The Dance Of Changes - Part 15

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Our dress rehearsal on Friday evening went according to plan. Mum and David both came along, and Mum helped me to put on the long cream dress and make the finishing touches to my hair. We then performed our Viennese Waltz, this time incorporating the spin that we intended to tack on to the end of the dance. Executing a fast quadruple spin without getting giddy was no easy task, especially while wearing somewhat higher heels than I'd grown used to at work, but I'd always been taught to dance on the balls of my feet and was getting used to the higher heels. Mum and David were enthusiastic about our efforts, although they also made a couple of last-minute suggestions. I then did a quick change into the purple and gold dress for Quickstep, which also went to plan. Once again, there was a mixture of congratulation coupled with a couple of minor suggestions from our audience.

'OK. I think we're all set for tomorrow,' announced Alan after we'd performed it for a second time.

Then, turning to my mother, he said: 'David and I were wondering whether you and your daughter would like to come out for a meal after the demonstration tomorrow evening, Mrs. Williams. I haven't thanked you properly for giving me that suit belonging to your late husband.'

'I'm sure that we would both love to go,' said Mum, without even consulting me, 'and do, please call me Jean.'

There was a perceptible difference in the way that Alan and I were received for our second demonstration compared to the first. Two weeks before, there had been a degree of doubt about the wisdom of our dancing together and of my role in particular, but now we'd proved ourselves in one successful demonstration, and this had been confirmed during a couple of subsequent rehearsals. We were therefore accepted as the principal representatives of the society and accorded respect as such.

I'd arrived at the venue, together with Mum, an hour before Alan and David, as it would inevitably take me longer to get ready. I was whisked off to the ladies changing room, where Joan proceeded to remove my breast forms and check that all was well before carefully re-attaching them. She also inspected my hair, nails, and earlobes and declared herself happy with them.

'Congratulations, Michelle, my efforts haven't been in vain,' she said.

'Thanks in part to Mum.' I said.

'Would it be safe for us to replace those studs with proper earrings?' asked Mum. 'I've brought along some crystal drops just in case.'

(As a rule, dancers don't wear a lot of jewelry as it can get in the way, but lovely earrings were the one exception.)

'I'll put them in for you if you wish,' replied Joan. 'But once I have done so, it may be wise to leave them in place for a few more days just to make sure.'

'Go ahead then,' I replied. 'Crystal drop earrings should look alright with both of my dresses today and won't look out of place when I go into work next week.'

Once my new earrings were successfully in place, and she had sprayed on some antiseptic, Joan was happy to leave me in Mum's capable hands to finish my hair and makeup and get dressed while she helped some of the other lady dancers to get ready. Mum brushed my hair up and back to form a neat ponytail held by a band and then proceeded to thread it through a sock with the toes cut off and rolled up to create a soft doughnut shape. Once this was in place. Mum spread my hair around it and pinned it into place to create a tidy bun that would keep my hair out of my face while dancing and not be a distraction either to me or the audience. She finished it off by inserting a few hairpins with crystal tips that would sparkle in the light to match my earrings and the embroidery on the bodice of my dress.

Mum put somewhat more makeup on me than I was used to wearing for work, but I realized that it would be necessary because of the strong lights. Then she helped me to put on the long cream dress and shoes and attach the arm and wrist bands for the four floats.

'How are the shoes, Michelle?' she asked.

'OK, I feel much more confident wearing high heels these days.'

'Good, now remember everything I have told you.'

Sarah arrived ten minutes before we were scheduled to start, just to check that all was well.

'Wow, Michelle, you look so lovely in that dress. I'm so glad that we enlisted your mother's help.'

'Me too,' I said, smiling, and then made my way with the other ladies to where our partners were waiting for us.

There is not a lot more I can say about our Viennese Waltz that I have not already said. We waited for the plaintive sound of the trumpet solo at the start of' The Godfather' to begin our waltz. We danced well – in fact, everybody danced well - and the fast pivot turns executed by Alan and I at the end secured us all a standing ovation. But unfortunately, I wasn't able to listen to all the compliments forthcoming, for as soon as the applause had died down and I'd regained my breath, I was whisked off by Mum to change my dress and get ready for our solo Quickstep. On the other hand, Alan could hang around for all the congratulations of his colleagues and the audience as he had no need to change. In this respect, there were decided advantages to being a guy, although I had to admit that getting myself ready was part of the fun.

'You did very well with that Viennese Waltz, Michelle; it was a real credit to me and your father,' said Mum smiling as she helped me out of the cream dress and put on the purple one. 'However, it is the Quickstep which really shows a true dancer.'

'I can only do my best, Mum,' I replied.

