Chapter 1
A Boy with a Dream
“Okay, everyone…that’s it for today. I’ll see you next week,” Mrs. Hoffman says as dance class comes to an end.
I walk over and grab my duffle bag from the table and start walking to the door. Mom is waiting for me in the doorway with a smile on her face as I head in her direction. I can tell by the proud look on her face that she was watching me in class.
“Great job, sweetheart. You’re so talented,” she says as I walk up to her.
“Thanks, Mom,” I reply, looking up at her.
“Hello, Mrs. Leone. It’s nice to see you again,”
Mrs. Hoffman says, walking over to us.
“Hello, Mrs. Hoffman. It’s nice to see you, as well. I caught the last of class today. Everyone seems to be doing so well,” she says with a smile.
“They’re really good kids and they try so hard. But just between you and me, Marcus is the best dancer in the class. He’s very talented and dedicated to his love of dance. He impresses me on a regular basis,” she says, looking down at me.
“That makes me happy to hear. When Marcus is passionate about something, he gives it everything he’s got,” Mom says with pride.
“I can see that. He’s a very good student, but he’s so quiet and shy. He hardly says a word during class,” she says, looking at me and smiling.
“His teacher at school tells me the same thing. He’s always been a shy boy,” Mom says, putting her arm around my shoulders.
“That’s certainly better than being a troublemaker,” she replies, raising her brow.
“Yes, it sure is. Are you ready to go home, honey?” she asks, moving her arm off my shoulders. I nod.
“You two enjoy the rest of your weekend. I’ll see you in class next Saturday, Marcus,” she says before turning to walk away.
“Thank you. You do the same,” Mom says as we turn and walk out the door.
“Your dance teacher is really impressed with you, sweetheart. I’m proud of you,” she says as we walk down the hallway to the front door.
“Thanks, Mom. I just really like dancing and wanna do my best.”
“Marcus, you always do your best, no matter what you’re doing. You make us proud,” she says as we walk across the parking lot to the car.
“I hope I always make you proud of me,” I say as we get into the car.
“You make us proud just by being you,” she says as she starts the car and slowly drives away.
On the way home, I think about dance class today. I look forward to it every Saturday. It’s so much fun and I learn a lot. Today in class, Mrs. Hoffman had me demonstrate a move to the other students. She bragged about how good I was and wanted me to show the students who were struggling how the move was done. I was embarrassed that she singled me out in front of the class, but proud that she thought I was so good.
My love of dance started last year when Mom got us all tickets to The Nutcracker. I was fascinated by the dancers and admired their work. A few months later, Mom took me to see The Chicago Dance Company perform and I was hooked. But what really made me want to be a dancer was seeing Calvin Barry and his partner perform when they came to Chicago on tour. Mom got us tickets to the show and that’s when I decided I wanted to follow in his footsteps.
Someday, I want to be a famous dancer just like Calvin Barry. I’ll make lots of money and buy my parents a big house. They’ll never have to work again. They can come with me on tour and travel all over the world.
“You’re being awfully quiet,” Mom suddenly says as she pulls into the driveway at home.
“I was just thinking about dance class,” I say as she drives into the garage.
“Your dance instructor really likes you,” she says as we get out of the car.
“I like her, too. She’s nice,” I say as we walk through the door to the kitchen.
“There’s my two favorite people in the world,” Dad says as we walk into the kitchen.
“Hi, honey,” Mom says, walking over and giving him a kiss.
“How was dance class, Son?” he asks as I sit down at the table.
“It was good,” I reply, smiling at him.
“His dance instructor came up to me after class and told me that our son is the best dancer in the class and is very dedicated to his dancing. She said he impresses her on a regular basis,” she tells him as she looks at me and smiles.
“That doesn’t surprise me a bit. I’ve seen how talented he is. I’m proud of you, Son,” he says, walking over and sitting down at the table.
“Thanks, Dad. It’s no big deal. I just love dancing,” I say, shrugging my shoulders.
“Well, it’s a big deal to us. We’re allowed to be proud of you, sweetheart,” Mom says from across the room.
“If you say so,” I reply.
“We say so,” Dad says, winking at me.
“What’s for dinner, Mom?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Sloppy joes and potato salad,” she says, joining us at the table.
“That sounds good. If I’m not mistaken, that’s a favorite of someone I know,” he says, winking at Mom.
“Me!” I say, excited about having my favorite meal for dinner.
“Why don’t we go out back and sit on the deck while your mom gets dinner started,” he says, getting up from the table.
“Okay, Dad,” I say, getting up and following him to the back door.
“Thanks, honey,” she says as we pass by her on our way to the door.
He opens the door and we step out onto the back deck. It’s a warm spring day and it’s nice to be able to sit outside. I love spending time outside with my dad. It’s our special time together. He sits down on the step and pats the spot next to him, inviting me to sit down.
“Have a seat,” he says as I walk over and sit down next to him.
“Are you enjoying dance class?” he asks, looking over at me.
“I love it. It’s so much fun,” I reply.
“You’re really passionate about dancing. I can tell,” he says, shifting his gaze to me.
“I wanna be a famous dance star like Calvin Barry someday,” I tell him.
“I have no doubt you’ll make that happen. Most ten-year-olds have no idea what they want to do when they grow up. I admire your drive and passion,” he says, giving me a slap on the back.
“It’s what I really wanna do,” I say, looking up at him.
“If you’re really serious about it, then don’t ever let anyone or anything stand in your way. Never give up on your dreams, Son.”
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