Chapter 1: Dance Camp
Lily Richter’s hands hit the floor. She pushed and launched herself back onto her feet in a perfect back handspring. Her arms snapped straight up to finish the move and then out to her sides as she lunged forward. She spun into a graceful pirouette, followed by another. Then it was back to second position stance.
Without even looking, Lily knew she was in perfect step with her best friend Amy, who danced beside her. Their bodies moved confidently in time with the loud, pumping music.
Shoulders dipping, Lily jazz-walked forward. After seven steps, she stepped to the side and crossed her working foot over her supporting foot. Then she pivoted quickly and took four cross steps to the left.
With a bright smile, Lily thrust her arms out to the sides like a T. She knew that Amy had stepped into place right behind her. Stiffening her body, Lily fell straight back.
Amy caught her teammate smoothly. With their arms linked for support, Lily rolled across her friend’s raised knee with a high double kick.
Perfect, thought Lily as she landed back on the floor.
The two girls marched off in opposite directions to form a circle with the rest of their dance team. Several of the dancers broke into the center, causing the circle to bend into a star formation.
As the last notes of the song blasted out, Lily snapped her hands up high. She stood triumphantly in line with four of her teammates. Amy and the other girls had dropped into a dramatic floor pose in front of them. It was the perfect flourish to end the routine.
Coach Jackson applauded loudly. “Very nice, ladies!” she exclaimed.
Lily felt as triumphant as she looked. Dance camp was always her favorite time of year. It was a time to bond with her teammates, have fun, and get her mind and body in shape for the long dance season—and school year—to come.
This year was even better than most. Lily had her best friend by her side, new dance skills to show off, and a wonderful coach to learn from. Now they were only a week away from the beginning of eighth grade. She felt completely ready to take on the new year and the new season.
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Adapted from Dance Team Drama, by Jake Maddox, ©️ by Capstone. Reprinted with permission.
Which of the following story elements is not included in the story?
The setting
The conflict
The characters
The dialogue