Chapter 6 – the lead up to the audition - Troupes and Artists

Brooke worked all week and with Ginia’s help, regained her strength both in the gym and while dancing.

Rather than dancing as if she was auditioning, Brooke simply danced to get back her groove. None of the dancers knew in advance the music they’d be performing to so a broad and flexible routine was better than a routine, based on a specific genre.

Not disclosing the music before the auditions was deliberate, a way to keep the dancers keen while observing their performance... under pressure.

 

The one-on-one sessions Brooke had with Ginia increased her confidence. As well, Ginia intuitively knew how to draw out Brooke's talent, suggesting different moves or steps to highlight her strengths. With Ginia’s encouragement, Brooke began to believe.....

The morning of the audition rolled around. Brooke took her time showering and over breakfast. Wanda had left the house early and had given Brooke instructions the night before on what to expect.

Brooke was ready. She sat quietly, breathed in and exhaled with a steady rhythm as she sat on the sofa, where just over a week earlier Wanda had told her about his tour and ….the auditions.

Twenty minutes before her allocated time, Ginia arrived and together they walked to the studio.

As they entered, Brooke was ushered into a room where other dancers waited. She turned and smiled at Ginia who stood with hands clasped.

The air in the room was filled with nervous tension as hopes and dreams hinged on…luck….good timing or.... a combination.

A lucky break for a chosen few..... A break each dancer deserved but...all would not get......despite a lifetime of hard grind, perseverance and… all-consuming dedication.

Those not selected would face a new reality that no…their dreams would not materialise…not this time.

To have worked so hard and to have gotten so close to…realising…a dream and to FAIL would require great strength to move on….

Brooke waited with the crowd, yet she felt alone. She used the moment to bring focus to what was ahead…..

Suddenly, the door swing open and her name was called. She stepped forward and was escorted down a narrow hall and told, ‘Straight down and to the left…good luck.’

Flash mob at Copenhagen Central Station. Copenhagen Phil playing Ravel's Bolero