agitated he became. At this rate he doubted he was going to be a good dancer on the night of the ball.
"You're doing great!" Olaf said as he and Sven watched their friend step and hop as though he was stepping on hot coals.
"No I'm not! I feel ridiculous." Kristoff exclaimed and stopped his dancing. He dropped his hands and shook his head. "I can't do it."
"Don't say that! It takes practice." Elsa assured him. She stopped dancing and approached him. "You can't learn how to dance in just one night."
"Elsa's right. We still got one...two...three...four...five days before the winter ball." Olaf added with a warm smile.
Kristoff looked at Olaf and then at the queen. He still had his doubts, yet he knew his best friends were right. He was not going to become the best dancer after just one lesson, and truth to be told he was never going to learn if he gave up. He was doing this for Anna. Kristoff silently turned to Sven, who reached out and nudged his friend's arm with his soft nose.
Elsa and Olaf looked at each other, worried that Kristoff was going to give up and walk out when the ice harvester lifted his arms up into the air.
"Can you show me the steps again? But at a slower pace?"
Elsa grinned wide and lifted her arms. Nearby, Olaf bounced up on his feet as well and tried to lift his arms up. Elsa noticed his attempts and laughed.
"Let's start from the beginning." she suggested.
For the next four nights Elsa, Olaf, and Sven helped Kristoff learn how to dance. After teaching him how to dance on his own, Elsa stepped in and the two of them began to dance together in the traditional waltz. The first attempts were a bit clumsy and awkward as Kristoff stepped on Elsa's toes a handful of times and stumbled on his feet. He did not give up though, and by the third night he was waltzing along the floor with a proud Elsa.
On the last night, after they rehearsed their formal meeting and danced through an entire waltz, the four friends sat on the ballroom floor with mugs of hot chocolate in their hands (with the exception of Sven, who had a plate of carrots). All around them the ballroom was decorated in silver and blue for the ball. Snowflakes of different sizes and patterns were draped on the walls and the buffet table was covered with a sparkling light blue tablecloth embroidered with small snowflakes.
"So this is it." Olaf sighed contently as he admired the room.
"Tomorrow night's the ball." Elsa nodded and turned to Kristoff. "Are you ready?"
Olaf and Sven turned to him as well, and Kristoff smiled as he set down his mug on the neatly polished floor. "Yeah, I think I am. Thanks guys, for everything."
"You were the one who didn't give up on yourself." Elsa insisted. "Tomorrow is going to be amazing. I know that you and Anna will have the time of your lives."
Kristoff turned to the window and noted the falling snow. "I hope so."
"You know what? I think what you need is a big warm hug to boost some confidence in ya." Olaf decided. He stood up and waddled over to Kristoff. Before Kristoff could respond, the snowman was already hugging him tight.
Touched, Kristoff grinned and returned Olaf's hug just as Elsa and Sven happily approached them and joined in the embrace.
On the evening of the winter ball, Kristoff stood outside the opened ballroom doors. He could hear different voices mixed with joyful music and laughter from inside the ballroom, and he could not help but feel worried. He pulled at the cuff of his dark blue jacket and stroked down his ascot.
This was it.
"Are you ready?"
Kristoff looked down and saw Olaf walk up to him. Like everyone else in the palace, the snowman was nicely dressed for the ball in a dark blue bowtie. Kristoff looked back into the ballroom just in time to see Anna skip over to Elsa at the buffet table. His eyes followed her moves and Kristoff could not help but think of how beautiful Anna looked in her merlot and gold-trimmed gown. Her hair was arranged in a half-do and adorned with a ribbon that matched her dress. Standing beside her, Elsa looked regal in a dark purple gown that showed her royal status.
As Anna looked at the different desserts on the table, Elsa turned to the doors and caught Kristoff's glance. She smiled and nodded to the oblivious Anna.
"Just go in." Olaf whispered.
Kristoff nodded and straightened his shoulders. He could do this. Elsa had already lured Anna to the buffet table, and now it was his turn to make his move.
