“Yes, I know today’s took an unusual turn,” Ms. Irving said, “but that actually wasn’t a bad thing for us. We are looking for dancers to audition into our program for technique and talent, naturally. But we have students of all ages, and seeing you so engaged with the younger dancers is something that we appreciate. We believe you’d make an exceptional addition to our summer program here in New York City.”

WUT. Had I really heard that?

“WUT?!” Oops, had I really said that?

“Harper?” Vanessa raised an eyebrow.

“No worries,” Ms. Irving said. “I take it as a compliment.”

“It is! Thank you!” I finally sputtered. “Thank you so very, very much.”

“This is for your parents,” said Ms. Irving, handing me a letter with the Dance New York logo on top. It was an invitation, a welcome to join their summer program! “We’ll follow up with more information.”

I jumped up and down before gaining my composure.

“We hope to have you join us.” Ms. Irving shook my hand again before walking away.

“So do I!” I said.

“Congratulations, Harper.” Vanessa gave me a hug and took a look at the letter. “I am one proud coach. First Megan and now you—today is a good day.”

“Megan?”

“Yes! I’ll let her share the good news.”

“Wow,” I said. “Coming to nationals can really change a dancer’s life.”

“That it can,” said Vanessa. “It did for me.” She winked and waved my letter in the air. “I’m going to put this is a safe place.”

I watched Vanessa slip away as Eliza ran up to me with her awesome news.

“I’m invited to go to Memphis All-Stars!” she said, her eyes shining.

“Wait, what?” I said. “In Tennessee?”

“Yup. And Megan got in too . . . so I’ll be spending the summer with her.” Eliza paused. “Do you think she’ll teach me how she does that leg-hold trick? That was impressive.”

I smiled. I was a little bummed I didn’t get to Megan first, but I figured I could pretend I hadn’t heard her news yet!

“And I heard you’re going to be in New York,” Eliza said. “How funny is that I’m going south and you’re coming back here?”

“Well, maybe we won’t be there at the same time so I can see you when I’m here,” I said. “It’s just sinking in. Wow! We got scouted!”

“Can you believe we did this?!” Eliza said. We both jumped around in excitement.

In our final act on the nationals stage, Eliza and I took our position in front of the illuminated city skyline backdrop for our photo. Vanessa was kind enough to snap the pics using both Eliza’s and my cameras. Eliza and I posed, arm in arm, with our knees pointed at each other.