Save the Last Dance
I know that you don’t dance.
I tap out a staccato rhythm on the side of the coffee machine, swing to the cupboard for a coffee cup, then cha-cha back to fill up.
How many hours of my childhood were spent at the barre? I loved the music and rhythms, the shows and the colourful costumes. I remember the smell of hairspray and the prickly netting of tutus against the smooth satin leotards.
The music draws you into the kitchen.
“Would you like to watch a film later?” you ask.
Dirty Dancing, Strictly Ballroom, Step Up… my favourite movies. They taught me to expect a partner.
“Sure,” I reply, knowing that you mean a Bond or Bourne thriller.
Once you’ve gone, I turn the music up and spin across the tiled floor, imagining you’re there to catch me at the end. We would waltz gracefully, or tango flamboyantly, all perfectly in sync. Just like on the silver screen, where no one ever puts a foot wrong. The detailed choreography is made to look spontaneous, as if couples ever break into tap dancing outside Starbucks.
As if.
“Sorry, forgot my coffee,” you say, suddenly appearing.
I quickly turn to get some milk out of the fridge, my face flushing. Perhaps you didn’t see my hands arcing above my head, my lean backwards and the incline of my ponytail as though it’s a tight bun lined with red carnations, the colour of flamenco.
“Are you okay?” you ask.
“I’m fine,” I shut the fridge door.
I know you don’t dance, so I don’t ask.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleSophie, I really appreciate a character who is different and not afraid to express herself.
Welcome to Voice.Club and thanks for your sweet first story.
Thank you for your kind welcome Margarida! I am enjoying being here ?
This is wonderful storytelling, with a clear path from start to finish. We recognize these characters and identify with them because they are true. Sophie, I think you must be a keen observer of life and psychology. There is as much written between the lines as in the story, and that makes for a very satisfying read.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you so much Preston! It’s always a challenge to pack a lot into a few words, isn’t it? I would love to get better at showing not telling and this is a great way to practise. ?
A warm welcome to voice club, Sophie. Your first story is so entertaining. It is lovely to think of a couple with many differences – the one who loves dancing and the one who doesn’t. But they still express, understand, and accept each other. Very well done, Sophie. I am looking forward to reading more stories from you.
Thank you Lotchie, that’s so kind. I am really glad to have found voice club!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYou are welcome, Sophie. Keep on writing. Enjoy!
Your story has a great and convincing rhythm to it, Sophie. Although I am not a dancer, like your protagonist’s partner, I can, as he does, appreciate her lively movements and imaginative character. Your story is a very well composed snapshot of what it might look like in a dancer’s kitchen.
Thank you Christer! And it’s never too late to start dancing ?
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleSophie, as a dancer I too often feel that irresistible feeling of wanting to dance (too often in the kitchen lol) and always wondering if there will be that person who wants to dance with me. It’s a truly wonderful story describing the compromise that comes with relationships. I really liked your story a lot, and might re-read it just because I enjoyed it so much!
Thank you Bella for your kind words! Yay for kitchen dancing ? ?
I love this story, Sophie! As an ex-dancer, I remember only too well the pungent smell of hairspray in the dressing rooms and the feel of net on the skin! And I still dance in the kitchen! I so empathise with your protagonist on the movie choices as my partner has no interest in dancing whatsoever! Welcome to the club and I hope to read more from you.
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