Chapter 337
Shirley’s mother, naturally aware of the situation, added, “The teacher originally planned to find an older boy from the elementary school to help.”
But even if they chose a second–grade boy, mastering the lift while maintaining grace would take a lot of practice. Just keeping the boy’s arms steady and firm would require significant effort.
Shirley’s mother, Tilly Greene, smiled and said, “In the end, your daughter couldn’t stand it anymore. She said she and the other kids often practiced this move, and she could lift Paisley and spin her multiple times without getting tired.”
Elara’s lips curved into a smile. Tilly had once been the lead dancer of the Capitol Ballet Troupe.
The school’s dance teacher, though also a professional dancer, paled in comparison to Tilly’s achievements in the industry. So, when Class 1B was rehearsing their dance, the teacher often invited Tilly to provide guidance.
Élara asked, “Was it your decision to let Merida handle the lift?”
After all, such moves were typically performed by boys. Elara figured that, given the dance teacher’s conservative mindset, the teacher wouldn’t allow her to perform the move on stage even if Merida could easily lift Paisley.
Tilly gave Elara a knowing look. “Your daughter is incredibly talented. Just keep watching.”
Elara’s eyes followed Merida as she rose onto her toes, executing 12 flawless fouettés. The crystal–studded skirt of her costume sparkled under the lights, creating a dazzling storm of light.
She spun continuously, her toes tapping the wooden floor like rapid raindrops.
After the 12 fouettés, Merida launched into three grand jetés, her back leg slicing through the air with such force that one could almost hear the air being split even from several feet away.
The parents in the audience gasped in awe. Rosalie’s face turned pale, and she couldn’t hold back her outburst.” Why is Merida doing so many fouettés and grand jetés? My Paisley is the lead dancer!”
Rosalie couldn’t stay seated. She stood up and marched over to Tilly.
“Mrs. Moore! You’re the one who arranged these moves, for Merida, didn’t you? This isn’t what I saw during rehearsals!”
Tilly sat gracefully in her chair, her voice calm and soft as she replied, “Merida is incredibly talented and picks up everything quickly. Since she has the ability, I thought it would be good to add some complexity to the choreography.”
“Why didn’t you let my daughter do these moves? She’s the lead dancer!” Rosalie demanded.
Tilly sighed. “Paisley doesn’t have the stamina. Even though she’s the lead, she tends to tire out in the second half.
“To highlight her strengths and minimize her weaknesses, I wanted Merida to shine in the latter part of the performance, so the audience wouldn’t notice Paisley’s minor flaws.”
Before Tilly could finish, Rosalie scoffed. “This is stealing the spotlight! How could you let Merida overshadow my daughter like this?”
Rosalie’s words were still hanging in the air when a loud thad echoed from the stage. The parents in the audience looked up to see a piece of wooden flooring sticking up near Merida’s feet.
The other children on stage cried out, “Merida! You broke the floor!!!
+25 BONUS
Chapter 337
A boy burst into laughter, “Hahaha! Merida, are you a bomb or something? You just smashed through the floor with one step!”
Most of the children on stage joined in the laughter. Merida simply reached down and easily pulled up the loose board. She folded it in half, and the wood snapped with a sharp crack.
“This board is too weak!” Merida broke the board as effortlessly as snapping a wafer cookie.
Elara hurried onto the stage to check Merida’s foot.
“Does your foot hurt?” she asked.
Merida shook her head. “No.”
She handed the two broken pieces of wood to Elara. “Mommy, do I have to pay for this?”
Elara took the pieces and glanced at them. “As long as you’re okay, Mommy can cover the cost!”
The dance teacher walked over. She glanced at the dented stage floor, rolled her eyes, and let out a deep sigh
“Ms. Jones, to ensure the performance goes smoothly, I think it’s best if Merida doesn’t participate on stage. She can just sit and watch the other children perform.”
