Dancer Girl

Julia sat on the stage and stretched her legs. Rehearsals were over and she was a sweaty mess, just like everyone else. Production was still in its early phase.

She was exhausted, but she had never felt so happy. When she stood, she grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat from her face. Then she took a drink of water from a bottle.

"Have you heard the rumors?" Christine asked while stretching her calves.

"What rumors?"

"Apparently the director is getting shit canned."

Julia was taken aback. "Really? He seemed just fine today."

"Well, he's obviously embarrassed about it. Apparently he got caught screwing one of the producer's wife. So he's going to be fired before the production kicks into high gear."

"Are you sure? I mean, are you really sure?"

"Wait and see," Christine smiled, before leaving.

Julia smiled back as her best friend left the stage. There were roughly 20 other dancers also on the stage. All of them were tired and exhausted. But they were all happy. Julia looked to the director, who was off stage, and had a clear frown on his face. Maybe Christine was right?

***

Days later. It was Julia's break time from her day job. She wore a classy uniform as a waitress for a high-end restaurant.

She sat on the stairway to the back alley and played with her phone. A mass email came from the show's director to all of the dancers. With regret, he announced his immediate resignation from the production, although he didn't explain his decision.

Julia's jaw nearly dropped. She immediately sent a text to her best friend:

Holy shit! You were right! I hope the show doesn't get canceled!

Within a minute, Christine replied:

I know! We're getting a new director today. Don't tell anyone that I've been giving you this information.

Julia put her phone away and prepared to get back to work. The news was a slight disappointment because she had always gotten along with the director, and she had worked with him a few times before. But at least the show wasn't canceled...

***

Rehearsals were awkward that night without their usual director. The dancers were being watched by the show's producers and the owner of the auditorium.

At the end of rehearsals, the dancers were all introduced to Mark, their new director. He was a handsome man in his mid 40's, with a stern face. He greeted all of the dancers by shaking their hands. Then he gave a long winded speech about how he was thrilled to be a part of the production, and how he thought everyone did magnificently.

After the speech, everyone was free to go. Julia and Christine gossiped together on stage while they finished their stretching, and they wiped the sweat off their faces before taking sips of water.

"Excuse me, miss, the new director would like to meet with you," an assistant said to Julia.

"Me?" Julia asked, unsure of herself.

"Yes, you. He's waiting in the backroom."

"Oh, what's this about?"

"He'd like to meet with all of the dancers one-on-one," the assistant replied. "You're the first."

"Oh, cool. I'll be there in a few minutes after I change my clothes."

"The director doesn't mind. He prefers you in your dance outfit."

Julia felt self-conscious about her sweaty appearance. "Oh, okay. I'll be right there."

The assistant left, and Julia gave her friend a mortified playful look. It was the kind of look which said, 'Wish me luck!'

Julia went to the backroom, knocked the door, and entered when she was told to enter. She closed the door, and no one else was there except for Mark.

"Julia right? Pleasure to meet you," he said, standing up to shake her hand.

She noted how big and tall he was. Even though she had a dancer's body, she was a bit on the short side. She was also kind of skinny. Mark was tall and strong. His hand overwhelmed hers when they shook hands. Once again, she felt self-conscious for being a sweaty mess in front of him.

They sat down.

"I enjoyed watching you dance earlier," he said. "I think you're wonderful. You're one of the stand-outs of the cast."

"Thank you sir."

He briefly looked down at a piece of paper. "It says here that you have an extensive background in ballet. Is that correct?"

"It is," she nodded. "I've been doing ballet since I was very young. My mother enrolled me in classes. She was also a ballet dancer."

"Then why aren't you doing strictly ballet shows? Why are you here?"

"Well, to be honest, it's hard getting a spot in a ballet show. Everyone is so....good."

"And you aren't?" he asked with an eyebrow raised.

Julia suddenly felt shy. "I'm okay. I mean, I think I'm good. But there are a lot of other girls who have been doing ballet a lot longer than I have."

"Fair enough," he said, looking down at the paper again. "So, you also work as a waitress."

"Yes, for a high-end Italian restaurant downtown," she clarified, hoping that it would sound better.