'Yes, of course, dear, but you're a good dancer, and you also have a good partner, so I'm sure you will both do well.'

Twenty minutes later, I joined Alan backstage while we waited for our solo dance to be announced.

'Michelle, you look amazing and dance wonderfully,' he said.

'Thank you,' I said, coloring slightly but also feeling as if the compliment had been earned. 'Let's hope this next one lives up to the standard we've set so far.'

This time it was Rob who did the announcing: 'Now we come to the solo demonstration – with Luton's answer to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers – it's Alan Page and Michelle Williams.'

We stepped out onto the dance floor to the enthusiastic applause of the audience and took our places. Over the years, I've admired the dancing of Gene Kelly and Rita Hayworth, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey and John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, but, as far as I was concerned, none of them could ever match Astaire and Rogers. Three weeks earlier, the idea that I might one day dance in either of their roles would have seen quite ridiculous to me, especially that of Ginger Rogers, who had always been my true heroine. Yet here I was about to go and take her part. The orchestral intro began, and we started our routine. The liquid voice of Nat King Cole spread across the dance floor.

'There may be trouble ahead ….'

The remainder of the dance was obscured by the sheer pleasure of immersing ourselves in the music and that warm baritone voice. I can honestly say that I'd no idea how well we'd danced until the enthusiastic applause brought me back to earth, and I received a hug and kiss from my partner, who was clearly delighted with us both.

As soon as Alan led me off the floor, Mum, David, Sarah, Rob, Louise, and just about everyone else that I knew crowded around to offer us their congratulations. This time I did not have to rush away to get changed but could bask in the good wishes and congratulations of both our friends and those we'd never seen before.

'You two were spectacular,' said a middle-aged guy that I didn't recognize, 'especially you, young lady.'

We both thanked him. He then turned to Alan.

'I don't suppose you would be interested in giving another demonstration like that to our dance society in Bristol?'

(He didn't exactly say that he didn't want to trouble my pretty little head with business matters, but I had the impression that he probably thought as much.)

'Are you talking about all four couples or just the two of us?' asked Alan.

'Just you two of you, if you could adapt the Viennese Waltz to become a solo partner piece.'

'Our fee would be £500 for an afternoon's demonstration,' Alan continued, without even consulting me.

The guy didn't go white or choke as I'd half expected.

'Plus expenses,' added Alan as an afterthought.

'Of course, He replied. 'But I'll need to discuss possible dates with my committee and then come back to you.'

He then took Alan's mobile number before leaving us.

I was just a tiny bit put out that neither of them had bothered to consult me on this matter.

'I expect that's the last you will hear from him,' I said to lessen his enthusiasm.

'I'm not so sure. We may as well earn ourselves some money for the time we've taken in practice,' said Alan.

'Alright, but if he does ring back, remember that I'll only have two Saturdays free between now and the date I've completed my set of dances.'

I hadn't said anything about Sarah's offer of a promotion, with the implication of an extended period living as Michelle, as I'd still not made up my mind what to do about it. In any event, I wanted to discuss it with Mum first.

Alan left me to find David. After acknowledging a few enthusiastic comments from strangers and even signing an autograph for a thirteen-year-old budding girl dancer, who told me that I was 'awesome,' I looked around for someone I knew talks to. I noticed that Mum, Helen, and Sarah were talking to one another while sitting at a table, so I went over to join them.

'Oh Michelle, I'm so envious of you to be able to dance like that,' said Helen as I approached. 'You danced so beautifully.'

I colored and thanked her.

'I'd no idea that she would be so good. That Quickstep was faultless,' added Sarah, almost in a state of shock.

Mum nodded her head knowingly.

'It is partly a matter of her having the right partner, but there is no question that she has real talent. I don't think I have ever felt so proud of my child as I did this afternoon,' she announced.

All of this congratulation was beginning to get embarrassing for me, so I smiled and left them to continue their conversation, hoping that I might have a word with Richard, who I felt sure would not be quite so gushing. I also wanted to see whether he had videoed us successfully. I found him, but he seemed to be deep in conversation with some other guy that I'd never seen before. I, therefore, made my way back to the ladies' changing room, where I changed into some more normal clothes. I also removed my stage makeup, replacing it with the cosmetics that I wore to work. However, Mum had done such a good job with the sock bun in my hair that I decided to leave it in place.

Alan and his partner treated Mum and me to an early dinner at a Brasserie near to the town center in Luton as a thank you for the clothes she had given to Alan. On this occasion, our joint performance was subjected to a slightly more considered examination by Mum and David now that the initial euphoria had died down. Nevertheless, all concerned agreed that we'd done pretty well in both dances. So far, the two demonstration sessions had been a credit to all concerned, if only we could maintain the standard. By the time we got to the coffee at the end of the meal, we were beginning to look forward to the third session scheduled for 24th October.

