On Pointe Read Online Free

auditions,” Liberty insisted. “Something stinks like Smelly Feet!”
    â€œAnd she’s not even from New Jersey—she’s from New York!” Gracie protested. “She shouldn’t get to play a fairy in the
NEW JERSEY Nutcracker
.”
    â€œMaybe Justine called her old
pas de deux
partner Marcus and asked him for a favor,” Rochelle suggested. “It would be so like her to try and outdo the Divas.”
    â€œWhat’s done is done,” Toni said and sniffed. “At least Gracie did what she was supposed to do.”
    â€œWe did try,” Anya insisted. “We did our best.”
    â€œWho cares about the stupid
Nutcracker
? I’m not doing some lame role,” Liberty said.
    â€œOh, yes, you are.” Miss Toni stood up and placed her hands on her hips. “Every one of you is doing that show, and you are going to make the best of it. Divas don’t quit. I won’t allow it.”
    â€œThat’s not fair,” Liberty sulked. “I hate my part.”
    â€œYou get what you get and don’t get upset,” Rochelle teased her. “I bet you’ll make a cute gingerbread dude.” She waddled around with stiff arms and legs.
    â€œThat’s enough,” Toni said, cutting her off. “There are no small parts, just small dancers.”
    â€œI’m a small dancer.” Gracie giggled. “But I’m Clara!”
    Toni smiled. “You are indeed. Looks like Gracie won this round, hands down. Only one question remains: who will be your prince?”
    â€œThat’s right! They didn’t list the name of the Nutcracker Prince!” Scarlett exclaimed.
    Gracie gulped. “You don’t suppose they’ll make me dance the whole time by myself, do you?” she asked Miss Toni. Gracie was always full of confidence in any group number, duo, or trio. But when she had to take the spotlight by herself, stage fright set in.
    â€œRest assured, there will be a Nutcracker in
The Nutcracker
,” Miss Toni told her. “I just wonder what—or who—Marcus has up his sleeve.”

    Rehearsals started immediately the next day at Dances Minnelli Studio—there was no time to waste. They all had to learn the choreography, get fitted for their costumes, and have everything ready for the holiday audiences in seven short weeks.
    â€œI know it’s a lot for you to learn,” Mr. Minnelli told Gracie. “But I’m confident you can do it.”
    â€œOf course I can!” Gracie answered. “One time, Miss Toni had me learn a duet in two hours for a major competition in Atlanta and I did it, no sweat. Don’t worry, Mr. Minnelli. I’ve got your back.”
    The choreographer smiled. “I have no doubt about that, young lady. Just bring that energy and confidence to your role and we’ll be in great shape.”
    â€œAnd you,” he turned to Addison. “I’m counting on you to be a breathtaking Sugar Plum. You come highly recommended.”
    â€œI told you!” Rochelle elbowed Scarlett. “I knew Justine was behind this.”
    â€œWe don’t know that for sure,” Bria reminded her. “Addison
is
a really good dancer.”
    â€œI’m just as good,” Liberty said. “Better. I don’t scrunch up my face when I’m concentrating.”
    They watched as Addison glided across the floor in her toe shoes, as light as if she weredancing on clouds. “I hate to admit it, but she’s good,” Rochelle remarked. “
Really
good.”
    Liberty put her hands over her ears. “I am not listening to this! It’s bad enough we have to be in this silly show. Now I have to play second fiddle to one of the Stinky Feet?”
    Bria nodded. “I’m used to it. My sister is amazing at everything she does. I’m always a step behind her.”
    Scarlett glanced over at Gracie, who was twirling around the stage, holding a red-and-gold