This chapter is focusing on Helga trying out for dance. I didn't go into great details about the process but the most important points. Thank you, everyone, for reading.
Helga, in the entrance of the old gym the school hardly used, felt deep-sea anxiety. It's spacious, but also kind of on the stifling side, the high ceiling fans doing little to offer a breeze. Upon entering, she's handed a packet which was full of documents and rules. Going further inside, several girls in attendance, ready to try out. Observing their clothes and over appearance, she felt completely out-of-place.
Whether to flight or fight was her inner battle. Half of her wanted to run to the door; the other half wanted to find a space of happiness for herself. Since, in her mind, Arnold made it clear he didn't want her in his.
Eyes were moving up and down her, taking in her boyish attire. I'm surrounded. She continued her stride towards an empty spot to sit down.
Before she could, she heard the voice girl she considered a rival. Over the years, her animosity simmered, now she looks at her as just another face in the class. "Hello, Helga, what are you doing here?"
I'm here to take care of the big cockroach problem. What does it look like I'm doing here?
Helga focused her thoughts on her polar opposite.
Okay, Helga ole girl, try to be nice. Or at least civil because you know Miss Perfect will make it all the way. She gets everything, doesn't she? So if you manage to get in, you will have to work with her. Be cordial.
She sucked in a deep breath. "Oh... Hi, Lila, you see, I'm here because-"
Lila brightened more at Helga's athletic outfit. "You're trying out too? Sorry, I didn't expect you to want to join, but I think, that's ever so splendid Helga. I hope we both get in and we can spend lots of time together. It'll be fun! Best of luck to you!" She pranced off before Helga could give a proper response or reaction.
The idea of listening to her ever so's, and her recycled cow jokes weren't what she considered a fun time. Oh, that sounds ever so peachy.
Now standing alone again and under some judgmental stares. Helga's face slacked and blanked for a second. She couldn't allow being the center of attention in a negative way to force her confidence down. Instead, she bristled and scowled at them, and they flinched and looked away. Helga folded her arms and smiled proudly.
Yeah, I can handle these dips.
Two women entered and all the girls sat down on the floor. The woman that began to speak was tall, curvy with a dark complexion and long braids. "If I could please have your attention, please young ladies. My name is Mrs. Johnson, and I will be your instructor along with Mrs. Smith. We will start off the tryouts with taking you through the beginning stage choreography. We will use different forms of dance to keep our performances excitable. Now, as for tryouts, there will be two clinics as you have read on the information package."
Mrs. Smith, a short woman with a slender frame, curly red hair stepped forward. "You will need the permission slips filled out by your parents or guardians. Along with the fee and medical information; included in your folders." She pulled out another paper. "Let's go over attire and required skills. Mrs. Johnson and I are flexible with practice clothing, as long as they aren't baggy." Helga noticed eyes on her. "Clothing has to be fitted to the body. You are free to wear leotards, dance pants, tank tops, or fitted T-shirts. You can wear tennis shoes, jazz or ballet shoes or socks. If we are doing a particular style that requires a specific type of shoe, we will let you know beforehand. Hair must be off the face, no jewelry and no gum chewing."
Mrs. Johnson took over again. "For this dance team, we are looking for distinct personality and physical traits. Most of all, you need to have an enthusiastic, positive attitude and a willingness to work hard. Be a team player and a willingness to get along with others."
Helga slouched over. HA! That's it, folks, I'm out...
"You will need to complete high kicks, right and left splits, toe touches, leaps, and turns."
She perked up. I can do all that junk ... even if I am a bit clumsy.
"Scores for these tryouts are based on presentation and showmanship, technique, precision, and memory. Also, rhythm, execution, discipline, attendance and grades. Now everyone was given a packet, if you open it, you will see a number. The number is the section you belong to for the course of these tryouts. There are four sections. Each will learn choreography and execute it to the best of your abilities. At the end of the trials, 12 young ladies will be selected by the end. Good luck."
Helga sat with her group and watched the others take their turns.
When called to begin, she felt her nerves tingling uncontrollably.
Helga tried her hardest to follow along, but her arms and legs shook; making it difficult to exude with accuracy. Doing an ungainly spin, she nearly knocked down another girl and stepped on some toes.
Criminy, this is a disaster! I'm going to kill Phoebe! She took a breath.
Okay, you must save face, snap out of it!
Mrs. Johnson stopped the music and giving some pointers. Helga had finally been able to block off the idea of being watched. All she could hear was the heavy beat to the music. So when the instructor gave their cue, she executed the steps and fluidity of a skilled dancer.
