On Pointe Read Online Free Page B

had to duck under Mother Ginger’s huge hoop skirt and leap out at the audience.
    â€œLet me get this straight,” Liberty said, complaining to Marcus. “You want me to crawl on the floor under some granny’s skirt and then pop out and make a complete fool out of myself ?”
    Marcus rested his hands on his hips. “If you choose to make a complete fool out of yourself, then that’s your decision. I expect you to burst onto the stage exuding joy and excitement. If you can’t handle that, there’s the door.”
    â€œOoh, I like him,” Rochelle whispered to Scarlett. “Anyone who disses Liberty gets my vote!”
    â€œFine,” Liberty said, taking her place. “I am a professional.”
    â€œThe lead gingerbread has to really ham it up,” Miss Noreen instructed her.
    â€œThat won’t be a problem for Liberty.” Rochelle chuckled.
    Miss Noreen showed her the choreography, a combination of
arabesques, pirouettes
, and something that resembled a waddling penguin.
    â€œElbows should be shoulder level, palms open wide,” she demonstrated.
    The other gingerbread dancers looked cute and funny as they raced around the studio. Liberty looked mean and ornery and practically bit Mother Ginger’s head off when she got too close.
    â€œGingerbread don’t growl,” Marcus corrected Liberty. “You’re supposed to be smiling.”
    â€œI’m supposed to be Clara,” Liberty muttered under her breath. “This is totally humiliating.”
    At the end of the scene, Liberty had to turnher back to the audience so Mother Ginger could give her a playful kick.
    â€œNo way,” Liberty said, crossing her arms over her chest. “I am not getting my butt kicked in a ballet.”
    â€œOh, this is a dream come true!” Rochelle roared with laughter.
    Scarlett was enjoying every minute of the dance as well—especially when Liberty had to do a somersault and land facedown on the stage with her arms and legs wide apart.
    â€œGingerbread go SPLAT!” Anya said, cracking up.
    â€œThis is a riot!” Bria added. “I’m gonna post it on Instagram!”
    Liberty spotted her teammates laughing at her and stopped in her tracks.
    â€œIt’s not funny!” she screamed at them.
    â€œNo, it
is
funny,” Marcus insisted. “It’s brilliant. Liberty, you have great comic timing. I could see you playing Coppélia one day.”
    Liberty’s scowl softened. “Wait. Really?”
    â€œAbsolutely,” he answered. “It’ll be even funnier when we get you in the big brown suit.”
    Liberty rolled her eyes. Even if Marcus thought she had prima ballerina potential, this was the most embarrassing role she had ever danced.
    â€œAbout the costume,” she said to Marcus. “Would you mind if I made a few tweaks? My mom just met Katy Perry at a party in Hollywood, and I know Katy would be totally cool with lending me some of her wardrobe …”
    â€œYes,” Marcus huffed.
    â€œYes, I can call Katy?”
    â€œYes, I would mind if you tweaked your costume. I am the director and I am the only person who tweaks anything around here. Now, get your butt back on the floor—literally.”

    Gracie wasn’t paying much attention to Liberty’s tantrums. She and Olivier were getting along fabulously—thanks to an icebreaker that Miss Noreen insisted they play to get to know each other.While the others rehearsed, they sat in a corner, asking each other crazy questions.
    â€œWhat’s the grossest pizza you ever tasted?” Olivier challenged Gracie.
    â€œOh, that’s an easy one: barbecue chicken with marshmallows.”
    â€œEww!” Olivier cracked up. “Now you go.”
    â€œFunnest day ever?” Gracie asked.
    Olivier tapped his finger to his nose. “Give me a sec. I’m thinking …”
    â€œTen seconds,” Gracie warned him.