Anything They Want Done, You'll Do Naturally.

Time flies with you from city to city. You land in Costa Mesa knowing three weeks stand between you and a four-week layoff. Five months straight with only one week off truly takes a toll on your body. Your energy boost comes from your new love developing. Harry has already flown to three cities to see you, and one of those cities he flew to twice! Through the new development of your relationship, he’s been by your side to witness the new development of your cast. People have come and gone, and more intend to go as the break approaches; one of those cast members happens to be your dance captain.


It saddens you knowing your dance captain leaves in two months. His positivity and kind spirit influences your cast in the best way. The bitter loss brings a sweeter opportunity to mind. While working through the rehearsal process, you formed a solid foundation with the creative team. You begin to replay a specific conversation with associate choreographer, Amy.


“Megan, have you ever swung before?”
“Yeah, actually on my first tour I was the only female swing. It was a lot, but it’s definitely made me stronger.”
“That makes so much sense. I could tell you’ve had experience because of the way you work, but wasn’t positive. You seem to be aware of everything going on around you in each number. Have you ever wanted to be a dance captain or associate choreographer?”
“I have! I want to work my way up to that. I mean, once you’ve been swing, you feel like you can do anything.”
“I felt the same way after I swung my first show. Good to know.”


Your dance captain wasn’t given an assistant once the tour launched, but you hoped the opportunity would present itself. He had a heavy load of responsibility every night on stage, let alone the rehearsals and auditions he ran as dance captain during the day. You hoped you could be the one to help lighten the load, but it didn’t seem to fit the budget. Maybe his leave would be your promotion. You toy with the idea and decide to give your manger, Gregg a call.


After catching up with Gregg and expressing your interest in the dance captain position, you both decide to let things play out without informing the team of your interest. At the end of the day, you know the creative team and producers already have someone in mind. In your gut, you know you qualify. You glance down at your golden Alex and Ani bracelet and read aloud the quote that dangles from your charm.


“What is for you will not pass you.”


The bus rumbles beneath you as you pass a sign reading “Welcome to San Diego.” The two weeks in Costa Mesa ended with your shoulder taped up and feeling weaker than ever. Your shoulder has been in pain, but you always do your best to push through the pain and go on with the show. Your shoulder no longer feels that you should push, so you called out for the last two days. You arrive in San Diego and immediately Uber to a sports medicine doctor in the area.


The tedious examination results in a week of no dancing due to a sprained shoulder. Not only do you feel terrible about the outcome, but your younger brother graduates from college tomorrow. You already felt guilty for missing this monumental moment, now you feel even worse knowing you won’t even be working. Your company managers know your situation and watch you drag yourself into the elevator and up to your room. Minutes later, you receive a call from your company manager Brian.


“So, we know you want to make it to your brothers graduation. Rather than sitting here, there’s a flight that leaves in a few hours that will get you into Newark around 8am. If we do this, would you make it in time?”


“YES!!! OH MY GOD THANK YOU! THIS MEANS THE ABSOLUTE WORLD TO ME! I CAN NOT THANK YOU ENOUGH!”


An hour later, you slide into another Uber and begin the journey home. Your four week layoff just turned into five. Your spirits lift knowing you’re a night away from family, but in the back of your mind you fear this could hurt your chances of being considered for dance captain. To calm the thoughts that run through your anxious mind, you glance down at your golden bracelet.


“What is for you will not pass you.”


Hand in hand, you and Harry drive through Maryland after his long day of work. You’re halfway through your layoff and you already feel rejuvenated. Your shoulder, ankle, and mind all thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of family, and the man you love. You look to your left smiling at Harry, staring at his dark hair with its natural, dashing grey streak that swipes to the right across the front of his hairline. Your glance lowers to his suave glasses, his soft smile, his light blue blazer, all the way to his fingers intertwined with yours.


The buzzing of your phone bursts your heartfelt bubble. General manager’s name lights up the top of your screen. Your thumb swipes from left to right and you raise the phone to your ear.
Jim asks how your shoulder is feeling and if your break has been enjoyable. Small talk fades, and he gets down to business.


“You’re what I like to call a spitfire,” he expresses. “Your energy and style brings a fire to the stage. I’m sure you’ve heard, but Benji will be leaving the tour after Houston. After going back and forth with the creative team and those involved here at Troika, I’d like to offer you the dance captain position.”


You begin bouncing around in the passenger seat and mouth, “YES!” to Harry. He stares in confusion, but knows it’s positive, so he doesn’t ask questions. He waits patiently as Jim continues to break down details of the position and the benefits that come with it. You breath with relief knowing you will have an assistant dance captain, and you both will have time to shadow Benji before he leaves. They even plan on flying Amy to an upcoming city so that you can continue your D.C. training with her. You know you have A LOT to learn. You haven’t had to focus on anyone else’s track but your own. Knowing the amount of support you will have allows you to fully celebrate this career-changing achievement. Knowing you also have the support of Harry as he joins in your celebration makes the experience that much more rewarding. You knew you could get the job done for the creative team. You’ve done it naturally. You’ve earned their trust. Now you must prove you can keep it. ​