#Dance Classes for Beginner Kids | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

uppersidedreaminnn · 2 months ago

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𓂃 ‎ ‎ ‎ DANCE MACHINE‎ ‎ ‎★‎ ‎ ‎ ‎N.RK

synopsis: in which you want to learn how to dance; lucky for you, you have a dance prodigy as your boyfriend. word count: 1.6k genre: fluff, soft hours, established relationship.

reblogs ִֶָ 𓂃⊹ ִֶָ feedback >ᴗ<

you weren’t sure what exactly sparked your sudden desire to learn how to dance. maybe it was the numerous trending challenges that filled your tiktok for you page, or the way your friends were constantly filming and joining in. then again, maybe it was because your boyfriend, of all people, happened to be a walking dance prodigy—and watching him move so fluidly, so effortlessly, always left you entranced.

whatever the reason, you made a silent promise to yourself one night: you were going to hop on the bandwagon and give it a shot.

the following morning, you go through your usual routine, except with one new addition. standing awkwardly in front of your bedroom mirror, you hesitate. you’d spent the night before figuring out how to even begin this new endeavor. of course, you could have just asked riki for help—he’d probably jump at the chance to teach you—but after thinking it through, you decided to try learning on your own first. maybe it’d be more rewarding that way. and maybe, just maybe, you didn’t want to embarrass yourself in front of someone who danced like it was second nature.

so you start small— with the basic body movements, slow waves, beginner footwork, all inspired by a random youtube tutorial you found. you instantly feel like a kid learning to ride a bike all over again, clumsy and off-balance. in just a few minutes, you’re already sweating, your muscles sore and unfamiliar with the new way you’re forcing them to move.

you exhale deeply, watching your reflection as you repeat a sequence again.

damn, you think, people really make this look way easier than it is.

days pass. you go to class, hang out with friends, spend time with riki—your life carries on as usual. except now, your mornings start differently. you've been consistent, determined to better your skills. every day, you rehearse movements, watch “how to dance for beginners” videos, and scroll through advice from dancers online. sometimes you feel good. other times, you feel painfully awkward, like your limbs are working against you. but regardless—you keep going. hoping, eventually, your movements will start to feel natural.

lately, though, you’re starting to second-guess that sentiment.

you dance in the mornings, sometimes even at night if you’re free, trying to lock down a “beginner-friendly choreography” you thought would be easy. spoiler alert: it’s not. no matter how many times you run through the steps, your body refuses to cooperate. you’re rigid. stiff. your body failing to replicate the movements you see on-screen. after another futile attempt, you throw yourself onto your bed with a dramatic sigh, limbs sprawled and tired.

you’d picked a simple dance today, hoping for some kind of breakthrough. but now, lying there and feeling defeated, you can’t help but wonder if all your hard work has been for nothing. maybe you’re just not cut out for dancing after all.

your phone pings, snapping you out of your spiral. you wince as you reach for it, your sore muscles protesting. it’s from riki.

he’s spammed you with messages.

“baby??” “y/n, check your phone.” “did you seriously forget we have a date today?”

your heart sinks. crap, it slipped your mind.

you sit up straight, reading the last message:

“i’m coming over to pick you up. just get ready.”

but before you can even get up, the doorbell rings. startled, you scramble out of bed, hair a mess, shirt damp with sweat, rushing to open the door.

“hi,” you breathe, greeted by the familiar sight of your boyfriend—varsity jacket hanging off his frame, paired with his signature baggy jeans. instinctively, you run a hand through your hair, trying to fix yourself up a little.

riki arches a brow the second he sees you. you're disheveled. not quite the look for a date. his eyes flick up and down, trying to guess what on earth you were doing to end up looking like that. you don’t catch the bemused expression on his face as you dart into your room, grabbing a clean shirt and trying to tame your hair.

he crosses his arms, amusement dancing in his eyes. now that he thinks about it—you have been acting strange. you’ve been declining his morning hangouts lately, always saying you’re busy. and that’s unusual. mornings are your favorite time to relax, he knows your habits like the back of his hand. so either something’s changed... or you’re hiding something.

and riki doesn’t like being left in the dark. especially when it came to you, his girlfriend.

he watches you closely as you quickly change and rush through your makeup routine, forgetting to even apologize for spacing on your date, he leans against the counter, eyes narrowed.

“you forgot our date,” he says bluntly, prompting for an explanation.

you sigh upon hearing his words, glancing at him through the mirror. there’s no use denying it.

“yeah,” you mumble lowly, snapping your lip gloss shut, “i got caught up with something.”

“with what?”

you pause.

after a moment, you give in with a quiet huff. you know you promised yourself to keep your pursuits a secret, but riki’s got you cornered and honestly, you’re too tired from all the practice to care anymore.

“remember what giselle said when we started dating?” you ask, voice slow. when he doesn’t respond, you go on, “about how we’d be unstoppable if i learned to dance… and we could dance together?”

riki nods slowly, “kinda,” vaguely remembering the comment your friend had made when he first met them. he hadn’t thought much of it at the time, assuming you didn’t really care about dancing and that it was only his forte.

“well…” you trail off, sheepish. “i started learning recently.”

he blinks, eyebrows rising in surprise. you feel shy under the weight of his reaction, the shock clear on his face.

“you’ve been learning to dance?” he asks, incredulous. “i thought you hated any physical activity,” he adds, his tone genuinely curious.

you sigh dramatically. “i do. but i’ve been... determined.”

before he can say more, you cut in, “it’s just—i don’t think i’m getting anywhere.” your voice wavers with frustration. “i’ve been practicing every day, even late at night sometimes, and i still move like a robot.” the words spill out as you finally let your boyfriend in on how you’ve been feeling.

riki steps closer now, studying your face.

“why didn’t you just ask me for help?” he says, sounding half-offended that it hadn’t been your first instinct. dancing was something he took pride in—and he knew he could’ve taught you what he knows, if only you had asked.

you avoid his eyes. “i don’t know... i wanted to do it on my own first. and i didn’t want to look stupid in front of you.”

he frowns at that, gently tilting your chin so you're forced to meet his gaze. “you could never look stupid to me.”

you smile, touched—but embarrassment still lingers in you. “you haven’t even seen my movements yet.” you breathe.

riki nods, understanding how you feel—he knows learning something entirely new for the first time isn’t easy in the slightest. he pauses, thinking of a way to help, then his face lights up as an idea comes to him. “i have an idea.”

before you can respond, he grabs your hand swiftly, intertwining your fingers and tugging you towards the door.

“where are we going?” you ask, confused as you trail behind him.

riki just flashes you a grin, keeping you in suspense. “you’ll see,” he says lowly.

you two soon arrive at a familiar building, riki’s family dance studio. the arcade date you had planned quietly fading, replaced by what seems to be a dance date with riki teaching you.

you hadn’t been in the building for a while and apparently, neither has he. riki greets the staff with ease, exchanging a few light words before guiding you down the familiar halls. he leads you into an empty practice room, its mirrored walls stretching across one side, reflecting the quiet space back at you. the atmosphere feels different now, open, expectant, almost sacred. you’ve never stood in one of these rooms as someone who would dance before, only ever watching from the sidelines when you tagged along to riki’s practices. now, standing in the center of it, you feel a quiet nervousness mixed with awe.

“this was my go-to spot when i was a kid,” riki says, his voice clear in the quiet room, eyes soft by nostalgia.

he plays music from the speakers and swiftly begins moving through a simple choreography. you watch, captivated, as always. he dances like water—fluid, controlled and sharp. when he notices you staring, he grins and gestures for you to join him.

sensing your hesitation, he reassures you. “don’t worry, we’ll go slow. i’ll break it down for you, okay?”

you take a deep breath and nod, stepping beside him.

and true to his word, he takes it slow, demonstrating each movement in detail, patiently guiding you when you mess up, and gently correcting your mistakes. even when your frustration peaks—discouraged by certain moves—he stays patient, gently reminding you that you'll dance better with a clear, confident mind.

eventually, after a few run-throughs, you both laugh exhilarated in triumph. he plays the song again from the top, this time letting you take the lead. you hesitantly move to the center of the room, your expression focused.

he watches from the side, arms crossed, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

when the song ends, you exhale.

“i definitely still need more practice,” you conclude, biting your lip as you look up at him.

“you did amazing, baby,” he says, voice low and sincere.

you roll your eyes, poking his side. “you’re biased, riki.”

“and proud of it,” he moves away, dodging your advances.

you laugh, then redo the footwork you still struggle with. “can we go over this part again?”

“of course,” he says, stepping in front of you, mumbling the countings, demonstrating the steps again.

in that moment, you realize—learning to dance might not be so hard after all.

not when you’ve got a boyfriend as patient as riki right beside you.

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stardewremixed · 1 year ago

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We need better marriage candidate advantages! Gifts, dinners, and occasional chores on the farm are nice, but....

Shane - starts taking care of the chickens and you get more eggs (double or triple from one chicken) or an extra chicken every year. Plus discounts at Marnie's. Oh and give me a room for Jas on the farm!!! Also he starts working at Pierre's after Joja closes and leads weekly AA meetings at the community center. Marnie also visits occasionally and brings gifts. Wanders into the forest sometimes and brings back forage.

Abigail - discounts at Pierre's, shopping on Wednesdays, and she goes adventuring with you in the mines (for some rare drops). Discounts at the Adventurer's Guild after she becomes a full-fledged member. Her parents visit on the farm and you get occasional gifts from them. Breaks up rocks on the farm (actual rocks in your inventory and occsisonal geodes).

Harvey - discounts at the clinic for the amount of times you're injured in the mines and he is the one who finds you and carries you home so you don't lose any items. Weekly energy tonics. And sometimes he plays jazz (Unlocks new music). Discounts at the bookseller (1.6) because he befriends the hot air balloon operator. And the man gets over his fear of heights and gets his chopper license. Can take you to Ginger Island for free.

Maru - weekly energy tonics since she works in the Clinic (yes, she should keep her job) and battery packs, plus her dad visits the farm cave and you get better drops in there. Robin visits too and says things like "oh, I saw such and such needed upgraded or repaired, so I did it. " Seb visits and might bring a gift. She also creates a working robot that can automate some farm chores at random. Joins the aerobics class at Caroline's.

