The RhyDin Theatre and Opera House

Katarina took a deep breath to try and steady herself, though she was shaking madly from the cold. Despite the many layers over her tan dress and the short walk, the brisk cold was merciless to her thin frame. She stood there for several moments, before beginning to ascend up the off white stairs. There were sun-bleached posters of current and previous performances, but she did not take the time to look at them.

?I did it Ma, I made the part!? Katie exclaimed as she opened the door to her home, her body reflecting the beginning of womanhood. Her feet pounded against the wooden flooring as she began her search.

?Ya did wha?? Her youngest brother Lance asked as he heard all of her commotion. He shared the same shade of eyes with his eldest sibling, but his hair was a dark brown that he inherited from their mother. His face reflected an age around eight, and he had several dirt stains on his clothing.

?I made the part!? She repeated brightly, bending over to press a kiss to the side of his cheek that was still clean, ?Where?s Ma??

?Ugh, gross. Out wit the herd.? He barely finished his sentence before Katie was bolting back out the door and headed towards the heart of the farm.

She barely remembered to watch her step as she spotted her mother, and waved the piece of parchment in her hand madly. ?Ma, I made it!? She called out to get her attention. ?I made Gamzatti, jist like I wanted!?

?Who?s Gamzatti, darlin??? Trisha called to her daughter over her shoulder, seeing the white paper move frantically back and forth.

?Gamazatti, from the ballet, Ma. La Bayad?re. I made it!? Once reaching her mother, she tried to regain her breathing as she handed over the paper that listed all the ballerinas and dancers that had made the auditions.

?Oh darlin?, I be proud of ya.? Trisha gave a genuine smile and gave her daughter a warm hug. ?Betta go tell yer Pa, he?s ova wit Uncle James and Aunt Marian.?

It did not take more encouragement for Katarina to bolt off running again to spread the news.

The memory left a sentimental smile on her face as she reached to open the door to what might be a new beginning.

With excitement rekindled in her steps, Katarina started down the hallway. Some doors were open, and other were not, but it was hard to keep her eyes from looking in when she could. She passed an open door that held several costumes and different sets of clothing. She did not let her eyes linger though, and she carried on.

Finally arriving to the last door on the right, she paused to study the door. There was no indication that this was an office, or any person's particular room. There was however, a beautiful oil painting of a pair of ballet slippers. Squaring her shoulders, she gently rapped the back of her knuckles against the door.

She heard shuffling of papers, before someone yanked open the door, "If ah have to tell you again..." The woman blinked and let her sentence trail off. Brushing her fiery red hair from her shoulders, she pasted a brilliant smile on her face, "Good day to you. Are you lost?"

"Oh, nah." Placing on her performance smile, Katarina inclined her head slightly, "I'm lookin' fer Christine."

"Well, you have found her. What can ah do for you?" It was evident that Christine had little desire to continue to speak with Katarina, but she was being polite enough to get her to talk and leave.

"I heard tha' you're a' assistan' ta Madame Hasbrouck. Could'ya tell me tha nex' time tha' she'll be in?"

Curiosity sparked now, Christine gave Katarina a deliberate and slow look over, "She will be in on Thursday, but she does not have much time for admirers."

Katarina almost corrected the redhead, but there was something in the way that she looked, that made Rini change her mind. "Thank you." Playing her own sweet smile, she turned around and headed out of the theatre.

She would be ready by Thursday.

The smells of the stage were painfully familiar with a twist of the unknown. The orchestra played at a soft volume so that the singers could argue about who came in early and the dancers continued on as if nothing happened.

?One, two, three..? Katarina?s temporary instructor, Yvette whispered the counts as Katarina watched the dancers move with the music. The many moved as one from a deep pli? to rise and relev? in 5th. With exquiste control, they lowered back onto their heels in three counts, and continued further.

It was one of Katarina?s favorite operas; one with pain and passion. It was also a favorite among the dancers, though for Katarina it was a hard start. She had to be so much more versatile in using more than ballet. It required more, and Rini needed to learn with haste.

?Again, again!? The lead soprano announced, more so to the conductor than the dancers. They were not her concern unless they were in her way.

?Think yer ready?? Though she was waiting for an answer, Yvette was already moving to join the company.

With a simple nod, Katarina discreetly inhaled deeply before moving moments before the music began. The dancers were in a myraid of clothing and colors, while Katarina wore a simple long-sleeved black leotard with black leg warmers. It was enough to have her blend in without drawing too much attention to herself. She wanted to show that she could move with the rest, that she could lose her individuality for effect.

Several hours later, Katarina was practically bounding through the Marketplace towards the Silver Lark. Her role in the opera was low, but it was her audition. If she did well now, she could audition for high roles, and perhaps a company. For now, she would be content with her job, and spread the news to her family.