"Go get her!" Olaf cheered as Kristoff lifted his chin and stepped into the ballroom.
The room that was once empty except for him and his friends was now full with mingling royal and dignitaries. Women wearing large beautiful gowns and jewelry complimented each other while their male companions sipped champagne from tall crystal flutes and conversed with each other, the medals and ribbons on their suits and jackets flickering and gleaming. The lingering aroma of chocolate filled the air and the band was preparing for the next song that Kristoff knew was selected by Elsa for his and Anna's dance. He could feel a few pairs of eyes on him as Kristoff made his way through the crowd and to the buffet table.
Noticing him, Elsa smiled and stopped her sentence midway. The musicians were just beginning to play the winter waltz as Kristoff approached the sisters and stopped before Anna. He cleared his throat loudly, prompting the princess to turn around.
Anna's eyes widened and she swore her mouth would've dropped had it not been stuffed with krumkake. Elsa noted her sister's gaze and smiled.
"I'll leave you two alone." she decided. And with nothing more to say, Elsa turned and approached a dignitary who stood alone by the wall.
Anna swallowed down her pastry. "Hi Kristoff! Wow you look so handsome….I mean good-looking…I mean…" she babbled, her cheeks growing as red as her gown.
Kristoff could not help but chuckle at her stuttering. He remembered Elsa's advice and bent low to his waist in a proper bow. "You look really beautiful tonight Anna."
Whoa okay who is this man and what had he done to Kristoff? Anna thought as she watched Kristoff straighten. She smiled and dipped into a curtsey. "Thank you, and what I meant to say was that you look really nice."
"Would you care to join me for a dance?" Kristoff asked and held out his hand.
Anna's smile broadened as she nodded and placed her hand into Kristoff's large one. She allowed Kristoff to lead her to a spot on the ballroom floor that was not occupied. As he took Anna's hand into his own and placed his other hand on her waist, Kristoff could sense Elsa and Olaf watching him from nearby.
Relax. Just think about Anna.
Looking down at his princess, Kristoff smiled and they began to dance. Anna giggled in glee as they swept along the floor together. Around them, a few dignitaries and royals turned and smiled their way as Anna and Kristoff danced by them. As they passed Elsa and Olaf, Kristoff turned and met their smiling gazes. In his arms, Anna was truly having the time of her life. She had never thought dancing with Kristoff would be this wonderful. He did not stumble once nor step on her toes. When he dipped her it was swift and there was even a moment when Kristoff gripped her waist and twirled her in a surprise circle in the air.
By the end of the song, Anna's cheeks were rosy and her smile was so large she feared her face would crack. The room was filled with applause at the musicians, and the guests had stopped to once again mingle with each other.
"That was amazing." Anna whispered as she and Kristoff returned to the buffet table for a glass of punch.
Kristoff grinned happily. "You think so? I…learned it all for you."
Anna returned his smile as she handed him a glass of punch. "Thank you Kristoff. I haven't danced like that since Prince Jerkface swept me off my feet at Elsa's coronation. It was perfect. You're perfect."
Kristoff set down his glass and pulled Anna close to him. "Not as perfect as you." he admitted and kissed her on the lips.
Anna closed her eyes and happily returned his kiss. Her free hand moved up to his jacket lapel to pull him close and deepen their kiss when she suddenly heard someone clear her throat behind her.
The princess and ice harvester pulled apart and turned to see a grinning Elsa standing before them. The queen lifted her flute and gestured to the band, who were getting their instruments ready for the new song.
"I believe we have another dance coming up, and I was going to ask my sister to be my partner when I noticed she found someone better."
"I promise you the next one sis." Anna offered with a wink. She then turned to Kristoff, who already gripped her hand to lead her to the dance floor.
As he allowed Anna to lead him on the dance floor, Kristoff turned back and met Elsa's smile. A few moments later Olaf appeared and stood beside her. Stopping on the floor, Kristoff turned and faced Anna, unsure if he could feel anymore happy and proud at that moment.
If there was one thing Kristoff was thankful for, it was his best friends.
Thank you for reading and until next time!