"That's good to hear. These small dance productions don't pay very well. And with the cost of living in this city, don't even get me started on that."

She smiled, "You're right about that. I wish I could devote all of my time to dancing, but I need to pay the bills."

He gave a faint nod. "What do you think of the production so far? Any changes you would like to make?"

"No. Not really. I'm having a great time. It's really a lot of fun."

"So you're just here to have fun?" he asked sternly, with his eyebrow raised again.

She suddenly looked coy. "Um...I meant that I'm glad it's fun. I love to dance. It's my biggest passion in life. I'm just glad to be doing it."

"Julia, what I saw today was a mediocre stage production. Let's be frank, no one is going to watch it. You know why? Because there are a lot better shows down the block, and for the same price."

"Oh...I...uh..."

"Don't talk yet," he said. "Your old director was crap. But the good news is that the cast is great. There is a lot of potential here to make a great show. Also, I think you're great. I think this show would benefit with you as one of the leads. What do you think about that?"

Her eyes widened. "I think that's...wow...really?"

"Yes, really. You seem surprised? Do you think you can handle being a lead dancer on stage?"

"I think so."

"You think so?" he asked. "If you're not entirely sure, then I can always get Christine to be the lead instead."

"I can do it! I can do it!"

Mark nodded and gave a slight smile. "We'll keep in touch. I'll formulate a new show which will slightly center around you. If it goes well, then your lead could be expanded. We'll see what happens. Have a good night."

***

Later that night. Julia walked home alone. She didn't bother to take the bus as she normally did. She wanted the long walk through the downtown area to her tiny one-bedroom apartment. Her legs and feet were sore. Hours of waitressing and dancing had taken its toll. But she didn't care.

Being the lead of a dance production. Oh my god!

It was a dream come true. It was too good to be true. God, is this really happening?

She smiled to herself. She thought of Mark. She thought of the way his body towered over her small delicate frame when they first met. She thought of his large hand making her feel so tiny. She imaged herself dancing for him on stage while he watched. Just the two of them. No one else. Finally, I get to do ballet again. Yes!

***

Two days later. Julia wandered down the hall to the small dance studio. She had just finished her day shift at work, and she was dressed in her casual attire; blue jeans and a plain white tshirt.

She greeted Mark with a handshake, which casually excited her between the legs. They were alone in the dance studio. It was another private meeting.

"Have you thought about what we've talked about?" Mark asked when they sat down for the face-to-face meeting.

"I have."

"And? What do you think?"

She nodded. "I'm ready for this if you have faith in me."

"I do. When I first saw you dance, I'll admit, I could barely sleep that night. I stayed up until 3 am thinking of how I could use you for the show. If you can handle the limelight, I want to make you the star of the production."

She held in her excitement and nodded again. "I'm ready for this opportunity."

"Wonderful to hear. I knew you would be interested. I have a number of ideas for you and the rest of the dancers. But I'll unveil that during tomorrow's rehearsal."

"I can't wait. Seriously, this is a life changer for me. I've always wanted to be center stage."

"Are you usually in the background?"

"Yeah," she replied.

"What a shame. A young woman with your talents, you should always be in the center of the stage."

"Thanks," she smiled.

"Tell me, Julia, what draws you to dancing? Why is it a passion of yours?"

Julia thought for a moment. "I love the freedom to express myself. It's like I soar like a bird on stage. Just being able to move my body in an artistic way, and having a crowd enjoy what I do, it's a magical thing for me. I also love the lifestyle of a dancer; being with my best friends, being a goof, dressing up in crazy costumes. I always have a blast."

"I can see your enthusiasm for it," he nodded.

"What about you? What's your interest in this?"

"I used to be a ballet dancer when I was younger. An injury put an end to that. For the past many years, I've had success as a director and instructor. It's the closest I'll ever come to the freedom that dancing gives."

She was genuinely touched. Beneath his staunch exterior, Mark seemed like a genuine guy who she could relate to.

"I'm sorry to hear that," she said in sympathy.

"Don't be. I find solace with what I do."

"Everyone should at some point."