Sebastian - discounts from Robin for upgrades and her shop, he occasionally goes adventuring with you in the quarry (for rare drops), and brings in a side income from his incredibly popular indie computer game. Brings gifts from his trips to Zuzu City. Hosts weekly jam sessions with Abigail and Sam on the farm. Organizes DnD game night at the community center - friendly to beginner's.

Leah - chops wood for you (actual wood in your inventory), crafts beautiful decor for your farm, and brings you delicious forage from the forest. Brings in a small income from her artistry. And she would also adventure with you in the secret woods (rare drops and better protection). Might buy you a drink or salad at the Saloon on occasion. Would absolutely dance with you at the Stardrop on Friday nights if you asked her.

Alex - Builds a ramp for George and then his grandparents occasionally visit the farm, bearing gifts. He chops wood and breaks up stone on the farm (actual wood/stone in your inventory). And let's start a food truck. Sells at his stand year round (and more than just ice cream), bringing in a small monthly income. He would be an excellent ally also on difficult adventuring levels (preventing you from getting surrounded). If you do go down, he's carrying you home so that you don't lose any items. Runs bingo at community center for the older townies (including his grandparents). Finally fixed the damn leak in Evelyn's roof.

Elliott - let's upgrade his beach cabin for a vacation getaway! He brings you home from the library with all sorts of useful knowledge. The man brings in an income selling his stories and poetry. Establishes a regular reading event at the library. Teaches writing classes at the Community Center. Discounts at Willy's (Willy is Elliott's great uncle in my headcanon). He would occasionally adventure with you on Ginger Island. Oh and I think you'd adopt Leo together and build a little treehouse on the farm.

Sam - income from Joja (or the movie theater), builds a skate park for the kids on town (a new post marriage heart event), and travels occasionally with his band (bringing in a sporadic income). Oh and he writes new songs for the jukebox at the Saloon. (Unlocks new music). Probably plays for the locals on Friday nights. Vincent would come stay with you on the farm, on occasion, so he would have a room. Plus Jodi would bring you dinners on Sundays. Kent would send you regular gifts in the mail. Also unlimited free games at the arcade (Sam's always buying).

Haley - has a photography show (like Leah does with her art) and decorates your farmhouse with occasional prints (new decor), plus an income from selling her services as a photographer. I like to think she works with Seb on the town website and adds her images. Brings gifts from her trips to Zuzu City. Scythes grass on occasion on the farm (actual grass and sometimes mixed seeds in your inventory). Would plant flowers in a farm garden with Evelyn. Emily would visit and bring gifts.

Emily - discounts at the Saloon, a small weekly stipend, and sells her clothes online, plus you get to join the weekly aerobics class at Caroline's with her (and if you have high hearts with Clint, you get discounts at the blacksmith too). Sometimes misc clothing, shoe, hat, and ring upgrades show up in your inventory. Haley would visit and bring gifts.

Penny - special events at the community center (she helps establish family-friendly activities and the community center is more active). She goes back to school for her official license and brings in a small income from teaching. Discounts on bus rides thanks to her mom, or cheaper bus repair if you aren't done yet. Better rewards at the library/museum when you donate items because of her friendship with Gunther. And she creates a playroom at the farm for Jas and Vincent (and your kids, of course). Pam might visit on occasion and bring gifts (and like Shane, Pam would attend the weekly AA meetings).

Okay... confession time... who are you marrying based on the above advantages?

#sdv headcanon #sdv sam #stardew valley headcanon #sdv harvey #sdv sebastian #sdv elliott #sdv shane #sdv abigail #sdv alex #stardew valley #stardew remixed #sdv emily #sdv haley #sdv maru #sdv penny

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systlin · 1 year ago

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In other news, am doing something that I've wanted to for a long time and taking an adult ballet class with one of my friends!

It's a beginner class. TECHNICALLY I'm not a beginner because I took dance as a kid, but it has been 25 years and I have practiced zero times in those 25 years so I might as well be a beginner.

I always liked the ballet bit, but not the tap or jazz dance, and I didn't know any place offered adult classes until recently. First class is tonight and I'm excited!

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sandywritesfics · 22 days ago

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Dance To My Heart

After joining a dance class, the star dance student catches your eye, and she's grateful that she did.

Mina x Fem!Reader

Fluff, Light Angst, Panic Attack, Anxiety

4,254 words

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I sat at a traffic light, resting my chin on the steering wheel as I scanned the world outside my car windows. My eyes caught a building advertising dance classes on the second floor. The prospect of learning to dance seemed like a fun way to fill my free time with some sort of exercise. "I should go check it out tomorrow," I said to myself as I made my way home from work.

The next day, I walked into the dance studio to inquire about its classes. I opened the door during the middle of a class and was invited by the instructor to sit on the side to watch. I bowed as I took the opportunity to watch how the classes were run. I scanned the room and saw a window that displayed some of the trophies the dance studio had won. I was impressed by the number of trophies on display. Many of them read 'Ballet' on the base where a plaque was placed, but there were a variety of dance categories engraved on each trophy. I sat on the ground to watch the students as they practiced a dance routine.

That's when I saw her. She was extremely immersed in the routine. Her strong yet gentle gaze went over her own movements in the reflection of the mirrored wall they danced in front of. My eyes were glued to her, and I couldn't help but stare. As she looked at her reflection, her eyes caught mine. I looked away, embarrassed, and played it off by watching the rest of the students go over the routine with the instructor's help.

The music stopped as the instructor clapped to gain everyone's attention. She was going to teach the next part of the routine. My eyes fell on the student again. She stood up straight, shifting her weight to one side as she listened to the instructor's directions. Step by step, the instructor went over the motions, and she followed along immediately.

Again, they practiced the moves and after the class had the moves down, the instructor played the music to accompany the dance.

"Alright, here we go. Five, six, seven, eight," she counted off as she began dancing along, with the students following her moves.

I watched as some of the students fumbled or missed a step, wondering how I would compare to them. Then my eyes found her again. Her movements were precise. Her transitions, smooth. She nailed every move as the instructor had taught it. I snapped my head away, not wanting to get caught a second time. As the dancers stopped, so did the music.

"Alright everyone, let's take a break and we'll go over everything again before moving on." The instructor announced to the class. They dispersed to the side I was watching from, taking their water bottles to rehydrate and converse amongst each other.

The instructor waved me over. I got to my feet to meet her.

“So, what do you think of the class? Is it something you’re interested in?” She asked.

I looked back to the students, who mostly seemed younger than me, except for a few others, the girl included. “Is this an all-ages class?” I asked.

She smiled at me, “This one is our general class, which, yes, does include some middle school-aged students,” she explained to me. “It has a mixture of students with different experiences and levels of skill.”

I nod in interest, responding to her explanation.

“These classes are usually held Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 6 pm for the school kids, but we do have some classes for older students, whichever fits your schedule. As you can see, there are older students in this class, like Mina.” The instructor motions to the student I had been staring at. “Mina is also in our advanced classes, so if you want something more challenging, that’s an option for you.”

“Oh no, I’m just a beginner,” I waved my hands to decline the offer, “I was just curious about this class.”

“Well, just know there are options,” she explained, “But I do suggest you start with this class if you are just starting.”

I nodded in agreement. “So when can I start?”

“I’m glad you’re so eager to start,” she smiled at my enthusiasm, “You can start this Thursday if you’d like.”

“Alright,” I bowed eagerly, “Thank you so much. I’ll be here on Thursday.”

The instructor smiled, “Of course. Oh, and if you want, you can watch till the end of this class.” She began to make her way to the front of the class, “Granted, you have the time to stay and watch.”

My eyes widened, “I would love to, but I should get going.” I bowed and started to head out. I drove home excited to start something new.

Thursday dragged on longer than usual as I excitedly waited for my shift to end. Nearing the end of my shift, I looked at my bag, which I had packed some gym clothes into before work. The clock ticked down the minutes until it hit 5. I clocked out quickly and headed to the bathroom to change into my gym clothes. “This should be fine, right?” I asked myself as I looked over my gym clothes.

I psych myself up as I stand at the foot of the stairs that lead to the studio. I walk up the stairs and stand at the door. My first day. It’s always the most exciting and nerve-wracking day. I walked into the studio and saw the students sitting by the storage cubbies in the nook by the door. They seemed more interested in their conversations than in the new face that walked in. I was relieved that I wasn’t being stared at and set my bag down in a cubby.

I noticed that the girl, Mina, if I remembered correctly, was sitting with the older students, already stretching. She nodded as they spoke to her and smiled as they conversed, seemingly enjoying themselves.

I wasn’t sure what to do with myself as I waited for the class to start, so I just sat in an open area by myself. To my relief, the instructor gathered everyone moments after I sat down.

“Alright everyone, I’m sure you’ve noticed the new face in the crowd,” she motioned to me. “She’ll be joining our class as a beginner, so please make her feel welcome.”

I bowed as the students turned to face me with smiling faces. I felt less intimidated when I saw the friendly faces greeting me. The introduction was brief as we went right into warming up with stretches.

I was amazed at the varying levels of flexibility, all surpassing mine, which was to be expected. But I couldn’t help but compare myself to everyone else. Some, like Mina, were doing full splits with ease. Others were closer to the ground than I was. As we proceeded with the stretches, I found myself stretching muscles I didn’t know I had.

After stretching our bodies out, we went into a freestyle dance warm-up. I looked around the class, confused, not exactly sure what I was supposed to do. I felt a tap on my arm and turned around to see a young girl.

“Don’t worry,” she reassures me, “It’s really easy. Just move your body however you want.” She shook her arms out.

I looked over to Mina, who, instead of focusing on her reflection, smiled as she bounced along to the beat of the music. My heart fluttered when I saw the joy on her face. Hers was contagious, and I bobbed my head with her. The instructor counted down and the studio was filled with various movements. Some sharp and precise, others smooth and flowy. I stuck with sidestepping while watching everyone else dance out any stress or frustrations they had. Just by watching Mina, I knew she genuinely enjoyed dancing. Her smile never left her face as she moved effortlessly to the beat of the music, getting lost in a trance. Only once the freestyle ended did her face slowly return to the serious one I had seen a couple of days before.

