𝐎𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐀 ➳ THE NEXT STEP, OZZY

6:3

KIARA SPEAKS!

talking heads will now appear. they will be in bold italics.

The room was full of dancers rehearsing their duets. Richelle was sat out, as now she was back, there was an odd number of dancers. Not that any of them minded.

"We've all paired up to compete for the featured duet at regionals, we all want the spot but Miss Angela is going to pick" the dance captain, Noah, explains.

Ophelia had, in her humble opinion, lucked out and gotten herself a duet with Finn, one of the new dancers.

At first, Ophelia was a bit timid, but it didn't take long for her to warm to Finn as she soon learnt that he was extremely friendly and an incredible dancer.

Sat on one of the benches was Richelle, watching intently at some of the new dancer keeping a watch full eye on Lily.

"Now that Richelle is back, we're hoping she can help us stand up to Miss Angela. Things are gonna change now" Kingston says, a big smile on his face.

"Everyone's kind of brought me up to speed on what's happenung at the next step. And I feel responsible because Michelle and Emily got fired when I danced on an injury. I need to make it up to the dancers" the small, blonde girl says.

Ophelia and Finn had finished running through their dance one final time, and were sorting out a handshake as they new that there would not be much time left.

"Dancers. A Troupe" Miss Angela calls out as she struts into the studio. "You've now had plenty of time to prepare your duets. So impress me - Bring on the dazzle"

The room erupts into cheers and applause as everyone clears the floor for the first duet, Noah and Jacquie.

Ahead of our Time begins to play and the two performers begin to dance, as they get support from their teammates as they watch.

This continues to the next duet, Lily and Ozzy. The same encouragement except this time it was mainly aimed towards Ozzy.

"Ozzy is a fine dancer to work with. You know I think he goofs off a little too much but I think he complements my dancing pretty well" Lily says

"The other dancers told me that Lily is all flash, but at least she has some presence" the blonde girl says.

Once again, during the next duet, most of the cheering that could be heard were directed towards Kingston. Ophelia was no exception, she didn't necessarily hate Winnie, there was just a slight grudge since she did steal Piper's spot.

In contrast, Amy and Henry received equal support for their teammates, as they were both well liked members of the team.

"Richelle is a fierce competitor, and when she sees how Miss Angela favours Lily, Richelle's not going to stand for that" Amy smiles.

Following Amy and Henry, were Summer and Kenzie. Ophelia looked at them both, deciding to watch their dancing as she hadn't seen either of them dance before.

"I don't know Richelle, but the people who do seem to think that she'll be perfect to help us fight Miss Angela. I hope they're right" Summer says.

Once the two newer girls had finished it was time for Ophelia and Finn. Ophelia felt strange. Not a bad strange, but just strange.

She wasn't sure whether it was Finn's confidence rubbing off on her, or the fact that Richelle could help them get rid of Miss Angela, but she wasn't nervous. Normally performing like this she'd be scared to mess up, however now she just found herself enjoying dancing with her new friend.