Page 170 of Dance of Devils
Right.
“I wanted to bring it to your attention that we have a guest with us today.”
She gestures to the back of the room, and when I turn, I’m surprised to notice a new girl standing there who I’ve never seen before.
“Inessa Moskovic. She’s visiting New York right now, and I was happy to invite her to work with us today. Inessa has previously danced for the Royal Ballet in London, as well as Teatro dell’Aurora in Florence.”
Fuck.
Those are twoseriouslyimpressive companies, and she looks younger than me.
Madame doesn’t waste any more time. We immediately split up into groups and get back to work. I occasionally glance over to the new girl, and it’s everything I can do not to stare.
“She’sreallyfucking good,” Naomi sighs, stretching at the barre next to me.
“I thought you’d vanquished that imposter syndrome?” I tease her.
She rolls her eyes. “Ihave. Well…” A blush tinges her cheeks. “Nico helped.”
I grin before turning to watch Inessa again.
“Holy shit,” Naomi whistles. “That resume? Are you fucking kidding me?”
“I mean,look at her,” Lyra adds. “Her line isflawless. And I’m pretty sure shejustlearned that choreography like ten minutes ago.”
Madame barks at us to stop staring and get back to work. An hour later, when we've regrouped, I find myself dancing right next to Inessa.
“Hey…sorry to bother you…”
I pause mid-turn, stopping to glance at her with a smile. “Oh, no bother at all.” I exhale, rolling my shoulders. “I could use the breather,” I grin.
She smiles back. “Inessa, hi.”
“Hey,” I shake her hand. “Brooklyn.”
She frowns. “Do you think you could show me how you’re moving into thepenchéout of thegrand jeté en tournant? I've never had choreography where I had to do that, and I can’t for the life of me figure it out.”
I stare at her. “Really?”
Her face falls. “Yeah… I don’t know why I’m having so much trouble?—”
“Oh! No!” I laugh. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. I just meant, you’reincredible. We’ve all been staring at you all day. I’m shocked you needmyhelp.”
She smiles. “Are you serious?” She shakes her head. “Guess we all have imposter syndrome.” I frown in confusion, and she laughs lightly. “Brooklyn, you’reextremelytalented. I’ve been lowkey watching you dance all day. You’resofucking good.”
Heat rushes into my face. “I…am bad at taking compliments.”
She laughs. “Join the club.”
“Here,” I smile. “I'll show you how I’m sticking thepenché. Use your core and your inner thigh.”
I go through the movement a few times, showing her how I land it. Admittedly, it's a pretty tricky and weird transition.
“Oh my God,thank you,” she sighs. “That was going to drive me nuts.”
I grin. “No problem. How long are you in New York?”
“A couple of weeks. My dad is finishing up some business here and then moving back to Russia.” She smiles sadly. “I love New York City, but I’m not sure when I’ll be coming back.”