The instructor was very helpful and easy to follow. She would help the students who weren’t getting the moves down and walked them through the movements. Since they were practicing a routine that they had already been working on, she paired me up with Mina to catch me up to speed.

“Hi, my name is Mina,” she extended her hand to me. “Nice to meet you.”

I shook her hand and gave her my name. “Nice to meet you, too. Thank you for your guidance.” I bowed.

She waved her hand, “Oh, no need to be so formal.” She brought me up from my bow. “We're about the same age, right?”

“Still, I’ll do my best.” I made a slight bow and welcomed her instruction. She led me through the motions and tried her best to simplify the movements. I caught on quickly, but my moves needed work.

“Alright everyone, let’s break for 5 minutes.” I went to get my water bottle when the younger students took interest and began to introduce themselves. Their curiosity compelled them to interrogate me. I happily answered, taking a glance at Mina, who also had her own flock of children surrounding her. She smiled warmly as the children rambled on.

“She’s really good.” One of the younger students stated as she noticed my gaze, “All those trophies by the window have her name on them, or well, most of them.”

“Is that so?” I look back at the student, “Well then, I’m in good hands.”

“Sometimes I think she gets overwhelmed and overworks herself too much.” Another student joined as she let out a heavy sigh, “I just wish she would take better care of herself.”

The younger student added, “But that’s why she’s the best we’ve got. She works so hard.”

I look back at Mina and also start to worry about her. The instructor calls us back to resume the lesson.

After the class was over, we were dismissed. I grabbed my bag and pulled it over my shoulder. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. This could become a good pastime. Before I left, I noticed Mina asking the instructor if she could stay a bit longer to practice. The instructor seemed a bit hesitant to allow her to stay, but ultimately agreed. Being the star student must be tough.

After a month of attending the classes, I felt as if my flexibility was improving with every practice. My coworkers even comment on how I seem to be losing some weight and how much more energetic I seem. My plan to find a fun exercise worked out. Not only that, but I have gotten closer to many of my classmates, including Mina. She always seemed to push herself to perfection, and the more I watched her, the more apparent that became. Her seemingly unexpressive face hid a hint of joy in her eyes as she danced. Whenever she would help me with the choreography, she had a hard time simplifying it so that I could follow along. Fortunately, I learned quickly and would happily accept her help, but the way she demonstrated the moves was precise and detail-oriented. I could tell she took pride in getting every detail correct. During breaks, I would sit with her and entertain the younger kids who would flock to us.

“Alright,” the instructor called everyone over, “As you all know, if you read the group messages, we're having a performance next month. We’ll be holding a class on the Sunday before the event to go over the program and run it through in its entirety.”

I looked over to Mina, excited when I noticed her face remained serious. I could see the excitement in her eyes. I smiled as it seemed I wasn’t the only one looking forward to the event.

“Make sure to take note of the dress code as well. I expect everyone to be here on time,” the instructor clapped to dismiss us.

During the month of the recital, everyone began to take practice more seriously. In the blink of an eye, the Sunday rehearsal came. We went through each number as if we were performing. The ballet number that came next included Mina and two other older students. They made their way to the center of the studio, getting into position. The music started, and the girls sprang to life. They elegantly moved, gliding through the space in the studio. I watched in awe, despite having seen the number multiple times through practice. I could see that Mina, despite concentrating on the number, was enjoying herself. It seemed like things were going smoothly until Mina rolled her ankle during one of the jumps.

“I’m fine,” Mina responded as she got back up and went back into position before wincing at the weight put on her ankle.

The instructor stopped the music and pulled her to the side, “You won’t be able to perform if you don't rest. Your injury will just get worse. Now, please just take a break, Mina.”

“I said I’m fine,” she firmly stated again, “I need to keep going.”

The instructor sighed, “I can’t let you perform. You’ll rest or you won’t be able to perform at the recital.”

Panic set into her eyes as she looked around the room. Worried and concerned looks greeted her, and, for a second, we made eye contact. Mina ran out of the practice room, clutching her chest. Concern drove my body to follow after her, scurrying down the stairs to be by her side.

She hunched over on the sidewalk, her breathing was panicked and heavy. Both hands were gripping her chest as she fell into a ball at the bottom of the stairs. I immediately grabbed her tensed hands, pulling them to my chest to get her to face me. When her eyes met mine, I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, hoping she would do the same. "It's ok, just take a deep breath and slowly breathe out. Just look at me and think about your breathing."

She began to follow my breathing, her clenched hands relaxed a little, and her wide, panicked eyes began to settle down.

Noticing her calming down, I continued to comfort her, "Mina, it's alright, you're alright."

Her voice barely above a whisper, "You saw my mistake, didn't you? How I rolled my ankle. I can't perform." Mina's voice wavered.

My brows furrow, "Mina, you’ll be able to perform. You just need a bit of rest."

"I don’t have time to rest!" She blurted out. "I’m the star student, I can’t get injured now."

"Mina," I was startled by her outburst. Her face was the most expressive I’ve seen.

"I’ll ruin the performance if I mess up." Her head hangs low.

I gently caress her hands, hoping to calm her down, "I'm sure you won't ruin the performance."

"How could you know that?” She takes in a deep breath, “If I mess up on stage, the audience will whisper among themselves. Wasn't she the one who won those competitions? How could she mess up a simple performance? I can hear their comments in my head."

"No one thinks you aren’t one of the best dancers we have." I firmly gripped her hands. "One mistake isn’t going to change that."

She let out a deep breath. "You weren't there, this isn’t the first time I’ve made a mistake."

"But I was just here, Mina.” I try to comfort her. “I saw you make that mistake in the studio, and not once did those thoughts cross my mind."

“You don’t have to lie to me,” She pulled her hands out of my grasp, “I saw everyone's disappointed faces.” She holds her head in her hands as tears begin to well in her eyes.

I let out a heavy sigh. “I’m concerned for you. And luckily, this is just the rehearsal.”

"This rehearsal is how we are going to perform on stage!" She started, her frustration threatening to let her tears fall free, “Yet I still-”

"Mina!" I shouted.

She looked at me with wide eyes, not expecting me to raise my voice.

I lowered my voice when I got her attention, “When I first saw you dance, I was mesmerized. You made dancing look so easy. I thought, how can someone look so beautiful while dancing? Then, I saw all the hard work you put into improving your skills and how much you enjoy dancing. Of course, it looks easy when you put so much work into something you love. So please, don’t continue blaming yourself. One mistake is not going to define you.”

She looked down at her hands.

I wrap an arm over her and gently rub her shoulder, "Not everyone is out to get you. I promise. I’m worried about you.” I got embarrassed by what I said, "And so is everyone else." I rubbed the back of my neck nervously.

A small smile grew on her face as she slowly stood up, “Then I guess I need to stop feeling bad for myself.” She wiped her tears with the back of her hand. “I can’t let the people supporting me down.”

I smiled when she picked herself up, “That’s the spirit.” I could still see the doubt and worry behind her expression. How could something she enjoyed so much bring her this much pain? Was there any way I could help her? All I could do was to stand by her.

The day of the recital came in the blink of an eye. I met up with some of the others and gave them a ride to the venue. The venue was packed with family and friends who were invited to watch and strangers who saw our advertisements on social media. I even bumped into some coworkers I had invited to come watch. I made my way backstage, my nerves getting the better of me. I was greeted by everyone, and we all talked to calm our nerves before the performance. I saw Mina repeatedly going over the movements, mentally preparing herself for the performance. I got up and joined her.

“Mina,” I called to her, “How do you stay calm before a performance?”

She looked at me, seeing my tense movements as we practiced the moves. “I’m glad you think I’m calm.” She grabs my stiff hands, hers slightly shaking in mine. “I’m just as nervous as everyone else. But once I start dancing, my nerves seem to disappear.” She lets go of my hands and returns to practicing, motioning me to join her.

The instructor called everyone to get into position, the event was starting.

The lights dim as the audience begins to quiet down. I sneak a peek at the audience and feel the sea of eyes anticipating the opening performance. The daunting feeling of being watched sank back in as we were then queued to take the stage. I took a deep breath and decided to take Mina at her word. I’ll just dance. The music started as the lights illuminated the stage. I looked to Mina as she began to move the the rhythm. I could hear the count in my head and stayed on time. My body moved rigidly as I looked back at the audience. I concentrated on the count, and slowly I began to feel relaxed, dancing as my body told me. I looked at Mina, who looked back with a slight smile on her face. This is fun.

We received a loud and excited applause as we exited the stage for the next performance. My nerves settled as I began anticipating my next appearance.

After finishing the next dance number I participated in, I made my way to the side of the stage, brushing by Mina and the other dancers. I gave them a thumbs up, wishing them good luck. They elegantly made their way to the marked positions and waited. As the music cued, they began their routine. It was going smoothly, their form was perfect. Every arm movement was in sync, down to the way they seemed to glide across the stage. Their eyes were focused and gentle at the same time. Everything was going smoothly.

They jumped across the stage. Mina landed, almost rolling her ankle, stumbling instead. She regained her balance and continued with the dance. When she jumped for the second time, landing on the same foot, she fell to the ground as her ankle gave out under her. Her eyes went wide as she looked at the audience, whose concerned looks bore into Mina’s thoughts. She felt her chest grow tight as panic started to drown her. The whispers in her mind told her they were against her.

I cupped my hands around my mouth to yell her name, "MINA!"

Her head snapped in the direction of my voice.

I gave a wide smile and thumbs up with both my hands, mouthing the words, 'Don't worry, keep going.'

Mina looked back toward the audience when she saw that they were watching, waiting for her to get up to continue the performance. So she did. She got to her feet and caught up to the others, resuming the routine and finishing strong. The audience applauded the performance with cheers and whistles as if they had forgotten about the mistake she had made earlier. A smile grew on her face when she realized that no one in the crowd looked disappointed. She looked at me off stage to see my smiling face.

