Tension and fragility combat in the arena of the studio. Small bodies are asked to perform perfection. The master directs the sequences, stops the moves, and orders to start over, over, and over again. There is no time to be wasted, no energy to be misused, and no breath to be dissipated. This is the rehearsal for tomorrow’s premiere. All the ballerinas involved in the ballet wear long tutus handmade for the occasion. Multi-coloured bows, high hair buns, crinoline skirts, and ruffled leotards will embrace the frail yet muscular bodies of the dancers.
Everyone is staring at the principal who will take the lead as soon as the curtain falls. With envy, the corps de ballet will follow her fearless and sumptuous steps into the light of the stage. All the girls have been working hard but the personality of this dancer stood out. The way she stomps her pointe shoe into the ground and arches the front of her foot with confidence, the way she holds her fingers delicately in front of her innocent face, and the way she can hold the attention of her audience during a performance is mesmerizing. Her aura is filled with audacity and charisma. Even the most talented ballerina in the room won’t compare with her. More than the perfect execution of a step, a pirouette, or a jeté, the insolence of the other girl which prevails.