He nodded. "Do you have any other interests besides being a stage performer?"

She collected her thoughts. "Dancing is my biggest passion, by far. But I also enjoy watching great television shows and movies when I have the time. I binge on certain tv shows. When I don't have to stay thin for stage performances, I love exploring different foods. I'm also big on fashion. I used to blog about fashion, but not really anymore."

"You sound like most women your age."

"Then I'm basically the average woman," she smiled.

"But with a very unique talent. Not many people can dance like you."

She blushed. "If you say so."

"Taste in music?"

"Nick Cave."

"You have excellent taste," he replied.

She smiled, "I know."

"Are you in a relationship?"

"Single."

"Why?"

She thought for a moment. "I like the freedom I guess. I've always been indecisive. I want everything. A lot of guys can't handle that, which is understandable. I don't know if I'll ever change."

"You seem like you need structure in your life," he said confidently.

"Do I?"

"Yes. Not in a bad way. But I'm obviously much much older than you are. I have far more experience dealing with women than you do. And some women need to be bossed around, and told what to do."

Julia was slightly taken aback by his blatantly sexist comment about women.

"I guess so," she replied passively.

"You don't believe me?"

"You're the expert on women, right?" she said with heavy sarcasm.

He shook his head at her sarcasm. "You're a fascinating girl, Julia. You dance like a confident and strong woman, but you're also insecure and meek."

"I'm not sure where this conversation is headed."

"Nowhere. I wanted to tell you that you're going to be the lead dancer in the revamped version of this production. Now you're free to go. Get out."

Julia sat stunned for a moment when she was told to 'get out.' At that moment, she immediately regretted being sarcastic to him, but it was too late. The damage was done. She got up and stormed out of the dance studio. She was used to dealing with jerks, but Mark was the last person she would have expected attitude from.

***

Julia and Christine looked for seats after waiting in line for their coffee. It was a Saturday morning. They sat down and enjoyed the break from their hectic schedule during the week.

"You're so lucky," Christine said, sipping her coffee. "The lead role. The freaking lead role!"

"I know. I know. But it feels too good to be true. I mean, I barely know the guy, and he's made me the lead performer. How crazy is that?"

Christine shrugged. "It's called good luck. It happens all the time to people. Plus you deserve it."

"Yeah, I guess so. But I've got this weird feeling like it won't happen. Who knows, Mark could get fired like the last director and I'll be shoved in the back of the stage by whoever is in charge next."

"Don't be so negative."

"I'm not," Julia replied. "I'm just being realistic."

"Good point."

They sat quietly for a moment, drinking their coffee while it was still hot.

"Do you think I could do it?" Julia asked. "You know, the lead dancing role."

"For sure. Definitely. You've got the talent and skills. Plus you have a cute face and a nice bottom."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"Anytime," Christine said before taking another sip.

"I'm meeting with him soon. We'll be working together on my dance solo. It's a nice little ballet routine."

"I've heard. Good luck with that."

"Do you hear everything?" Julia asked incredulously.

"Just about," Christine replied. "I think he likes you. Really."

"What makes you say that?"

"The way he looks at you. He has this look on his face when you're twirling your butt around. Can't say I blame him. You have a nice butt."

Julia gave a slight shrug. "Well, yeah, of course he's looking, he's our director. He's supposed to be looking at us."

"You've never noticed anything? He doesn't flirt with you in private?"

"What if he did? What would you think about that?"

"I think he's hot," Christine smiled. "I'd totally suck his cock."

Julia smiled back. "Of course you would."

*****

The dance studio was empty. The lights were on. Julia had changed into her ballet outfit for rehearsals, which consisted of tight cotton pants and a small tshirt. She wore a matching pair of black panties and a black sports bra underneath.

When she took a sip of her water, the door opened and Mark entered. There was a slight friction between them which never went away. But they tried to keep things professional and courteous.

Julia did her warm up routine while Mark looked on. She thought of Christine's words, wondering if Mark was being turned on by watching her dance.

"We'll start at the top," Mark said, before playing music from a stereo.