They hurried off stage, and as soon as she was out of the audience's sight, she hugged me tightly. “Thank you,” she whispered, “I’m glad you were here with me.”

I was shocked for a moment when her arms wrapped around my neck to embrace me, but after the initial shock, I hugged her back. “You don’t have to thank me. Give yourself some credit, you pushed through.”

“If you hadn’t shouted my name, I don’t think I would have been able to continue,” she said, turning her face away from my shoulder to flash me a smile.

The sweet moment of appreciation was cut short by the next number, which everyone participated in. Everyone rushed out to the stage and finished off strong, receiving loud applause from the crowd.

After the performance, everyone met up with their friends and family, being congratulated on their performance. I met up with my coworkers, who were also impressed with my skills, joking about also joining. I graciously accepted their compliments, getting a little shy. I excused myself as I went to search for Mina. I spotted her talking with some acquaintances. Her smile radiated as I’m sure they were praising her. Her eyes caught mine, and she bowed to her friends, greeting me with a smile. I jogged to her.

“Hey,” I stopped in front of her.

“Hey,” she replied with a smile. "I know I already told you this, but thank you.”

“I was just doing what anyone else would’ve done,” I replied to humble my actions.

She shook her head, “You don’t need to be so modest. You were the only one who let me know that you were supporting me instead of letting me assume everyone was against me.” She fixed her duffle bag on her shoulder. “If you keep that up, I might fall for you," Mina teased, chuckling to herself as we began to walk out of the venue.

I felt heat rise to my face, "W-well, if you don't mind, maybe we can go somewhere after class together," I took the opportunity to ask. "You know, to celebrate."

She looked at my red face with a quizzical look on her face, "Like a date?" She asked.

Our eyes met, and already being overwhelmed from asking her on a date, my eyes shot away to avoid eye contact, "Yeah, I guess it would be like a date." My eyes slowly found hers again.

Her eyes squinted as a warm smile grew on her face, "I'd like that." She pushed the door open and walked out the door.

I stood wide-eyed at the exit, completely dumbfounded. "She said yes," I said to myself, "Wait, she said yes?" I burst through the doors to catch up with her.

She laughed as I ran to ask her if she really agreed to a date. My face lit up with excitement when she agreed. I annoyed her with questions so that I could figure out where to take her.

“Did you not have a place in mind already?” She questioned, amused at my persistence.

I thought for a second before replying, “It was a spur-of-the-moment thing, so not really.” I answered honestly.

She giggled at the honesty in my answer, “Well, you don’t have to think too hard. I’m sure wherever you take me, I’ll have a good time.”

“That’s unfair,” I saw her puzzled face after my statement, “You’re giving me too much hope.”

She let out a chuckle, “In all fairness, giving you hope would only try to repay the strength you gave me.”

As we walked to my car, I made sure to let her know that I would always be there for her, “If you let me stay by your side, I’ll give you all the strength you need.”

#twice #twice fanfic #twice fluff #twice imagines #twice mina #twice x reader #mina x reader #x reader #female reader #kpop #fluff #fanfic #kpop gg #kpop imagines #first person pov #ao3

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aliesbienish · 1 month ago

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Rocking the Boat - Part Two

Buddie x Reader AU. Two reluctant dance novices wind up in a beginners ballroom class while on a cruise. Will it be smooth sailing? Not if the cute dance teacher can help it. Part one

Day four - Tuesday

The ship had docked overnight and you awoke to palm trees and turquoise water beckoning from out your cabin window. Your parents had picked the shore excursion for the morning, a trip over the reef on a glass bottom boat. While that sounded amazing, it was knowing afterwards you could relax on the beach and daydream about two of your fellow shipmates which has really put a spring into your step.

You were briefly regaining your land legs as you waited with your family, and other excursion members, to board the smaller boat when you heard your name from somewhere in the line behind you.

Turning around you easily spotted the familiar face towering over the rest of the line. giving your family a quick smile you made your way back towards him.

"Hey Buck, fancy seeing you here. Are you also getting dragged along to this?"

"On no don't let him blame us for this, the idea was all his," his sisters' partner responded - Chim if you remembered correctly. "This man is obsessed with animals. He has been learning about all the native species of fish for weeks."

Buck blushed but nodded his head in agreement. "This area has one of the highest diversity of species in the world. There are species here that haven't been spotted outside these coral reefs and others that have been limited to this area due to changing conditions or invasive species."

"We were initially going to go scuba diving to get really immersed, but this little girl vetoed that so the glass bottom boat was the next best thing," Maddie said running her hand over her baby bump. "Actually you two should sit together - Buck's facts would be wasted on Howie and I. Mainly because we have heard them all."

Unbeknownst to you, Buck gave her a glare for meddling. "I'm sure you don't want to spend the whole trip listening to me."

"Actually I'd love to." You blurted out, purely focused on the chance to get to hear Buck passionately ramble again. "It is that or listen to my Dad make fish puns the whole trip. You'd be doing me a favour!"

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"Okay so see all the bright fish over there that kind of looks chrome?" You nod as you spot the fish amongst the coral, "That's a type of parrot fish. Did you know they are called that cause they have teeth that are so tightly packed it looks like it forms a beak?"

"Oh I see! That's really cool. Always nice when its a logical name"

"Right! And even cooler is that most of the species are born female and then change to male later. And it's the male's that are the bright colours, the females are generally a duller brown or red."

"Oh, so it's pretty likely that this fish is male then?"

"Yeah, and in it's terminal phase".

"I know your friend said you were doing this for fun, but are you sure you aren't a marine biologist?"

"I wish! Just an avid reader unfortunately."

"Then what do you do? If you don't mind me asking."

"I'm a firefighter actually. Not quite as cool,"

"Literally," You joked, "But I beg to differ. You're actually doing every kids dream job."

"Yours included?"

"Absolutely, I wore a firefighter costume three years running for Halloween. Eventually realised it might not just be all cool rescues, but actually is probably very emotionally taxing,"

"Yeah, the good days are great. But when things go wrong its hard. Luckily I have an amazing squad I work with, that really helps."

"I know you probably hear it so often, but what you do is heroic. Not many people would choose to put themselves at risk for others, and certainly not every day. But in saying that I'm certainly glad you are getting a break, I'm sure it is well deserved."

"Me too, but it feels a little bittersweet you know? I love Maddie and Chim but I can't help wanting to have someone to experience this with for myself."

"I understand. It's nice being here, but you can't help but think you are intruding. That it is just a pity invite."

"Yeah, you get it." Buck said, giving a wistful smile before shaking his head. "Sorry, not sure how we got here - might be time to lighten the mood."

"Okay, I think I can help. Do you know that you're not the only one who's done their research?"

"Yeah?"

"So you see those bright red corals there? They're called fire corals. Although they aren't really corals, but are more jelly-fish like!" You begin excitedly as Buck looks on in awe.

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The time on the boat with Buck had been amazing, he was so easy to talk to and really just the sweetest. You really didn't want it to end, so as you stepped off the boat side by side you decided to be brave.

"So I was planning on heading to the beach bar, would you like to come?" You asked, pointing around the bay to where sunbeds were set up in the distance. "Only if you want of course, I completely understand if you need to spend time with your sister. Or if you want a break.." You rambled.

"I'd love to," He smiled interrupting your monologue. "Just let me go tell Maddie." He jogged off while you found your own family to let them know. Some gentle teasing followed, but eventually you waved them back on the boat.

"Ready," Buck said making a reappearance. Following the bay around you chatted about the favourite things you spotted on the boat. You decided on a manta-ray, while Buck after much deliberation went with a red sea star.

The walk wasn't long, but it was certainly hot, so by the time you made it to the bar a cold drink was in order. After ordering the cocktails from the bartender you spotted a familiar face on one of the lounges.

"Hey Buck, is that Eddie down there?" You gestured to the sunglass clad shirtless man, sitting alone.

"Oh," Buck licked his lips unconsciously, "I think it is"

"Should we go join him? Do you think he'll mind?"

"I guess there is no harm in asking."

Approaching you gave a little wave, trying to get his attention. Eventually he caught sight of you both an his face broke into a gentle smile.

"Fancy seeing you both here," Eddie said, sitting up to make room on the lounge.

"Small island," You joked, taking a seat across from Eddie.

"Us? This is what you get to do on your day off? Clearly I'm in the wrong gig," Buck said, sitting down beside Eddie.

"I'm really sorry to break the news to you but I don't think dance instructor is a viable career for you Buck," Eddie snickered.

"I don't know Eddie. I think some of the older ladies will happily take any class he teaches."

"Uh-huh. Just older?" Buck said, looking you up and down.

"We all know the answer to that, but I'm not going to inflate your ego further by voicing it." You blushed. "Don't think you'd be short on male participants either to be completely honest,"

"Oh he wouldn't," Eddie muttered, eyes going wide as he realised he said it out loud.

"Don't worry Eds, I don't think I could steal your class away. You have the actual skills, and well to put it frankly - you're hot as hell,"

For a second you felt like maybe you should leave the two men to their devices as they maintained each others gaze - gentle smiles tugging at each of their lips.

"And you?" Eddie asked, turning to you and raising a brow.

"I was never even thinking about overthrowing Eddie and taking the class,"

"That's not what he asked and you know it," Buck quipped, his tone firm but teasing.

Your cheeks warmed, "I think you are both so attractive it's distracting,"

"Interesting," Buck and Eddie muttered in unison.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ So no actual dancing in this part - I promise we'll get back to it next time. Very happy to throw marine organism fun facts in there - Buck is truly a man after my own heart.

#911 fanfic #buddie 911 #eddie diaz x reader #eddie diaz x you #evan buckey x eddie diaz #evan buckley x reader #evan buckley x you #911 imagine #buck imagine #buck x eddie

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profoundbondfanfic · 1 year ago

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Hello! I love the recommendations you've done so far.

I was hoping if you could provide me with some recommendations for AU Destiel Detective fics?