'So what have you two got planned for the Tango?' asked Mum.

'I think it's time we did something a little more contemporary. How would you feel about 'Ain't no other man' by Christina Aguilera?' I asked Alan. 'It's a bit of a mixture of styles with elements of pop, R&B, funk, and jazz, but with 129 beats per minute and a clear and consistent dance rhythm, it should be ideal for an American Tango.'

'How long does it last?' asked David.

'Just under three and three-quarter minutes,' I replied.

'It's the right length but sounds a little raw for my taste, but you two are the dancers, so you must decide,' said Mum.

'I'll trust your judgment, Michelle, so please go ahead and prepare the choreography,' said Alan.

I smiled.

'I've already done so; we can have a run-through tomorrow afternoon if you're free.'

Alan looked at David to check that he didn't object and then agreed to go ahead.

'Have you had a chance to listen to 'Black Bottom Stomp' for the Charleston?' I asked.

'Yes, and there is nothing contemporary about that, it takes you straight back to the 1920s, but I suppose it would be good for the Charleston.'

'It is four minutes and twenty seconds long, so I suggest we incorporate both a group dance with the others and a one-minute solo partner piece for ourselves in both open and closed positions.'

(The open position is when the couple are dancing side by side, perhaps holding hands, and the closed position is when they are dancing face-to-face.)

'Are you planning to include a tap-routine?' he asked.

'Are you able to tap-dance?'

'A little but not well enough for a demonstration, I'm afraid.'

'In that case, we had better not do so,' I said.

'You're the boss, but I don't see why you shouldn't incorporate a solo tap routine for yourself.'

'I'm not sure; I'll think about it,' I replied.

'Alright, just work out what you want us all to do, and we'll run through it with the others on Tuesday evening.'

It was at this point that Richard and Helen arrived, having by chance chosen the same restaurant as us. I felt a twinge of envy at who she was with when I noticed them come through the door. Helen saw us, smiled, waved, and came over to our table for a few words while her partner confirmed their reservation.

'Hi again, everyone, are you having a post-mortem?' she asked.

'Yes, and planning our next couple of dances,' I replied.

'We've just been looking at the two videos that we took, and between us, we have some excellent shots ready to edit together and put up on YouTube.'

Richard joined us, together with the waiter, who was planning to show them to their table.

'Hi Michelle, Alan; I'm sorry that I wasn't able to congratulate you both after your dances earlier, but I was button-holed by some guy wanting to know all about our filming of the dances. He also wanted to know when you two would be dancing again so that he can bring some others to see you.'

'What was that all about?' asked Alan.

'I've no idea, but I eventually managed to pass him on to Rob.'

The waiter coughed politely as if to say that he didn't have all evening to wait for them. So they turned to follow him to their table, but one further thought occurred to Richard as he was leaving.

'By the way, Michelle, congratulations on your acting promotion.'

'Yes, well done, I was really pleased for you when Richard told me,' added Helen.

I smiled and thanked them both but wished he hadn't said it.

'Acting promotion? What acting promotion is that?' asked Mum.

'Rob and Sarah have asked me if I would be willing to take on some of her duties while her leg is in plaster, in return for a temporary pay rise. However, I haven't decided whether to accept yet.'

'Why not?'

'It would mean that I'd have to remain as Michelle until the end of this year.'

'But that's wonderful news,' said Alan. 'Then you would be able to take over the four Latin American demonstrations from Louise as well.'

'I couldn't do that; she has already agreed to do them.'

'Alan and I were talking to Louise about her forthcoming demonstrations earlier this afternoon. I think she may be beginning to get cold feet about taking the lead, especially as you two have set such a high standard. I think she would prefer to be one of the supporting couples,' said David.

'And it would also give us some more possible dates for that demonstration in Bristol,' added Alan.

'If you haven't frightened them off with the exorbitant fees,' I said.

'I don't think five hundred pounds is exorbitant; if they want good quality dancers, they should be prepared to pay for them.'

There was a brief lull in the conversation, but then Mum decided to contribute.

'Well, of course, it's up to you to decide, Michelle, but personally, I think you would be foolish not to take full advantage of this opportunity.'

With three of them against me and myself unresolved about the matter in the first place, it wasn't too long before I'd promised to accept the offer of an acting promotion at work and also to speak to Louise to see how she would feel about my taking over the lead from her in those demonstrations scheduled for late November and early December. I also agreed that Alan could go ahead and offer our services as visiting dancers on any free Saturday between now and Christmas, so long as Mum would also be able to come with me to help me get myself ready.

