Chapter 1: New Class
By Margaret Gurevich
I place my leg on the barre, bring my chest to my knee, and take a deep breath as I stretch before my dance class. Chatter outside the studio doesn’t distract me. There are always other dancers in the hallway at Ms. Marianne’s Academy of Dance.
Today is an especially exciting day at the studio—it’s the start of the new contemporary dance team. When I saw the flyer, I jumped at the chance to try out. I’ve seen contemporary dancers at dance competitions. I love how the discipline combines jazz, ballet, and more. I’m already on the jazz team, and all dancers at Ms. Marianne’s are required to take ballet class. The chance to learn so many different styles of dance and be a part of multiple teams is what makes Ms. Marianne’s so special.
I switch sides, lift my right leg to the barre, and grab my toe for a deeper stretch. Someone taps on the studio window. I look up and spot my three best friends, Jada Grant, Brie Benson, and Grace Jenkins. They wave and hurry off to their own classes—ballet, hip-hop, and tap.
Just then a dark-haired girl I don’t recognize hurries in and grabs a spot beside me at the barre. She flashes me a friendly smile. “I’m so excited for this class,” she says. “Mr. Viktor was a teacher at my old dance school. Following him here was a no-brainer!”
“No wonder I haven’t seen you before!” I say. “I’m Gabby.”
“I’m Sophie,” she says. “You’re going to love Mr. Viktor’s energy!”
“Did other students from your dance school come here too?” I ask.
Sophie shakes her head. “No, just me. Contemporary is my favorite. I’ve only been taking it for a year, but I’ve taken ballet for a few years.” She pauses. “It’s kind of hard being the new girl. Everyone seems to have their friend groups here.”
I nod. I remember when Jada was new here and how hard it was for her. I decide to get to know Sophie and include her in our group.
Just then a tall man in a navy leotard and black shorts walks into the room. “Welcome to contemporary dance!” he calls. “My name is Mr. Viktor, and I’m excited to be joining Ms. Marianne’s as your new contemporary dance instructor.”
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Adapted from New Moves, by Margaret Gurevich, ©️ by Capstone. Reprinted with permission.
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Questions
Who is telling this story?
Gabby
Mr. Viktor
Sophie
The author
The author
How are Gabby and Sophie different?
Gabby is scared to have Mr. Viktor as a teacher, but Sophie is happy about it.
Sophie is excited to have Mr. Viktor as a teacher, but Gabby has not met him yet.
Gabby is excited to have Mr. Viktor as a teacher, but Sophie has not met him yet.
Sophie has never danced before, but Gabby has been in Mr. Viktor’s class for years.