Thank you so much. Keep up the good work!

hey! Thank you, here are a few:

A Beginner's Guide to Communing with the Dead by suspiciousflashlight [Mature, 77k words]

Maybe it's the little girl whose disappearance turned into a murder, and whose murder turned into a cold case, and who has now apparently decided to move in with him. Maybe it's the unacceptable hole left in his life when his dumb best friend and partner in (the prevention of) crime decided to go and get himself killed. Maybe it's his brother, whose high-profile career and fantastic girlfriend and first-child-on-the-way are steadily leaving Dean in the dust. Pick one. Pick all of them. The why doesn't matter so much as the what, and the what is this: Dean is pretty sure he's going completely, certifiably insane. Sure, he hasn't started wearing all his clothes inside out, and he still showers on a regular basis (anyways, that's not crazy, just a little eccentric); but there's no getting around the fact that he just threw away his life, his career, and his reputation by dragging out his mom's old necromancy book and summoning a Class A Forbidden Entity to his attic. A cranky one, too. With horrendous bed-head.

As The Sparrow by hubrisandwax [Explicit, 18k words]

It’s 1947. Dean is an ex-marine fighting crime and a very different sort of war to the one he faced in the Pacific as a detective on the streets of LA. This city isn’t all the glitz and glamor it’s made out to be, however, and Dean finds himself tugged in to a world of life-threatening unknowns when Daphne Novak’s body is discovered. Castiel Novak, her husband, was one of Dean’s battalion mates in the war, and he's just as deadly and dangerous as he was two years ago when he saved Dean’s life during the Battle of Okinawa. Except now he’s wanted for his wife’s murder, and Dean just doesn’t believe Cas is capable of that. Is Cas really who he says he is, though? And what will Dean have to sacrifice in order to repay the debt he feels he owes?

Casicorn by everandanon [Explicit, 56k words]

When Detective Dean Winchester suddenly finds himself with a new roommate, a mysterious man who doesn’t speak but seems to somehow be connected to the department’s recent vigilante problem, he has no idea what he’s in for. The guy doesn’t know how to work a TV, brush his teeth, or even take a shower, and he stares at Dean all the goddamn time. Not to mention he insists on sleeping in Dean’s bed. While Dean is in it! Weird, right? Except the longer Cas sticks around, the less Dean starts to mind; the more he kind of dreads Cas leaving for good, actually, even though nobody really knows who Cas is or where he came from. And then, one night, Dean happens to witness their vigilante firsthand and realizes he knows Cas even less than he thought . . . (Loosely inspired by The Little Mermaid)

Chronicles Of A Serial Killer by Duckyboos [Explicit, 52k words]

Dean Winchester has the perfect apple pie life with his shy-but-sweet boyfriend in the suburbs. He has a steady, well-paid job with the LAPD and he’s charming and attractive. Really, he’s living the American Dream. It’s his extra-curricular activities that some may disagree with, as he’s also an accomplished serial killer. To date, his kills amount to around 36 and he’s never been caught. He’s employed by the law, remember? He knows how these things work.

Grounds for Murder by cinderellasleftshoe, sarcasticbones [Explicit, 199k words]

"The weirdos in that coffee shop are always dancing, or playing 'strip Clue,' whatever that is. Once there were sock puppets, and, I'm not kidding, a cookie trebuchet." "Eyeliner?" "Really, Dean? That's all you got out of all of that. That there's maybe a bangable emo guy over there?" Dean shrugged and took another too-large bite of his sandwich. He'd been a detective with the Phoenix PD Violent Crimes bureau for three years, and he'd see a lot stranger things than sock puppets, old ladies, and strip Clue.

like a thief in the night by kingdumbass [Mature, 28k words]

Plagued by nightmares since the death of his mother as a small child, Dean Winchester is no stranger to grief. After the sudden death of his brother and the unexplainable disappearance of Sam’s fiancee Jessica leave Dean reeling, the former detective turns towards alcohol to cope with the loss, but when the news of another missing peron’s case all the way out in Pontiac, Illinois jogs Dean’s memory of an old unsolved case with possible connections to the mysterious note his brother left behind, he feels compelled to pick up where he left off. Though once he rolls into town, he encounters more questions than answers. Namely: what’s real and what’s delusion? And how is the creature from his nightmares tormenting the residents of this small, suburban town?

The Trouble With Blue Eyes by FriendofCarlotta [Explicit, 14k words]

For years now, Dean Winchester has had a mutually beneficial arrangement with Castiel Novak, a fellow private eye. It’s good, it’s easy, and there’s nothing wrong with it. Well, except for one thing: Dean’s caught himself a bad case of feelings, and Cas doesn’t feel the same way.

What Once Was Sacred by saltandbyrne [Explicit, 55k words]

Los Angeles detective Dean Winchester works tirelessly to atone for the sins of his father one case at a time. When his best friend Charlie drags him to visit Sam at his new job, Dean stumbles onto a bizarre string of deaths that brings him uncomfortably close to his past. Dean can't stop thinking about Castiel, an enigmatic DJ who plays the sexiest music Dean's ever heard. A chance encounter at Castiel's house reveals that Castiel is an incubus, and Dean must face the lies and the reality of his childhood as a hunter. Dean comes to see that he and Castiel have more in common than he thought, and that guilt can be the hardest thing to cast aside.

You can also check our law enforcement!castiel and law enforcement!dean for more. Also worth mentioning the DestielNoirBang as a future source.

#asks #law enforcement!dean #law enforcement!castiel #group rec

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theanticool · 1 year ago

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Libraries and Adult Lonliness

As we all know, making friends as adults is hard. And while the internet has made it easier to make friends with people around the world, actually meeting people you can meet with on a regular basis and just hang out with us tough. The common answer to meeting new people is to find people who are interested in the same stuff as you. As such, finding places to meet new people who may have similar interests to you is important. And that’s why I think the library is a great resource!

As a children’s librarian, one of the things I try to point out to parents when they come in to sign their kids up for the library is that we offer adult programs too. Obviously we have book clubs - my library has 4 different book clubs for people who read different types of books. I’ve posted about it before with knitting/crochet circles. But for people who have or want to explore different interests, and meet new people via that new interest, you may want to check your local library to see their programming. For example:

Hiking: Many libraries offer things like hiking kits. These can be things such as maps for local trails, hiking sticks, a water resistant backpack, binoculars, bird guides, and the like. But some libraries having hiking clubs, such as the Poughkeepsie Public Library Distruct in NY.

Language Learning: Many libraries have access to language learning platforms such as Rosetta Stone or Mango Languages. But many other have dedicated classes where adults can come and learn languages. If you’re in L.A. county, the public library offers classes in beginner Russian, Chinese, Korean, Italian, Armenian, etc!

Music: there are many libraries that have maker spaces where you can go and record music. There’s one in the Newark Library and at a branch of the Brooklyn library. There are also ones that allow you to check out instruments. But there are also ones where you can receive free music lessons, such as the Dallas Public Library (this program was online during the pandemic but is now also offered in person!)

youtube

I could keep going.

Singing, dancing, theater, yoga, sketch comedy, creative writing, RC Cars, foraging, cemetery tour groups, jewelry making, baking, woodworking, painting, etc. If you have a niche interest or would like to get into a niche interest, there is a chance your library has had or will have a program about it. And if you’re looking to meet new people, it is a great place to start.

#public libraries #libraries #library propaganda #Youtube

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hellativity · 4 months ago

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anyway it's crazy how time continues to go on. In 2022 I did my first run of st pats shows and parades with my current dance school. And after the last show my teacher said hey you were great with the kids, would you ever want to help teach? And I was very flattered but I was like. I have trouble even making it to my own 2 classes every week. So not right now.

and then that summer I got myself some anxiety meds and and then the next year I competed in my 3rd ever oireachtas (my first since 2014) and came in last place but saw SO much growth in my dancing and confidence, and then the year after that I said. You know what, I really do want to help with teaching! And in April of last year I started assistant teaching two classes of tiny kiddos, and then a few months later I started assistant teaching the adult class too. And now I'm at the studio 4 days a week (or 5 or 6 if I have extra lessons or workshops or practice sessions) and last year I competed in my fourth ever oireachtas and I DIDN'T get last and a month before that i placed into Open, which is something I always thought would be out of reach for me.

Anyway as a teen/college student i always preferred working with middle school age and i never expected to have such an amazing time working with ages 3-6. But I love to see their growth as dancers and as people throughout the term. So many of our beginner class have come SO far learning their skip two threes and sevens. So many of the intro class kids come in clinging to their parents and then over the months they open up and love to play and dance with the teachers! I love that I get to be myself with them (awkward, serious, technical, still making plenty of mistakes) and as long as we respect each other we all have a great time in class. I also love teaching adults. They all come from different backgrounds and it's fun to work with them to figure out the best way to break down the steps and technique for them to understand and execute it. And in exchange I have so much fun, spend time with so many awesome students, I get an extra workout twice a week, and it's also nice that I get some cash to put towards my dance classes!

And 3 years ago I would stay in bed because I was too nervous to go to dance class some days.

Anyway I'm SO excited for the intro & beginner dancers to experience st patrick's day season! and for the newer adult dancers to hopefully do some shows too! And I'm excited too! I love going out and seeing the community at this time of year.

Btw I posted all this bc yesterday our beginner class maintained a straight line while doing 8 skips across the room 🥰 we love to see it

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emergeartsmedia · 1 month ago

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#best dance studio singapore #ballet lessons singapore #dance studio singapore #ballet classes singapore #dance classes singapore #ballet for kids singapore #beginner dance classes singapore #acting classes in singapore #ballet classes near me #best singing school singapore

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imperialfernandoballetcompany · 11 months ago

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Introduce your child to the magic of ballet with our Ballet Class for Kids in Delhi! Our experienced instructors provide a nurturing and fun environment where young dancers can develop grace, discipline, and confidence. Perfect for beginners, our classes combine imaginative play with structured lessons, fostering a love for dance and artistic expression. Watch your child twirl and leap with joy!

visit:-https://ifbc.in/

#Ballet classes for kids in Noida #Ballet classes for beginners delhi #Ballet dance classes in delhi #Ballet Classes for adults in Delhi #Ballet Class for Kids in Delhi

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storkmuffin · 5 hours ago

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Kpop Class #14 (I-dle "good thing")

I enjoy mildly inclement weather because people refuse to go outside when it's raining or snowing or otherwise 'bad,' so there's more room and attention for me in things like kpop dance class, since I always just ignore the weather and go to the thing. There's a benefit to individuated attention, you know? For instance, in this class there was time and space for my teacher to point out that during the move where you windshield wipe with your forearms as you cock your right hip forward and back at the mirror, I was aiming the windshield wiping too low. I had to adjust my arm to do it at chest level. I love getting exact, specific corrections.