Once over, Helga snapped back to reality. She'd gotten lost in the music and the choreography for those last few minutes.
Both instructors at the table in front taking notes while observing the girls as well. Helga wiped her brow with a towel and plotted down on the floor by herself. Waiting to be dismissed, she couldn't help but hear a comment directed her way.
"I think we can all agree who won't be making it; she was atrocious."
Helga's skin heated up at the feeling of eyes on her. Stay calm, woosa Helga, woosa. Her muscles tensed, but she bit her tongue.
"Sheila, I think she turned out fantastic by the end." The genuine compliment took her by surprise. She took a peek at the girl who had a refined appearance and was a highly skilled dancer.
Wow, if this girl she thinks I'm amazing, I might have a crack at this.
Lila smiled. "I agree with Kayla. In the beginning, she was nervous as we all were, we just express it differently. Once she relaxed and felt more confident, her dancing improved oh so tremendously. Simply knowing how to move properly can only take you so far. I'm ever so sure the girls who are selected will have a supportive personality. Don't you girls agree?"
"Yes, that's true."
"Right," Sheila said with her lip curling up in disdain.
Okay, I still am no fan of Lila's Howdy Doody overly perfect personality. But, I guess she isn't so bad, and maybe not all these other girls are so bad.
The next tryout went even better. As far as Helga's ability to switch off her fears and allow her talents to shine. She surprised herself with the way her feet glided on the floor with great ease and grace. She bubbled with self-actualization while leaving the gymnasium and heading home.
"Helga, you haven't said a word about your tryouts. How was everything?"
She took the bowl of popcorn from Phoebe with a neutral presence. "Better than expected."
Phoebe's eyes lit up. "I'm happy to hear that. Do you think you'll make it?"
"Don't know." She sighed, and her mind replayed everything. "I'm not the most um ... coordinated girl in the bunch and not the most feminine. So who knows." Scowling down at the bowl in her lap, she glanced at Phoebe. "And it's not like I'd care if I don't. It's only a stupid prissy dance thing."
Phoebe knew her uncaring attitude was her way of protecting herself. And keeping herself from getting her hopes up to only be crushed. "Right, Helga, but I do believe you downplay your abilities. You've studied ballet for many years, and when I once saw you dance, you were excellent."
"That was a long time ago."
"It doesn't matter; you still have the know-how."
"Eh, we'll see." Helga stuffed inside the bowl and took out a handful of popcorn to pour into her mouth.
The following Monday is when everything is announced. In the same gym room, on a bulletin board posted.
Walking with a hard stride down the hallway, she groaned at hearing her name called. "Aye! Helga! Where have you been? You've been missing in action at Gerald field! What gives?!"
"Yeah Helga, we need ya out there."
Helga took in all the boys standing in front of her staring; even Arnold was there in the back next to Gerald. "None of your fat business pig boy! I plan on being busy, too busy to play your lame-o games! Now move outta my way you dopes, I got places to go!" She scowled and shoved through them roughly.
"I outta pound you Helga!"
"Please don't hurt me."
"Dang Helga, you sure are one healthy girl."
"Aye Pataki, watch the hair."
"H-Hi, Helga."
Moving around Arnold, she thought she heard him sigh in defeat and guilt. Being too caught up in her determined stride she didn't give it a second thought.
She cackled at their groans. "Sorry, no time for pleasantries boys..."
She entered the gym where the list was put up. Moaning at the sight of the crowd, she pushed through the herd of girls.
Her finger glides down the names and her eyes become saucers at the sight of her name she spots five down. Holy bleep I made it!
Turning around with a proud yet shocked smile, she encounters a sneer. "How did senorita klutz make it and not me?"
"Pity selection. You know Sheila, how every group of beautiful girls needs one inferior in the bunch?"
"Or it could be favoritism like maybe she knows one of the teachers."
Helga cleared her voice. "Or," Helga quirked a brow once she had their attention. "It could be because Helga G. Pataki is a boss ... Better luck next time kid."
Lila smiled knowingly. "Congratulations Helga, we're going to be partners!"
Oh goody! She sighed at herself. Be polite. "Thanks, congrats."
After giving the proper news to Phoebe, she had her mother fill out the forms, which took an hour-long process. Then, snuggled into her bed. After mentally reflecting on everything, a smile curved on her face. And she reached into her nightstand to retrieve her diary and purple pen. For the first time in several days and what felt like an eternity, she began to write.