Counterpointe Read Online Free

choreography that is the hallmark of more modern ballets. What carries this piece is subtlety, and in the hands of artist-in-residence Colin O’Connor and his principal dancer Clare Eliason, this version is dark and devastating. Ms. Eliason, in her first appearance with Danse Classique, danced an incandescent Giselle with a tenderness that was heartbreaking in its intensity. It was a performance that brought tears to the eyes of many seasoned balletomanes, including this one, and it earned Ms. Eliason a rare standing ovation.
     
 
     
    Abruptly, Clare stopped reading. It had loomed so large for so long—her first performance and how it would be received. Now it was done, and the review was...fantastic. Zach was wrong. Without him she was something. Something special.
     
    Her butterflies last night had been world class, and the performance had required her to tap into the anguish of Zach’s treachery, which had been exhausting. Afterward, she’d endured the reception for donors in a fog of fatigue. As further proof of her weakened state, she’d even let Stephan drive her home, and here he still was, drinking coffee and waving the newspaper at her when she came downstairs.
     
    “You haven’t finished, have you?” He poked at the paper. “Go on, read the part about us.”
     
Worthy of mention, as well, is the felicitous pairing of Ms. Eliason and Stephan Orsini. In the past, Orsini has given only hints of the proficiency, depth, and élan on display as he partnered Ms. Eliason. It will be fascinating to watch as these two challenge each other to even greater heights.
     
     
     
    Fascinating indeed.
     
    He’d insisted she shouldn’t be alone when the newspaper and its review arrived. Ultimately, she’d judged it easier to hand him a pillow and blanket than to argue with him.
     
    “It’s you and me, girl. The next Baryshnikov and Farrell.”
     
    “You do realize they never danced together.” She put the paper down and stuck her head in the refrigerator.
     
    “Just think if they had.”
     
    “How about I scramble you some eggs before you go home?
     
    “I figured I’d stick around, drive you to company class.”
     
    “No thanks.” Bad enough she’d accepted a ride last night. “I have an errand I need to run first.”
     
    “I don’t mind taking you.”
     
    Good Lord, the man was dense. She tried again. “Don’t you need to get home and shower, change clothes first?”
     
    “Okay. I got it the first time. But you can’t blame a guy, especially one with élan, for trying, can you?”
     
    She rolled her eyes. “Tell you what. Why don’t you join Denise and me for dinner after Saturday’s performance?”
     
    He stood for a moment with a thoughtful look. “Okay. Sometimes a guy has to take what he can get.”
     
    “Well, that was certainly gracious.”
     
    He grinned. “I’d be thrilled and honored to escort two such beautiful ladies to dinner.”
     
    “Good. So, eggs before you leave?”
     
    “Naw, I’ll just pick something up on the way.”
     
    “I do appreciate the ride home last night.”
     
    “My pleasure. Anytime.”
     
    Nope. Never again. And that was her final answer. He might not know it yet, but Stephan was taken.
     

    Although they had one ballet left to close out the season, the artistic director had begun annual reviews and today was Clare’s turn.
     
    Justin sat back rubbing his hands together. “An excellent first season, Clare.”
     
    She sighed with relief. Justin always gives it away , Denise told her in preparation for the review and, hopefully, contract renewal meeting. If he rubs his hands together, you’re golden , but if he peered at you over steepled hands, it meant he wasn’t pleased.
     
    “You and Stephan are progressing nicely.”
     
    Clare started to respond— don’t babble, whatever you do, Justin hates babbling —then let her breath out without speaking.
     
    “I’ve been waiting for a dancer with just the right combination of