In any case, it was raining cats and dogs yesterday so there were only two attendees to start with in our class, and two others joined late. The cute kiddo and his mom didn't come, so that was a bit sad. I liked his hungry attitude, and I also really like kids in general.

There's a new member, by the way, Braids, who moves really well and does her hair in cool long braids down either side of her head almost to her tits. Because of this childish hairstyle I read her as being quite young, but upon closer inspection during this class she's at least in her 30s. This made me like her hairdo even more. Ms Antwaist and the tall woman who I haven't come up with a nickname for but has been in this class before me came late, separately.

We're doing Idle's "good thing" but I need to listen to the song and read the lyric sheet later because right now that song is just the accompaniment to the dance steps. We're only listening for key phrases so to me this song sounds like "good thing!! something something really really really goooood something something hey boy something something."

And lyrics aren't the point of the class anyway. In order to teach us the face touching mime bits, the teacher just talks over the actual lyrics to be like, "Look at my pretty face, its right side then the left side" to drill us on where our hand is supposed to be and the confident attitude she wanted us to try to project.

At some point, the teacher was saying the whole "Look at my pretty face" bit for the seventh or eighth time, stopped short and severely rolled her eyes at her reflection before explaining, "I just had a reality check" 현타 That was really funny.

Monkey-see monkey-do is getting markedly easier week on week. I find myself momentarily surprised that my body is just making the shapes it's supposed to in the mirror while the self narrative verbal function in my head is completely silent. It's a strange feeling, like disassociation but in a good way (??). I find myself going, Is that me doing that, on time? I mean. I had to have thought about it and know it to be able to do it, but I didn't actually think or know, in the usual way. Does that make sense?

This dance does seem beginner friendly now that we're learning more of it, because it repeats the same set of moves several times. Also, the feet follow the hands - left hand takes the left foot with it, and so on. There's also a lego-pieces aspect of the whole choreography, where you do one move for four beats and then do the next move for four beats, and when there's a turn it's always followed by a pause.

Structurally, I think Ateez dances do this bric-a-brac building too, but there's a lot more emphasis on cleverly seamless transitions that look like the moves just spring organically out from the previous one, and I suspect musicality demanded of Ateez members as dancers because the songs are just more complicated than this simple march that sounds at times like a nursery rhyme that I-dle is singing.

I have had a very busy couple of weeks at work - too many meetings where I have to make consequential decisions on the fly. I've noticed that I seem to have an actual limit to the number of words I can pour out in a day, either verbally or in writing. So if I have to talk and write a lot for my job, I run out of words to use on my hobby (Ateez meta writing). After the dance class though, something got unlocked (was it those moments of brain-quiet that reset something??) and I came home and made a bunch of posts I've been wanting to make the whole week in one headlong rush. Cool!

#kpop dance class

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orbeater · 11 months ago

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If i think about it RH is really so. Beginner unfriendly compared to when campus 2 was the main focus. That title screen they had for a while was so good you had the choice to go wherever you wanted so it didn't feel too overly centered on one specific realm you know. Now i rarely see people in any non campus 3 realms. The fact that Campus 3 itself is divided into servers for every different place in the school plummets any sort of opportunity to rp which was quite literally the main point of RH. How is a kid who just wants to play do princess roleplay supposed to understand anything as to where they should go when the game is majorly focused on grinding for diamonds. Campus 2 had an appeal to younger me because I just enjoyed dressing up and going to the ball after doing the classes and just dancing with people and making friends. The lack of shared spaces in the new school is the main reason why no one even talks to each other anymore

Ignoring the set prices (which are honestly so ridiculous like imagine having to farm 200k+ dims for each set), the fact they don't have a free set for beginner players like a school uniform is so stupid. There should be something that you can achieve by leveling up. Like a set related to your element which you get after completing each obby. Is that not a better way to attract people into your game.

They're focusing on building campus 4 which im glad is supposed to be more beginner friendly but the fact that barbie still hasn't bothered to hire more people and better the management is so baffling. Why can't you just make a few groups that handle certain things so the updates arent delayed by around 50 years?

I can go on and on about the problems with this game but it's genuinely not worth it when you know they are unlikely to ever change their ways and let this game reach its potential

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away-ward · 2 years ago

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Hollow

Based on the idea from this post . I said a "Fun Night" but I don't write things that are fun usually. There's always some sort of problem.

Summary: On a rare night out, Banks thinks she'll be the one teaching Emory the art of axe throwing, only to realize there's something going on inside her that Em can help with instead.

Post-Canon, written in third person because I still don't want to even attempt to butcher Banks voice. General OOC-ness. Angst, with a touch of humor.

And a lot of love.

November 7th, edited for grammar, spelling, and word choice.

“No, like this,” Banks said, stepping in behind Emory as close as she could. Bringing her arms around, she repositioned Emory’s hands on the bottom of the axe. “Now, line up, feet close together.” She shifted with Emory’s body, waiting until the position felt right.

“Aim,” she said next, and then released Emory. “Dominate foot forward, and throw.”

The axe rotated once in the air before sinking into the wooden board with a yellow target spray-painted on.

Directly in the center of the target. Emory swung around with a big smile spread across her face.

Banks curled her lips in a sneer. She went to remove the axe from the wood. Turning back to her friend, she said, “Beginner’s luck.”

Emory cocked an eyebrow. “Still closer than yours.”

Never one to back down from a challenge, Banks nodded her head towards the back of the cage. “Step aside.”

Emory bowed out, giving the room to Banks as she set up for her next throw. It was a rare night that they didn’t end up and Sensou for a class or work out, but Banks wasn’t in the mood to be around people. The kids were camping with the Fanes, Winter had a dance rehearsal, and Emory had said she’d never been Axe-throwing, so it was the perfect night to disappear for a while. All she had to do was show up at the Grayson’s a drag Em out the front door, ignoring Will’s weak protests about his wife and threats to report her for kidnapping.

With a strangled grunt, Banks let the axe fly. It struck the corner of the board, far from the target. Banks glared at it as Emory approached from behind, eyeing the offensive tool and then Banks.

She shrugged. “Bad throw. Go again.”

“I don’t need your pity,” Banks snapped, turning on her so they were face to face, nose to nose.

“It’s not pity when it’s coming from a friendly place,” Emory said. She crossed her arms, refusing to give an inch.

Banks’ chest rose and fell with heavy breath. She felt the tension in the air, and wondered if her friend could, too. She felt tight all over, and prickly, ready to snap at anything. Emory’s dark brown eyes remain steady on her, unbothered by her response.

Shaking her head, she stepped back. “Just go.”

Banks knew Emory could tell something was up just by the way she watched her, but Emory didn’t ask, instead stepping up for her second throw. She positioned herself perfectly this time, swing her arms back as she stepped forward and released the axe. It sank once more in the center of the target. Banks couldn’t help the surge of pride for her friend’s natural skills.

Emory Grayson was something else.

“Beginner's, what?” Emory teased. She held her hand to her ear, waiting for Bank’s concession.

Too bad, Banks thought, I don’t concede that easily. Wordlessly, she stepped around Emory’s smug figure. Wrapping her had around her third axe, she gripped it tightly in both hands, lining up with the target, she let out a deep breath, focusing on the bullseye in front of her.

Before she could release the handle, Banks’ vision shifted, blurring the target in front of her. No, she shook herself, chasing away the thought with a vicious snarl. With a guttural cry, she flung the axe. It rotated wildly and plunged deep into the wood.

“Woah,” she heard Em whisper behind her.

The dam in her chest cracked and broke, and before Banks knew what was happening, she reached for another axe. A hand wrapped around her wrist, stopping her. She rotated her arm to loosen Emory’s grip, but Emory still wrangled her away from where the weapons were housed, pushing her back.

Suddenly, Banks regretted training the girl so well.

“What is wrong with you?” Emory asked.

“Nothing.”

Emory’s lips tightened, but she didn’t say anything. Still, Banks could see the unspoken words in her eyes. Liar, she called her, and then demanded the truth.

Banks held her breath until she was sure it would come out without shaking. “Nothing,” she repeated. The word sounded empty even to her.

“Fine,” Emory clipped, “but it’s my turn.”

Banks watched as she pulled the Axe from the wood. It took her a good bit of yanking and leveraging her foot against the wall, which gave Banks a boost of ego. Then Emory set herself, taking aim. Her lips worked, as if she were contemplating something.

Finally, she settled. “This is for that client who didn’t want to talk to me but only to Damon,” she said loudly, voice turning to a deep growl. “And for calling me a ‘little lady’,” she finished as she released the axe in the air.

It could have sunk into the center, but Banks wouldn’t know. All she could stare at was Emory, who heaved a giant breath and turned to look at her.

Arching a brow, she lifted a single shoulder. “What, you think you’re the only one with shit they’re dealing with?”

When Banks didn’t answer, Emory scoffed and walked down the row to retrieve the axe. She walked back and stood in front of Banks, holding it out to her. Calmer than before, Banks took the axe and repeated the routine.

“This is for that woman who keeps hitting on my husband,” she said, and let the axe go. This time, it landed within the target without nearly splintering the wood.

“Nice,” Emory commented from the side, “but that’s not what’s bothering you.”

“It always bothers me,” Banks answered.

“Which means it’s not what’s going on today.”

Banks rolled her eyes. Sometimes, she hated how well Emory knew her.

Emory took the axe and, before throwing it, let out another aggravation. They repeated the process, taking turns. With each throw, both girls felt their shoulders lighten, as if the world were being lifted away. Emory more than Banks, who only seemed to get sadder, and more hollow.

Eventually, her friend ran out of grievances, and Banks found she was running low, too.

