Free Silhouette by Thalia Kalkipsakis Page B

still in pockets, shoulders lifted against the wind.
    I turn to look at him. ‘What about you?’ When he just shrugs I keep going. ‘Do you feel like maybe … catching a band?’
    Still Grant shrugs. ‘Nah, I’m seeing my dad.’ He breathes in slowly. ‘Which unfortunately means football and pizza.’
    ‘Football and pizza ?’ Izzy immediately reacts.
    ‘Well … at least he’s trying,’ I say quietly.
    ‘Trying to turn me into something that I’m not,’ mumbles Grant.
    There’s no point pushing, and no reason why I should try to sneak out to the Dixie Bar. So I put it to the back of my mind, as with all things that clash with dancing: chocolate, late nights, keeping up with non-Academy friends … and pizza.
    First rehearsal starts with us all sitting around while Jack talks us through the storyline. He’s barely begun when I realise that it’s a complete rip-off of A Christmas Carol , except instead of Scrooge, the main character is a prima ballerina who has lost her love of performing. As Jack says that part, I see a pained look in Izzy’s eyes as she tries to hold back a smirk. So I wait until she glances my way and then do a snobby ballerina flick of my hand. Perfectly executed, if you ask me. It sends her over the edge, snorting out loud and making Jack glare at me.
    She’s right, it is corny, but I can see why they did it. Tadpole is the spirit who takes the ballerina back to past performances, trying to help her find the passion she lost, which gives us the freedom to throw in a whole array of styles and dance numbers. There’s a piece from Swan Lake , I’m happy to hear, as well as modern and contemporary pieces, and a scene from Cats . Any strength or talent among our year level has been given its time in the spotlight.
    Paige’s solo sounds haunting and beautiful, a lone figure dancing in a studio, unaware that she’s being watched through a window by the lead character. It’s still a bit corny but somehow I think it will work.
    We’re all itching to get moving, starting with one of the three numbers involving the whole year level. But then Jack hands out a list of all the dance companies and agents who have been tagged for invitations.
    A hopeful silence settles over us. Eyes skim down hungrily. Mine move straight to the National Ballet Company.
    ‘We’ve found in past years,’ calls Jack from the front, ‘that they’re more likely to show interest if their invitation is accompanied by a personalised letter from students.’ He stops and slowly scans the rows of seats. ‘This may well be the most important piece of writing you do all year. I want you all to choose someone on the list …’
    Whispering from Anka and the others at the front makes Jack pause. ‘I know a lot of you already have very clear ideas about who to approach and won’t need to do any research. But either way you will need to show them that you know their work and explain why you want to be part of their company, or what you could bring to their agency. Make it clear that they’re your first choice.’
    Paige is holding her sheet in both hands, knees together and body still. I know her eyes were caught by the same name as mine.
    ‘Of course, a reference from someone in the industry wouldn’t go astray either,’ calls Jack, raising his eyebrows at me.
    I catch his meaning and nod slightly. Natasha.
    It’s late by the time I make it home from rehearsal. I flip through my wallet for Natasha’s business card and find it tucked behind my bus pass. Immediately I pull out my phone and begin to dial. I’m almost at the last digit when I pause, thumb hovering. Is it rude to call at this time on a Saturday? Sunday wouldn’t be any more polite, and I’ll have classes until Monday afternoon.
    Don’t want to leave it that long. I decide to try her anyway.
    ‘Hello?’ Natasha answers quickly.
    Can’t hear anything in the background. ‘Yes … hello. It’s Scarlett Stirling here.’ For some reason, my heart