At the age of eight, and from the first day we met at dance class, we’d become best friends.  Even after finding partners and competing against each other in competitions, that friendship never faltered.  Any rivalry was always tempered with good humour and affection.

Graduating from the under-twelves to the under-sixteen competitions was exciting but that was when everything suddenly changed so dramatically.  Owning just two ballroom dresses was no longer sufficient.  Likewise, the matching satin shoes.  And it soon became apparent that, to compete at a higher level, a weekly lesson with our local dance teacher wouldn’t suffice.  Success would come at a cost.

I was lucky to have parents who were able to support me financially.  But Alice wasn’t so lucky.  Within weeks, she lost her partner to another girl and her dancing days were over.  It was so unfair.

Michael, my partner, stressed I shouldn’t dwell on it.  “You don’t know,” he reasoned, “if Alice would ever have made it to the top.”

“And neither does she,” I argued.  “But she deserved the chance to find out.”

As much as I missed Alice, there was little time to think about anyone or anything else as dancing consumed my life.  It became my world, even when the sheer pleasure of it was denied by the punishing hours of training.  But the training paid off when we reached the pinnacle of our junior dancing career… International Junior Dance Champions.

Over the years, success followed success, as we progressed to Amateur and finally Professional Dance Champions.  And when retirement beckoned, I opened my own dancing school.

And that was when I acknowledged something I’d always been harbouring… a wish that I could have done more for Alice.  It hadn’t been possible to help my friend, but now I had the opportunity to help others like her.

My status in the dance world attracted students more than willing to pay top price for private lessons, empowering me to start a fund.  A fund for less fortunate dancers who showed promise, enabling them to reach their full potential… the Alice Fund.

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    Voice-Team
    Voice-Team(@voice-team)
    Admin
    1 year ago

    Put on your dancing shoes! An ungranted wish for one blossoms into help for many. A sweet blend of childhood memories, art, and generous love. 

    Margarida Brei
    Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
    1 year ago

    Linda, you have written an inspiring tale about generosity, altruism and supporting others!

    Allan Neil
    Allan Neil(@allan-neil)
    1 year ago

    Linda, this is a lovely tale. How many of us have harboured a wish that never came to fruition, especially if it concerned another. You’ve captured the thinking processes of a young girl progressing with life and we all know that in mid-life other things push to the front as priorities. (those of us old enough to have experienced mid-life!!)

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    Wow! It is very inspiring and heartwarming. I hope everyone is that very generous, like your protagonist.

    Last edited 1 year ago by Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Linda Rock
    1 year ago

    Yes. You are definitely right. I wish I can find someone as generous as your protagonist to help me get out of poverty in life. Even a little help for business capital or a work abroad. You are welcome, Linda.

    Emily O'Leary
    Emily O'Leary(@emily-oleary)
    1 year ago

    This was such a sweet story, Linda! I hope Alice found satisfaction and happiness wherever life took her, the same way you say you did!

    Greene M Wills
    Greene M Wills(@greene-m-wills)
    1 year ago

    Sometimes, fairy godmothers come along to make wishes come true… It’s so inspiring that, through your story, we come to realise that they live among humans! I loved it!

    Fuji
    Fuji(@fuji)
    1 year ago

    How lovely to discover that the picture accompanying your story is actually a younger you! What a sweet photograph, and a great story of caring and giving support.

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    1 year ago

    I love this, Linda. A lovely story, all too real and heartbreaking for the parents who can’t afford to support their child’s hobby. I love the idea of the Alice Fund. I hope Alice knew! Very nicely done. Love the picture too!

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    Reply to  Linda Rock
    1 year ago

    I was lucky to be handy with a sewing machine and make most of Emily’s skating dresses—the ice skates were another story ?

    Preston Randall
    Preston Randall(@preston-randall)
    1 year ago

    I really loved this story. It has a natural flow and all of the descriptions and characterizations ring very true. And the ending… perfect (and inspiring).

    Preston Randall
    Preston Randall(@preston-randall)
    Reply to  Linda Rock
    1 year ago

    Hi again Linda. Congrats on the “finalist” selection!

    Chris
    Chris(@chris)
    1 year ago

    Hi Linda – I am back at the Voice.club after being pulled away by demanding software coding work!

    I always enjoy your stories, and this one had a sweet altruistic tone and nice descriptive writing. I agree with Avatar Preston Randall that it flowed well, and the ending was inspiring  ? 

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    1 year ago

    Linda, this story was so beautifully written and inspirational! I think many people can relate to Alice and I think it is such a noble wish for your protagonist to want to help other dancers who might be in Alice’s shoes. Great story and I love the picture!

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    1 year ago

    I was asking myself, while reading your story, if the photo was of you, Linda. And then got it confirmed in your answer to Margarita’s comment. A great picture! And love your story! It is told with a lot of emotion and respect for the not-so-priviledged participants in life/dancing. I understand that you were a very promising dancer, but it was probably wiser to put your efforts into IT.

    Bella Minyo
    Bella Minyo(@bella-minyo)
    1 year ago

    Linda, I am a dancer as well and I found your story very touching since the industry can be very hard on those with fewer means to achieve their goals/desires. The ending was truly heartwarming and an extremely enjoyable read!

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