Julia did her slow and seductive ballet routine in front of the studio mirror. She watched every movement carefully, until she had to spin around and leap in the air. She hit every move with perfection. Every move she made was choreographed by Mark.

When it was over, Julia slowed down her pace, and bowed in front of the mirror, then the music stopped.

"Marvelous," he said.

"Thank you."

"You're a quick learner. We should be ready ahead of schedule."

Julia relaxed her body and drank some water.

"You have no idea how excited I am about this," she said with the bottle in hand. "It feels like my time to shine. I mean, I know this production is a group effort, but wow. I can't believe I have a solo."

"What do you think about when you dance on stage?"

She thought for a moment. "Kind of nervous. Kind of scared. But I try not to think. It's more about feeling the experience. It's like, it might not ever happen again. So I try to enjoy the moment of freedom."

"You mention freedom when dancing," he noted. "I think you yearn to be free, but deep down, I don't think you actually want it."

She shrugged off his comment and took another drink from the bottle.

"This again?" she asked rhetorically.

"I want to make you a star. In order to do that, I need to figure out your strengths & weaknesses. I need to know what makes you tick."

"I'm not very complicated. I wake up, I go to work, and occasionally I dance in small productions if there's a job opening. That's it."

"Yet, you're single," he noted.

"So?"

"A beautiful and vibrant young woman like you, with no boyfriend? Don't you have a pulse? Don't you enjoy sex?"

"I don't think that's any of your business," she replied firmly.

"Fine. I won't bring it up again," he said.

Mark turned his attention to a pile of papers which contained all of the notes he had for the production. It seemed as though he was purposely trying to ignore her. Julia sighed.

"I have needs too," she said randomly. "But I'm picky when it comes to men. I like a certain type."

He looked at her again. "What type is that?"

"None of your business."

"The strong type I'd imagine. You like someone dominant. The passive type is a turn-off for you. Isn't it?"

"How did you guess?"

"I've worked with enough young women to realize what makes them tick," he said confidently. "Tell me, when you don't find the man you want, and your hormones are raging, what do you do?"

"What do you think?" she replied like it was so obvious.

"Tell me."

"I masturbate. Usually in my bed, or in the shower. I use my fingers, or a little sex toy that I own."

He nodded. "Thank you for your honesty. Tonight, before bed, I want you to masturbate for me. Think about whatever comes to mind. The next time we meet, I want you to tell me about it. Tell me what you did, and what you thought about."

"Why?"

"I'm curious. Are you going to do it?"

She hesitantly nodded. "Yes."

***

After a light dinner of chicken soup and fruits, Julia sat in front of the television and binge watched a few hours of Homeland. It made her forget all the stresses of her busy schedule. The clock read 11:28 pm. She had to wake up early for her day job as a waitress.

She brushed her teeth, washed her face, and applied lotion to her body. Special cream for her face to maintain her perfect skin.

She laid in bed with the lights still on and she gazed at the ceiling. Mark's assignment crossed her mind. I'm way too tired to cum. Maybe I'll just make something up and lie to his face. He won't know the difference. Asshole.

Julia's mind raced with thoughts of dancing on stage, and dancing in the small studio for Mark. She thought about dancing naked on stage for everyone to see. She had always been a closet exhibitionist. While in bed, she brought her hand between her legs. She wanted Mark to be her special voyeur. Her hand slipped inside her pajamas.

She imagined the crowd disappearing. Julia was the only person on stage- naked. Mark was the only person watching her.

A moan escaped her lips while she laid in bed. In her imagination, she ballet danced on stage, naked, alone, only for Mark's approval. She wanted to please him. She wanted to make him happy. She wanted his approval.

While she continued touching herself, she realized that she wanted his cock too. She wanted him to use a pair of her spandex pants to tie her up. Her wrists restrained with no where to go.

More thoughts rushed into her head. Sexual thoughts. She continued touching herself. Her toes curled into a circular shape. She came.

Julia opened her eyes and looked at the ceiling again. She laid there for a few moments, enjoying the benefits of her own stimulation. Then she got up to wash her hands and to wipe her crotch dry.

She laid back down in bed, covering herself with the blanket, before turning off the lights for much needed rest.