Upheaval: Day 2

Word Count: 12,054

Summary of Events:

After his ballet class Leon was subjected to effectively doing the whole class over again for his mom, who criticised it to shreds as usual. At the next class — which was technically a pointe class, Leon just attended to be away from home longer — three strange men watched the class, which unnerved Leon, although he did what he was told and caught the girls as they jumped . . . 

Excerpt of the Day:

Lastly was Maeve, who was also a pretty good jumper and decently light on her feet; sometimes she'd add a little beat in as he lifted her off the floor, and oftentimes that would make her a little harder to hold on to. Thankfully he'd only dropped her once, and that was the first time that she'd done it.

Once the lifts were done there was no pas de deux, being as none of the girls were quite there yet — although Justine was definitely the closest — in fact, once the lifts were done the class was over.

The trio of men remained where they'd moved when the runs had started, and Miss Corrine again made no effort to introduce them. Leon let the girls all go first, he hoped to ask who they were for his curiosity's sake.

"Go on Leon," Miss Corrine said, gentle, but firm, looking at him with an expression that made it clear that he was not going to be allowed to find out who these men were and what they were doing here.

Disappointed, but not showing it, Leon left the room and slipped into his change room, which shared a wall with the studio. He put his ear against the furnace vent and listened.

"He is very tall," a man said in a voice with a thick accent. Considering he wasn't Asian or French Leon didn't know what the accent was.

"Yes," Miss Corrine said. "But he is good. Exceptional even. I consider it a rare honour to be his teacher. He has greatness in his blood."

"Very much so," the man said. "I would not think a dancer of his height would be as light on his feet, but his lankiness proves not to be a handicap to him."

The accent sounded harsh, almost like Othman's German accent, but different, more callous and brutal than Othman, who sounded more hearty and jovial when he talked; yet, for some reason, it sounded familiar.

"I feel he will revolutionise the dancing world for men," Miss Corrine said. "If he wants to."

There was no verbal response; Leon wondered if the man had just nodded or something.

"He has an incredible natural talent and ability," Miss Corrine said. "I think he will prove to the dancing world that height is by no means a disadvantage to a dancer. Tall dancers can be just as exceptional as short ones."

"You have very big dreams for him," the man said.

"I do," Miss Corrine replied.

"And your other students?" the man asked.

"They are a trial at times," Miss Corrine replied. "For many of them having grown up dancing with him they seem almost afraid of him, as if he's an alien still."

"Girls and boys, they do that," the man said. "Surely the great Corrine Swan can turn them all into fine dancers, even should they lack the natural talent."