“. . . the Squad, from DanceStarz Academy!”

“We did it?” Trina asked in shock.

We all sat there for a split second as the crowd erupted.

“WE DID IT!” we all shouted back.

We jumped in a huddle like baseball players at the New York Yankees World Series (my favorite baseball team no matter where I would move!). It was unbelievable how things seemed to be happening in a dream. We jumped up and down with such a spring in our steps, I wouldn’t have been surprised if our heads hit the ceiling. It felt as if electric current ran through each of us through our hands, zapping dizzying joy into us. We felt a jolt of happiness that was hard to describe.

“Congratulations to the Squad from Florida’s DanceStarz Academy!”

We were near the edge of the stage, right next to Trey. There was dance music blaring from the speakers, with loud, thumping base vibrating my chest. Trey handed Megan—she was front and center and ready for this moment, and for once, I didn’t judge—the gleaming, towering trophy that was to be ours from now on. It was gorgeous.

“How are we going to carry that back on the plane?” Trina asked. We all started cracking up.

Aside from the trophy, the applause, the cheers, and the flashing cameras, we were also handed bright, fragrant bouquets of blue and white flowers. Everything was happening so fast. We were ushered and arranged in a group photo with Trey in the next hot minute—so fast that Riley didn’t have time to stand next to Trey. I quickly switched places so she could stand next to him in the front. She smiled at me appreciatively. She deserved that souvenir!

“And as if that isn’t exciting enough,” Trey said, “let’s surprise all the dancers with some great news. Your coaches have been sworn to secrecy.”

We all looked out at Vanessa, who looked smugly back.

Then Trey told us the huge news.

Anyone who made it to the solos round would not technically be competing against one another for a medal, trophy, or title. The solos were created to be the pressure-free last day of nationals. It was like a happy send-off for the participants and audiences. The performances were meant to follow a festive theme and get the crowd in the spirit. Traditionally, local schools were invited to watch the show. When I was in elementary school, my class had taken a class trip to nationals just for the day-three exhibition fun.

“Except . . . this year . . .”

Trey went on to explain that anyone selected to perform a solo would instantly be in the running for one of the most sought-after summer dance programs in the country—the Dance New York Summer Intensive! Recruiters would be attending our solo showcases and approaching their choice dancers with offers of a lifetime for the summer dance intensive!

“WHAT!” Everyone onstage was buzzing, just thinking about this. I’d never been this close to an opportunity like that before, and neither had most of us on this stage.