“This is for,” she said, axe in the air behind her, arms bent over her head, as she ran through everything, trying to pull on anything she could. Only one thing remained, front and center in her mind. “This is for my mom,” she said, letting the axe fly.

It didn’t make a full rotation, and instead bounced off the wood and falling to the ground. Banks couldn’t see it, though, as the tears welded up in her green eyes.

“Nik,” Emory whispered, coming to her side.

She looked up into Emory’s wide eyes, emphasized by her large glasses that Banks always thought were impractical. She could see the point at that moment, because they served as a barrier between her and the world.

Emory waited for her to say something. She never talked about her mom, not with her or with any of them, other than Kai. Especially not Damon. Her chin shook as she tried to keep the words off her tongue, not wanting to make it seem like a bigger deal than it was. They fell out anyway.

“My mom died,” she muttered on a shaky breath, quickly drawing in another to try and calm herself. Why wouldn’t her chin stop shaking. "That stupid bit—" she broke off, still not able to curse the woman the way she wanted. Because she didn’t want to, not really.

She felt Emory’s hand come to rest on her back and felt stupid for needing the comfort. Shaking her head, she drew back what tears she could. “They found her in the bathroom with a needle in her arm. Of course. She only ever sought her own pleasure.”

“When was the last time you spoke to her?”

“After Kai and I got married,” Banks nodded. And then she rolled her eyes again, “The first time.”

Emory laughed. It was a big joke that technically their wedding event was more like a vow renewal for the only two actually married.

“She came by right around I was a few months pregnant with Mads and asked for some money,” Banks continued. “I was hesitant at first, but also. She was going to be a grandma, so I thought...” she stopped again. What did she think? That another kid was going to finally convince her to fix herself? She was so stupid.

“But she said something and I realized that now that I was married to a wealthy man, she’d only ever see me as a bank account. So, I gave her the money and never answered her calls again.”

Emory rubbed her friend’s back. “Does Kai know?”

Banks shook his head. “No. I never told him about her visit, and I haven’t told him about this. It doesn’t matter. She’s never been in our life. Her death doesn’t change anything. I don’t know why I feel like this.”

They stood in silence for a minute, letting the feelings ride out. Finally, Emory stepped away, grabbing their bags. “Come on, this isn’t what we need right now.”

“What do you mean?” Banks asked, eyeing her sudden shift.

“I have a better way to work this out.”

A twenty-minute Uber ride through Meridian brought them to a different type of business. Banks stood aside as Emory sorted everything with the cashier. Then she ushered her into a small room with two doors, where she handed her a full-body suit, and PPE glasses and gloves.

“Put these on,” she demanded, already pulling the white suit over her clothes.

Banks sighed, but followed her instructions. “What are we doing here?”

Once fully situated, Emory opened the next door, letting them into another room. This one was filled with all kinds of junk, from appliances to broken furniture. Banks frown, turning back to Emory.

Emory was already ready, holding out a metal bat. “Hit the TV,” she said, nodding to the old, square TV on the table.

“What? No. This is stupid.”

“Hit the TV.”

“Em, I already know how to work out my anger. I do it multiple times a week, remember.”

“Sensou is about control and learning control. This is about being uncontrolled.” She jutted the bat out farther. “Hit the TV.”

“Alright!” Banks groaned, taking the bat. She wrapped her hands around the bat and looked at the black screen. All she could think about was how stupid she had been to cry in front of Emory.

Emory, who’d lost two loving parents when she was a child, and whose brother had turned to beating her because he couldn’t control himself. Then, when that wasn’t enough, he dragged her into his sick games, all while telling her he loved her. If anyone had something worth breaking down over, it was Emory.

At least with Gabriel and her mom, she knew the score.

Her hands squeezed the base, knuckles whitening as she stood in front of the TV with Em at her back.

If that was the case, she asked herself, then why did it hurt so bad?

“Hit the TV!” Emory said, her voice louder than before and ringing in Banks's ears.

“I will.”

“Hit it!”

“Okay.”

Not letting up, Emory responded before she could even get the word out. “Hit the TV, Banks!”

Banks let out a yell, swinging the bat around in a full arc. She swung so hard, she thought for sure her shoulder was going to pop. The TV shattered, glass flying everywhere and among the sound, she could hear Emory’s shout of joy.

Emory didn’t stop there. She raised her own weapon, a golf club, and hit another item sitting on a warped desk, letting a cry rip from her own throat. Banks watched, smiling at the monster before her that had taken over her best friend.

Together, they demolished the room, hitting everything in reach, sometimes stomping through chairs. When their hour was done, both girls were sweaty and spent. Banks laughed as Emory took off her protective gear, revealing her usual sleek brown hair had started to frizz around the top, and the ring over her cheeks from where the plastic glasses sat. She was red-faced with exertion, but looked exhilarated.

They laughed their way down the street to the nearest bar, taking up one of the small, round table high-tops. After place their orders with the waitress, Banks checked her phone, noting that Kai had only texted once to check on her. Across from her, Emory scrolled and scrolled.

“Will?”

“He keeps sending me GIFs and stickers.”

“He misses you,” Banks scoffed. They’d barely been separated for a few hours.

Emory shook her head. “He gets bored too easily. I swear, it’s all a game to see how many he can send before I get annoyed. All he wants is my attention, good or bad. He doesn't care.”

The way Em smiled at her phone, Banks concluded that it was all a game, just as she said. Only, Em was the one who knew how to play.

The waitress returned with their drinks, and after thanking her, Em put her phone face down on the table. Banks looked at her, swallowing. Playful Em turned into soft Em, and suddenly she didn’t know what to do. “It’s okay to be mad at her.”

“I know,” she said. “But it’s pointless, isn’t it?”

Emory swirled her drink. “It’s messy,” she said wistfully. Then looking at Banks as if looking for confirmation, she continued, “Love. Family. It’s messy.”

“It shouldn’t be,” Banks said, looking down at the table. “It should be simple. I love Kai, and I love my children. I’d never do anything that would hurt them.”

Emory nodded.

Banks looked up. “Did you know she sold me? She sold me to an eleven-year-old for like a thousand dollars. Who does that to their child?”

Emory took a deep breath. “When Martin died, I was sad. And didn’t know what to do with it. I couldn’t talk to Will, because…”

“Yeah,” Banks nodded. That was messy.

“But eventually I sorted it out. I was sad because I loved him. Despite everything, I loved him.” She paused, letting the words sink. “I hated him too, but I missed what he used to be when he was just my big brother.”

Banks nodded. Sometimes, in the quiet, when she let her thoughts drift to her mom, she wondered why she couldn’t just take care of her like a mom should.

But then she wouldn’t have Damon, or Kai, or her children. Or any of their family, which had grown on her over the years. Yes, even Michael. But she’d only admit that under torture.

“Will still doesn’t get it. He understands how you can hate someone you love, but he doesn’t understand how you can love someone you hate.”

“I can’t say I disagree with him,” Banks told her. “My mom hit me once and that was enough for me to decide. I don’t know how you could still feel that way for your brother.”

“Hey,” Emory snapped, “Martin would have never sold me to one of those basters for a thousand dollars.”

Banks raised her brows. She had a point.

“He would have held out for at least half-a-mil.”

They stared at each other before breaking out into laughter.

“Or a bag of potato chips,” Emory said through her amusement, shoulders shaking. “It’d depend on how hungry he was.”

They calmed down, each taking sips of their drinks, feeling a bit better. Emory always made things seem not as bad. Still, something lingered.

“She just gave me up like it was nothing. Like I was nothing to her,” she said, blinking away tears of anger because God, she already cried once that night and she wouldn’t do it again. “And if she could do that, what’s to stop anyone else from doing it.”

Now Emory gasped. “Banks,” she pushed. “You know that’s not true.”

“No, really. What’s to stop them?” They both knew who she was really talking about, so Banks tried again. “What’s to stop Kai from giving me up?”

“Kai would tear the world apart for you,” Emory stated, staring unwavering at her.

“Would he?” Banks challenged, “Or would he take this as his opportunity to get what he really wants.”

Emory tilted her head in confusion, dark eyes questioning. Banks returned the look. Both of them had heard the taunts and the rumors over the years, the ones about their family. Sometimes they were poly; sometimes they were swingers. Sometimes, it was just straight up cheating. No one knew and no one understood, which was fine, because they didn’t need them to. But there was one rumor that kept getting brought up again and again.

Realization dawn on Emory. “You can’t possibly be thinking of Rika.”

“Why not?”

“Because…” Emory started, her words failing her as she tried to come up with an explanation.

“See.”

“No, I’m struggling because the idea is so silly and absurd. Kai would rather go to prison for a lifetime – two lifetimes, even - if it guaranteed your existence and your happiness. Rika was a…fantasy. The night he was arrested, it carved a crater into his mind that he couldn’t heal. Their revenge was supposed to close it, but that didn’t work out.”

Banks scoffed around the rim of her drink. “So, he had to fuck her to close his wound?”

“No, but it did close that chapter, as weird as it is. Closing the chapter allowed the wound to start healing. I don’t think it ever fully closed up until you.”

“How sweet.”

Emory held up her hands in mock forfeit. “But, hey, what do I know. I wasn’t there. You know, who might have the answers, though?”

“If you say Kai—”

“You should talk to him. You know, before you throw an axe through his head.”

Unwillingly, Banks chuckled at the thought.

“I know one thing for sure,” Emory said after a moment of silence. Banks dragged her eyes up to her, and Em smiled. “I love you. And I’d never trade you for a potato chip, or a thousand dollars, or a million. None of us would.”

Banks looked away, the rush of emotions doing things to her that she didn’t like happening in public.

“You’d trade me for one of your kids, though,” she challenged her friend.

“Damn right, I would,” Emory agreed. “And you’d be happy to die for them.”

“Absolutely,” Banks said, knowing the feeling was mutual.

But they worked too hard to make sure it never came to that.

“Another round?” Emory asked, nodded to their empty glasses. Banks waved down the waitress.

About an hour later, they called their husbands. Or attempted to. It was a little difficult to hit the button and even when their respective husbands picked up, there was a lot of giggling and confusion about where exactly they were located.

