“Okay. So, for this dance, the most important thing is to tell the story, which means finding a narrative, and from what I’ve seen in these shows, they often like the celebrity to show a little of their personal history in this kind of dance.”
“I don’t have a story.”
“Everyone has a story.”
He shrugged. “I can’t think of anything apart from you and me and how we met, and I’m not comfortable sharing my private life like that.”
Her heart glowed. This man was trustworthy. “But you could share about the reason you chose this charity.”
“You mean my mom getting sick?”
“Maybe more how you found hope in that moment. I don’t in any way want to exploit that, but I think you’ll find it resonates with so many people, especially if it’s told from your point of view.”
He sighed. Glanced at Ella and crew. “If I do this, then I’d like to show how this pointed me to God.”
The backs of Bailey’s eyes heated, and she swallowed a ball of emotion, as she hugged him. “We can do that.” She fanned her face. “Wow, I’m getting all emotional here.”
“Luc?” Ella called. “Want to do your to-camera piece about this?”
“Not really.” He sighed, glanced at Bailey, who nodded. “But okay.”
Bailey listened, hungry to hear details about this crucial time of his life. And as he shared about his mom’s unexpected diagnosis, the fear in him that had led him to find hope in God, she inwardly wept for the broken boy inside the tough man, and praised God He used all manner of things to bring people to Himself. She squeezed his hand as his voice grew raspy, and shot him a quick smile when he glanced her way, and prayed that his words would touch hearts.
“And that’s why I said yes to this show so I can encourage others who are struggling, to know there’s always hope that can be found in God.”
“And, cut. Wow, Luc. I think I’m tearing up here, too.” Ella said. “That’s gold.”
“I still want to check with my mom that it’s okay to do this.”
“Mind if we film and use that too?”
“You can only use any of this if she says it’s okay.”
As Luc called his mom, Bailey reflected on his story, and how best to demonstrate such a journey through movement. She had some ideas, but hearing his thoughts would make things so much more powerful.
“Thanks, Ma, love you.”
Oh, she loved a man who loved his mom.
He glanced at Bailey. “She says hi, too.”
“Hi Mrs. Blanchard,” she called.
Luc smiled, then shook his head. “No, Ma, she can’t talk. We’ve got rehearsals. I’ll call you later.” He placed down his phone, and smiled wryly at Ella. “You got your yes.”
“Fabulous!”
Bailey studied him. “Are you okay? Do you need a moment?”
He rubbed a hand over his face, through his hair. “I did not expect that this morning.”
“Welcome to the world of dance where anything can happen.”
“Nice line, Bailey,” Ella said.
Bailey glanced across, and sure enough, Ben and Tony were still filming.
Luc’s lips curved then he pushed his shoulders back. “So, now you know my story. What’s next?”
Okay, back to business. “Well, seeing this is the final, I figure we should incorporate some of your best moves, and because it’s quite emotional, I figure we might even try some ballet moves.”
“We’re doing ballet?”
“You want to look tough, right? Ballet dancers are among the toughest.”
“What’ll I be wearing?”
“Not a tutu, so don’t worry.”
He wiped his brow.
“Probably an open shirt again.”
“Woot!” called Ella.
“So shallow,” Luc murmured, his lips flicked up in resignation.
“Now, contemporary is all about capturing the emotion, trying to show what the song inspires within and showing that physically. Have you looked at the words of this song?”
