"What do you think about Franco's article? Who do you think showed up to audition? Any dancer with a half a brain is here already. It can't be a comparable group unless lots of people move out here." Andy flipped through the latest Gossip GangSTAR and grumbled backstage. The theatre was coming alive again, shaking off the hibernation of the winter months when the entertainers stayed home and pursued rest. Or, as much rest as a ballet dancer could tolerate. Most stayed nearby and continued their daily routine. Discipline was an admirably quality of any dancer that wanted to make their living with their skills.

Katarina took a break from wringing her skirt in her hands to wave Andy off, "I'm nah concerned. We survived th' theatre when it first established. We hav' wonderful fans an' patrons, skilled dancers, and time 'n our side. Plus, someone like Franco kin keep us 'n th' limeligh'. Ain' worried 'bout it, s'pecially nah righ' now."

Andy watched her back and forth movement from her pacing, "You're nervous, aren't you?"

"Terribly. I haven' felt this nervous since I auditioned fer th' Royal Academy." She took in a deep breath, "It's one o' those moments we live for - it's th' whole reason fer dancin', er actin', er anythin' like tha'. Ta know tha' yer love, yer passion has impacted someone so deeply. It's absolutely min'-bogglin'." Her fingers began to tug on the ends of her hair to bring some pain to her scalp and keep her mind sharp, "I wan' ta be everythin' she thinks I am, shiny?"

"There, there." Her dancing partner of five years opened up his arms, and Katarina took the hint to accept the offered hug, "You'll be great. You're gonna give this kid the time of her life, and she'll know that there are people out there who care. And.. her parents will know that there are positive role models around. It's a great thing."

"Lor' an' Skies, nah pressure." She backed out of the hug and busied her hands by gathering her hair into a well-practiced bun, and just then, she heard the commotion down the hall, "Think tha' they're here."

Andy turned his head in just enough time to see Jasmin and her parents walk from the hallway to the dark mysteries of the backstage of a theatre. The was a little jolt of shock to Katarina's middle when Jasmin's parents seemed to be her own age. They were dressed in humble Sunday's best, and Jasmin's mother held her daughter's hand as they looked around them with wide eyes.

"This backstage hosts many of our props, as well as some other performing groups. Mostly the opera's, and they are a sight to see." Auden's gentle tenor filled the large, black space. Upon spotting his dancers, Auden smiled, "Ah, here we are. Jim, Linda, these are the best our troupe has to offer. This is Andy Hamilton, and I'm certain you recognize Katarina Smith."

"Pleased to meet you." Andy was all smiles as he stepped forward to shake the parents' hands. "And you must be Jasmin." He leaned down so that he was closer to eye level with the girl. She was wearing the same outfit that were shown in her video. She swayed a little in place with a nod and smile.

Katarina felt that she was being quiet and still for too long while Andy made his introductions. Her smile was a little nervous as she followed his lead, "We're so happy tha' ya'll decided ta come visit us." After addressing the parents, she bent down low so that she could be at Jasmin's eye level. She studied the girl, who seemed to be doing the same to her. "I think tha' ya know who I am." The girl looked away slyly and nodded, "Did'cha know tha' 've seen a vid o' ya dancin'? Ya hav' 'n amazin' memory! It took me foreva ta 'member all those moves. I was hopin' tha' ya'd wan' ta dance wit' me a li'l today?"

"We will be dance...ing?" There were separation in the words and a harsh pronunciation at the end, but otherwise Jasmin's words were easy to understand.

"Yeah, we will be dancin'." Katarina smiled hopefully.

"No. Dance..ing." She created the harsh and specific pronunciation again, and while Katarina tried to not look confused, her father started to roar with laughter.

"Oh Jasmin sweetie, she's saying 'dancing'. Katarina has what we call an 'accent' - she just says words a little differently than we do." Jim looked to Katarina apologetically, "We are working on word endings with her speech therapist. 'Ing' sounds just happens to be one of them. She's trying to help you."

Lor' an' Skies, my speech is bein' corrected by a ten-year-old, was the thought that Katarina had, and she sighed a little inwardly. "Dancing" She said with a clear tone, and it got a smile of approval from the little girl. "Mahbe I should see yer speech therapist, hmm?"

"Her name is Ga-lin-da." Jasmin offered.

"Well, I'll hav'ta giv' her a call when we're all through. Bu' fer today, Andy an' I hav' some dancin'-g ta do wit' ya. Do ya hav' everythin' fer ballet classes today?" She eyed the little girl critically with a small grin. When she nodded enthusiastically, Katarina straightened up and rubbed her hands together, "Very good! Let's git started!"