Over the speaker, Emory could hear Kai tell them they were cut off for the night.

Forty-five minutes and another two rounds later, shadows appeared over their table. The pair looked up, and faced with the amused and yet slightly confused expressions of their husbands, concealed their snorts of laughter with hands over their faces.

“Okay, that’s enough for you,” Kai said, lifting Banks by the arms. He hooked one arm around the back of his neck and guided her forward with his hands on her waist.

“Who said? You?” Banks asked, spinning around to look at him through narrowed eyes. “I don’t take orders from you.”

His gaze slanted at the challenge. “You wanna fight?” She could feel his hands tightening around her waist, but didn’t register what that could mean. Suddenly, she was in the air and over his shoulder.

She braced herself so that she didn’t go down completely, managing to catch sight of Will and Em behind them. Emory had her legs wrapped around Will’s body, arms around his shoulders as she looked at them from his back.

They laughed at her.

“Put me down,” she said as Kai carried her from the bar. Outside, Kai did put her back on her feet, letting her catch her balance. Late as it was, people were still around the streets, and with the fresh air and a clearing head, she suspected that might be why. He almost always went out of his way to let her keep her pride.

Will and Em stepped around them, starting towards the black SUV parked in front of the bar, the Graymor logo on the front door panel in gold. He brought a company car, she thought, because it has a darker tint on the windows.

Behind her, Kai urged her forward. Before taking another step, she turned around, stepping as close to him as she could.

“If you had the chance to sleep with Rika again, would you?”

His brows fell, faced contorting with bewilderment. Behind her, she heard Will swear and Emory tell him to shut up. “I – what?” Kai asked.

Answer a question with a question wasn’t a good sign. “Would you fuck Rika?” she repeated, slower this time, pausing between each word.

“No,” he said just as slow, the word drawn out.

“What if I wanted to?”

“What the fu-“

“Will, seriously. Shut. Up.”

Banks pushed their two onlookers from her attention, focusing only on her husband. Kai blinked, jaw working. "If you wanted to, I would—" he breathed deeply, somehow uncomfortable and confident at the same time. “Would it make you happy?”

Banks stared at him.

Kai sighed. He dragged his hands up her sides, letting his fingers find the gaps in her clothes to touch her skin, until he reached her neck. His hands seemed to linger there for a moment, before he took her face a tilted it up, as if he could draw her closer.

She licked her lips, hands pressing against his chest. Not pushing him back, but not bringing him in. “Rika’s gorgeous.”

“Sure.”

“And you wanted her.”

“I wanted girls before her, too. You going to track every one of them down and quiz me about them, too? Going to kill every woman I've ever touched?”

“How do you know I haven’t? Have you been checking the obituaries lately?”

“I have, in fact.”

Banks stilled. She was teasing. She didn’t really mean that she was going to hunt down all his old hook-ups. But the seriousness in his tone made her heart stop. Her eyes searched his face, deep green meeting dark brown – darker than Em’s but just as warm. And just as understanding.

Her jealousy suddenly felt very – what did Em call it before? Absurd? “I didn’t know how to –”

“It’s fine. I figured you would tell me when you were ready.”

Her hands fiddled with the fabric of his crisp, white shirt. “How’d you know?”

Kai chuckled, the deep vibrations moving through her hands. He leaned down, using a single finger to move her hair out of the way. First his lips skimmed the edge of her jaw, coming to her ear. She could hear the dark smile in his voice. “Do you think there isn’t anything I don’t know about you, little one?”

She shivered as his breath graze over the sensitive skin, gripping his shirt tighter. Under her fist, she could feel his heart beat. Her other hand snaked around the back of his neck, finding the straight edge of his short hair.

“Get a room!”

“Em,” Will admonished.

She could feel the shift in her husband. Their room was an hour away. The back seat was about eight feet. Banks laughed. He was definitely thinking about it.

She let her lips brush against his once before darting out of his hold just as he tried to go deeper. “Nik,” he warned. First name, very serious.

Ignoring him, Banks grabbed Emory from where she was leaning and pulled her into the back seat. “It’s still girl’s night,” she shouted over Emory’s giggling.

“Girl’s night,” Will echoed from outside the car. “So, what does that mean? I don’t get to sleep with my wife tonight?”

“Nope, she’s all mine!” Banks said, pulling Emory into her arms as she tucked under her chin.

The front doors opened, the SUV shifted as the men settled into the front seat for the ride back to Thunder Bay. The girls in the back fidgeted until they were comfortably holding each other, with Emory resting her cheek on Banks’ shoulder, and Banks resting on the crown of Emory’s head.

Little Emory Grayson, she thought fondly, I love you.

They drove for a little, hitting the freeway just as she started to doze off, only coming back to awareness when she heard her husband’s voice.

“Stop looking at my wife.”

“I can’t help it,” Will whispered. “I’ve never seen Banks look so soft and gentle. She’s so... docile.”

“I can still lay you out flat on your back, Grayson.” She felt Emory shake with laughter under her.

“Only when I go easy on you.”

“Which is never.”

“Em, tell her!” Will whined.

“I don’t know. She is pretty scrappy.”

“Babe,” Will drew out, sounding aghast at the betrayal.

Banks opened her eyes, seeing Will first in the passenger seat. He sat forward, smiling despite the all the teasing. But then, he always smiled, never minding being their punching bag or the butt of the joke, because he knew he wasn’t a joke. His family had taught him that.

Then her eyes moved to her husband, who she could only see in profile. The yellow lights of the freeway bounced off his face, and in those small flashes of light she could see the tips of his smile too. His eyes moved, catching hers in the rearview mirror. In them, she could see everything she needed to know. His certainty of who he was and what he wanted, and that it all pointed to her, and them, and their children.

She nuzzled into Em’s soft hair, closing her eyes again, heart full once again.

Thanks so much for reading. I know we've been a little desperate for some Banks content and I felt bad throwing out the idea and then not delivering.

Hope this helps!

-KO

#devil's night series #my fic #nikova banks #emory scott #kaibanks #willemmy #fic title: hollow

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getfitbysoul · 10 days ago

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How to Start Your Fitness Journey (Even If You’re a Beginner)

Starting a fitness journey can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve never worked out before, or if it’s been a long time since you did. The fitness world is full of information, trends, and advice that can make it hard to know where to begin. But the truth is: getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need fancy equipment, an expensive gym membership, or hours of free time each day. All you need is the willingness to take that first step.

In this blog, we’ll break down exactly how to begin your fitness journey, even if you’re starting from zero. Whether your goal is to lose weight, build strength, improve your health, or simply feel better in your own body, this guide is designed to help you build a solid foundation that lasts.

1. Start With Your "Why"

Before diving into workouts and diet plans, take a moment to ask yourself: Why do I want to get fit? Your "why" will be the driving force that keeps you going when motivation dips.

Are you doing this for your health? To gain more energy to play with your kids? To feel more confident in your own skin? Whatever your reason, write it down. Keep it somewhere visible. When things get tough, it’ll remind you of your purpose.

2. Set Realistic and Measurable Goals

Avoid vague goals like "I want to get in shape." Instead, set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

For example:

“I want to walk 30 minutes a day, five times a week for the next month.”

“I want to lose 4 kg in 2 months by following a consistent workout and meal plan.”

Start small. Early success builds confidence, which fuels long-term consistency.

3. Choose Activities You Enjoy

Not a fan of lifting weights? No problem. Hate running? You’re not alone. The best workout is the one you’ll actually stick with.

Experiment with different forms of exercise:

Brisk walking or cycling

Dancing to your favorite music

Yoga or Pilates for flexibility and stress relief

Home workout videos on YouTube

Group fitness classes

Find something that feels fun—not like a punishment. That way, you're more likely to make it a habit.

4. Start Slow and Be Consistent

Many beginners make the mistake of doing too much, too soon. They hit the gym hard for a week, get sore or burned out, and then quit.

The key to long-term success is consistency, not intensity.

Begin with 2–3 days a week of light activity, like walking or bodyweight exercises. Gradually increase duration and intensity as your fitness level improves.

5. Focus on Nutrition (Not Just Exercise)

You can’t out-train a bad diet. While exercise is crucial, what you eat has a massive impact on your progress.

Here are a few beginner tips:

Eat whole, unprocessed foods (fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains).

Drink plenty of water—stay hydrated throughout the day.

Reduce sugary snacks, sodas, and fried food.

Don't skip meals—especially breakfast.

Remember: it's about progress, not perfection. You don't need to follow a strict diet to see results. Start by making small, sustainable changes.

6. Track Your Progress

Seeing progress can be incredibly motivating. You can track your journey by:

Taking before-and-after photos

Writing down workouts and meals

Noting how you feel physically and mentally each week

Tracking changes in weight or measurements

Even non-scale victories—like better sleep, more energy, or improved mood—are signs that you're on the right path.

7. Stay Accountable

Accountability can come in many forms:

Workout with a friend or family member

Join an online fitness challenge

Share your goals on social media

Hire a fitness coach or join a class

When someone else is rooting for you (or checking in on your progress), you’re more likely to stay on track.

8. Listen to Your Body

Rest is not laziness—it’s part of the process. Your body needs time to recover, especially when you're just starting out.

Pay attention to signs of overtraining like fatigue, irritability, or persistent soreness. Aim for at least one full rest day each week. Prioritize sleep and stress management as part of your overall wellness.

9. Celebrate Small Wins

You don’t have to wait until you reach your final goal to celebrate. Every small win matters:

First full push-up? Celebrate!

Drank water instead of soda? That’s progress.

Walked 10,000 steps? You’re doing great.

Reward yourself in healthy ways—maybe with new workout clothes, a massage, or a relaxing evening off.

Final Thoughts

Starting your fitness journey doesn’t require perfection—only intention. Everyone starts somewhere, and your journey is uniquely yours. There will be ups and downs, good days and bad. What matters most is that you keep showing up for yourself.

Remember: it's not about being the fittest person in the room. It’s about becoming a healthier, stronger version of YOU.

So take a deep breath, lace up your shoes, and start today—because your future self will thank you.

Ready to Begin? Comment below or share your "why" to inspire others. Let’s take the first step together 💪

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