Well, we're getting to the dance off in this chapter. And it will have an interesting result.


Chapter 16: The Dance-off

"Now," the announcer said, "the dance-off will begin at nine-fifteen p.m. That is 30 minutes to prepare any routine you want. You cannot do a dance you've already done. For example, since you both did the Jive in group, you cannot do that."

I thought,

Good. I've done Salsa and Swing. Amanda's done Salsa and Tango. Neither of us can do Salsa.

My coach said,

"That's so memorable-even though there's a guarantee. We're going to Nationals. In your old tow in just two weeks from today."

"Which dance are we going to do?"

"Either the Paso doble or the tango. Those are crowd pleasers, but we only have 25 minutes to decide. An' there's one of your favorites-a jazz dance."
What would win us this competition? I mean, even though we hadn't done too much or either, we could go for it. I enjoyed performing and taking a chance. That's what I needed to do. After all, I didn't get here from being "safe" and "boring." I took a chance entering these competitions. If Amanda thought I didn't have a perfect partner, I needed to show her. I didn't want to lose to a bitch.

"We're stepping out of our box. We came to win. Let's do the Paso Doble."

"Taking a chance?" my coach asked.

"We have to think of some performance routine. Let's add our own flair, Fender."

We practiced for the remainder of the time and our dance coach then gave the officials our choices for music and dance.

The announcer said,

"Will the two dance-off contenders please take the floor?"\

"It's time to show 'em," I told Fender.

Fender and I headed to the floor. The head judge said,

"You have five minutes to perform the dance of your choice. It will be a performance similar to your second dance."

"All right," the announcer said, "at random-Amanda will go first. So, Crystal, step-off the stage."

Amanda performed one of my favorite dances-a swing dance. I knew she was doing that on purpose.

Fender said,

"We've come too far to quit and even you know that, Amber."

Amber had sat with our "support group" because she decided that I had been right-I had been right working for what you want.

Amanda's dance pleased the judges.

The announcer said,

"We will give you your score immediately after your performance. A possible hundred from each judge-meaning for a hundred points total. Second, the previous scores will not count in the dance-off."

The first judge, the head judge, said,

"I give Amanda and Benjamin at 98."
The second judge said,

"I give Amanda and Benjamin at 98 as well."

The third remarked,

"Excellent performance-99!"

The final judge said,

"I give the performance a hundred!"
The announcer said,

"Crystal beat a 395 to win."

Fender told me,

"Amanda set the bar high."
My coach said,

"I've never had a girl qualify for state or in Nationals in fifteen years."

"And our second finalist couple-Crystal and Fender performing the Paso Doble."

Once again, we took our spots. The music began.

I suddenly felt a huge adrenaline rush and began to dance like a professional. I had been viewed in some sense to be awkward, but I could dance without. Fender and I were serving up a big plate of dance. Now it wasn't just about beating Amanda anymore. At that moment, I knew. Then, I posed in a finishing stance with Fender.

There was a loud applause and would the judges notice the skill I had in several types of dances. At this time, it was already getting late-already ten. We had arrived here at 8 in the morning. I just wanted to win and then get some rest for the coming National.

The first judge, the head one said,

"You two both are obviously performers. Technically, it did look like you were stepping out of your comfort zone. I enjoyed your artistic style and it was great technically. I give you a 99."

The second judge asked,

"How long have you been doing this?"

I answered,

"I have been doing ballroom dancing for years. Since I was six. 12 years of it."

"You have a lot of talent for someone young. I agree with out lead judge-99!"

The third judge said,

"Between you and Amanda, you're a better performer. She's more technical, even if she was the state champion last year. I'd choose you as the winner, if there were one judge. 100!"

The announcer said,

"Crystal needs a 97 or better on the last judge to be our state champion."

The judge said,

"Crystal, Fender, this has been an amazing performance. You had to overcome being the youngest. I will reward a 99."

"Oh my god," I said.

The announcer said,

"Our gold medallist, Crystal and Fender!"

I beat Amanda, the defending state champion.

They gave Fender and I a gold medal and we stood on the podium. Poor Amanda had to satisfy with second place!

Arriving home, I said good-bye to Fender for the night.

My aunt said,

"Crystal, I am proud of you."
Tracy added,

"You did it-you won state. You're not just the best dancer in all of Baltimore or in the council, but in Maryland!"

"Fender helped. If it wasn't for him, I'd probably not go to Nationals."

"Yes."
And so, I fell asleep, knowing the next step.