Alan and David gave the two of us a lift home, and so we were in by nine-thirty and had carefully packed away my costumes.

Mum turned to me and said: 'We'll soon have to start thinking about your costumes for next time, Michelle.'

'I was wondering if I might wear your flapper dress for The Charleston, the one with the beadwork if that is alright?'

'Yes, of course, it would be ideal, and you will need the shoes as well.'

'Yes, please, since high heels were unknown in the early 1920s.'

'Also, you wouldn't be able to perform a solo tap routine in the midst of the dance if you are wearing heels.'

'I was planning to skip that as Alan is not a very experienced tap dancer.'

'You could give him a few fairly simple steps, to begin with, and then respond with a more complex demonstration.'

'Won't that look a bit like me showing off?' I asked

'Not at all, you are merely showing to the audience that the Charleston can be danced solo or by couples in the open and the closed positions, and also that tap can be an element in the dance.'

'I'll work out a couple of possible alternatives and see what Alan thinks about it tomorrow.'

'By the way, I think that I may also have exactly the right dress for your Tango.'

'Which one is that?' I asked.

'I can't show it to you at present, but I do know where to find it. I was disappointed to find that one of my favorite dresses was missing when we got the trunk down from the loft, but I now remember that I'd put it away in a separate holdall as it needed some attention. I'm sure it is still up in the loft. Would Alan mind getting it for us tomorrow when he comes to collect you for your practice?'

'I'm sure he wouldn't mind, but I'm equally sure that I would be capable of retrieving a bag from the loft without Alan's help.'

'Alright, dear, but change into some jeans first, and please take care on the ladder.'

Ten minutes later, I was up in the loft with a flashlight, following her instructions. Soon afterward, I emerged with a pink holdall.

'Is this the one?' I asked.

'Yes, I think so; let me have a look inside.'

I handed it down to her, and she had a quick look inside before confirming that it was the one she was looking for and that I might now come down, close the loft door and pack away the steps.

'Aren't you going to show me?' I asked as she had zipped up again.

'No, the dress will need to be checked over, aired, and ironed before you see it, so you'll have to wait for a while. I'll have both of the dresses ready for you to try on by Monday evening.'

'Alright then, I'll look forward to seeing them.'

Having spent most of my day looking quite glamorous, I now felt a little bit scruffy wearing jeans and a pink sweatshirt given to me by Sonia. I, therefore, changed back into the dress that I'd been wearing.

'If you are going to remain as Michelle for an extra six weeks, then you are going to need some more clothes; you won't only be able to manage with those you have borrowed.'

'I suppose so. I have nearly a thousand pounds in my deposit account, as I'll be earning some more money over the next few weeks; perhaps I could dip into that and get myself some clothes.'

'Alright, and maybe I could get you something nice as an early Christmas present, as well.'

'But Christmas is ten weeks away!' I said.

'Yes, but you know I like to be organized in plenty of time.'

'I'm likely to be out of the office much more from now onwards, and so we could meet up in Luton and do some shopping together during my lunch breaks or after I finish work sometimes if you like,' I suggested.

'I knew that I was going to enjoy having a daughter,' said Mum, smiling.

I smiled back, but I was beginning to wonder about the future. I had to admit that I was enjoying myself as Michelle, especially for the opportunities it was giving me both to improve my dancing and also to take on new responsibilities at work. I was also pleased that Mum was so positive about it, but how easy was it going to be to extricate myself at the end of the year?

Alan and I had our first Tango practice session the following day, and, as I expected, we didn't do at all badly. In its original form, the Argentine Tango was supposed to portray the love-hate relationship between a prostitute and her pimp and was filled with aggressive and suggestive moves. However, over the years, a simpler, less vulgar form was developed for popular consumption. The American style, in particular, became extremely popular and influenced many famous dancers on the stage and screen. It was this 'toned down' version we were planning to dance to. Whether anyone would go for the more authentic Argentinian version later in the series remained to be seen, as the four 'Latin dances' for the last two sessions had not yet been decided.

Alan was not a particularly imaginative choreographer, but he was good at picking up new dances quickly and offering suggestions as to how they might be improved. Hence, between us, we made a good team. Thus after ninety minutes of practice, we were both satisfied with our progress. We then decided to do a quick run-through of my ideas for the Charleston before meeting up with the other couples on Tuesday.

'Mum thinks that we ought to include a brief tap routine in the Charleston. If I give you a fairly simple intro incorporating a few basic steps, how would you feel if I then responded with a flourish?'

'Great idea, let's go for it.'

I showed him what I had in mind, and we agreed to incorporate it into our planned routine. We also agreed to have one further session with the two of us on Thursday as he and David were planning to be away the following weekend.