Just two more chapters-this one and the next and the story will be finished. I am starting the sequel. PLEASE REVIEW and also since some of my readers do not like the idea of a Link/Crystal coupling in the sequel- I also have that as a poll. So vote! I am considering one other coupling for Crystal. One of the council members who had a bigger part in the old Hairspray than he did in the new one. How about Crystal/Fender?

Part IV, Chapter one, Auditions and Questions

In early January, the auditions for the Corny Collins council revved up yet again. I had lived in Baltimore for four months. On Tuesday, guys were auditioning and Wednesday, the girls. Not every audition gave a council member.

I knew you have to be a great dancer and a "fair" singer. Tracy told me since you often sing in a group; there would be no "singing auditions."

Tracy said,

"Good-luck."

We had to demonstrate dances-they picked three of us to do.

Shelly said,

"Show me the Cha-cha."

I found that one simple and demonstrated it well. Some girls fumbled and failed to get the feet in place.

The council members wrote notes on how they did. Next, came the Pony, and like a competition, if you make a mistake, you're out.

Out of the ten girls auditioning, already six had been eliminated. Then, came the Mashed Potato-a dance that is difficult for most because of the steps, but it takes practice to do well.

I remember after Friend Day-the first day I was in Baltimore. I asked Tracy how she became such a good dancer with no "professional" experience prior to the show.

She said,

"I practiced a lot. I watched the Corny Collins show everyday and learned the dances."

Then, there were three girls left.

I had a one in three chance to get on the show.

They began the "interview" process. When it was my turn, Shelly, Amber's friend asked,

"Have you ever had any kind of surgery to change your body?"

Amber's friends were asking mean, personal questions because they wanted their friend here and wanted me to break down.

I answered,

"No, my body is real and I've never had any surgery."
Then, Shelly asked,

"Are you a virgin? Have you gone steady before?"
Corny finally said,

"You two are out of line. Stop askin' personal questions."

I replied,

"I haven't gone steady with a guy if that's what you mean."
Corny was surprised how I handled Tammy and Shelly's "mean questions."

Corny asked,

"How do you feel about the recent integration in Society, more recently here?"
"I believe that it was great to integrate as segregation was outlawed. San Diego was one of the first. Finally, here, you have great integrated dances and shows."

I knew my answer was smart ad I saw the council members smile and agree.

The next day, I found out. There was a short list post on the door:

The new council members

Mark

Crystal

"Tracy, I did it. I made the show! So, that guy who made it will be my partner when we do partner dancing."

"Yes."
"Are you ready?"
"Yes, I am."

Then, I remember something,

"Tracy, what should I wear for the show tomorrow?"

"Wear a nice dress. Not formal. Just like the other girls. However, a skirt and a nice blouse will do for you. Your parents-they give you money. How much?"
"I have eighty dollars saved. I get five dollars a week."
"Maybe this weekend you can go clothes shopping."
"I really hate clothes shopping. I have a problem finding clothes that fit me right because I am five seven and big boned."

"Okay, changing the subject. Amber gets to everyone and you have a lot of guts standin' up to her. My opinion is that almost everyone doesn't know what to do with her. No one teases her."
"She's gone," I began, "but I think for the first time, she's learning it's not about her. Honestly, her mother taught her to cheat. She's learning to think. You have to work for what she wants."

"Will your family let you compete in Miss Teenage Hairspray 1963?"

"Yes, they will and see me perform."

"That's a smart idea an' I was never part of a pageant idea."

"When I was young, they wanted me to do pageants. That's why I've done singing and dancing lessons. However, in middle school, I discovered I liked theatre. They asked me if I worked hard, I could be on Broadway. So. I began the training."
"Be ready for tomorrow."
"I will."