Chapter 1 Being the only girl in a family full of guys might usually turn someone into a total tomboy But not me Nope I was probably one of the girliest girls around In fact my bestie Lissa was way more into boy stuff than I was That’s probably why whenever she came over my house she ended up throwing footballs with the guys while I soaked up sun Not that I didn’t love hanging around with my four brothers too I’d just rather fish for finds at the mall than actually go fishing Know what I mean That was one of the reasons I couldn’t get enough of my dance classes
It was mostly girls at my studio so I got to escape Planet Testosterone for a while Plus it allowed me to indulge my passion for fashion whether it’s 80s inspired neon getups or a lime green tutu paired with striped tights Thankfully our dance studio didn’t have a dress code Back when I was a little kid I was always stuck wearing a boring bun black leotard and pink tights Can you tell I had been dancing forever
Typical dance studio dress code I'm so glad didn't have to follow one No street clothing of any kind Girls must wear long hair in a bun for ballet classes It should be off the neck and out of the eyes for all other classes Hair that does not reach the shoulders should be secured away from the face with a headband or barrettes No jewelry including watches Ballet slippers should fit like a sock Each class will be assigned specific leotards tights and slippers
I was at the barré stretching when a girl I didn’t recognize started warming up next to me Did I hear someone call you Gaby she asked playing with her ponytail to turn it into a messy bun She had some cool pink highlights under her jet black hair That’s me the one and only I replied hitting a ballerina pose that made her giggle What’s your name Marisa she answered She pointed to her head and did an exaggerated twirl in response It’s my first day here My dance team coach wants us to take classes in our off time so I signed up for a package here Oh cool I answered So your school has a dance team Not exactly said Marisa putting her right foot on the barré and leaning over to touch it with her hand I’m on an all-star team
