InsaneJournal

Esmeralda dances to the rhythm of the tambourine (changewillcome) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2016-08-28 21:14:00

One of the things Esmeralda really liked about the States was the variety of dance workshops that she was able to find online. Sometimes if they cost money, she wasn’t able to attend as most money went towards The Court of Miracles, and just basic necessities. Other times though, either there was enough money left over that she could attend a workshop, or like today, she was able to find those that were free.

Even if the dances didn’t end up in her routine as they weren’t part of her heritage and the atmosphere of the Court, she loved dancing so learning any new style or improving on styles, she would always go to these workshops. It was part of always improving and just enjoying herself.

The movements came to her naturally, she had good lines and was a quick learn. Some who went to these workshops were advanced, others were beginners, which was always a nice mix as well as just being good to see in general.

The workshops were a great place to learn new moves, network, things of that nature and Minato was more than happy to go to them when time allowed. Minato was a quick study with natural movement as well. His first dance teacher had made that comment more than once, and he watched people as they moved out around him.

It was fun to watch people move, to see how into the dance moves they got and he did try to help out a few that seemed to be struggling. Minato didn't mind helping instruct people when he could, only because he loved dancing that much. When the workshop ended, Minato clapped along with the rest of them and moved to find his bag.

Out of the corner of his eye he caught movement, and he turned to look at one of the ladies that he'd admittedly been watching. "You move really well." He commented with a smile over at her, "How long have you been dancing?"

Grabbing a towel (was it always so hot in this state?), Esmeralda patted down her neck before looking to the voice that had spoken up, which just caused her to smile.

“Thank you, you dance well as well.” Weird sentence. English could still be confusing though given her natural predisposition to make talk to people back in France as a means of learning, she had picked up English fairly easily. Still, sometimes the sentences would sound odd to her when she said them.

“I have.” Admittedly on sidewalks to earn money, but the music was in her bones. “And you?”

Minato picked up his water bottle, and took a long draft from it. Reaching up, he wiped the back of his hand over his mouth. "You're welcome, and thank you." He gave a small inclination of his head in her direction before he snapped the cap back onto his water.

"Yes, since I was…." He paused for a moment as he thought, "since I was seven." That sounded about right to him, "Did you happen to attend any dance schools? If you don't mind me asking that is" Minato knew some people could naturally move, pick up steps as if it were nothing, but there was something about the way she moved that made him think that she'd been professionally trained. Of course, he also knew he could very well be wrong, and that she just had a natural talent.

How long had she been dancing? It tended to help if she really knew her own age. Oh well, she just knew that she’d been dancing for what felt to be her entire life to survive. Good thing she enjoyed it. Because that would be unfortunate otherwise. Instead she listened before the question.

“Oh no. I never had that opportunity. I had hoped to dance at the Moulin Rouge when I was still in Paris but that was not in my cards. I like it here though, I am able to find these workshops at the very least.”

And once money was more set, she might be able to find the paid courses. Of course the outfits she used for work that had come from the dreams had been interesting to explain. Clopin had told her that if she wanted to spend money needlessly so be it, but it all had worked out. At least they were useful.

"The workshops do come in handy." He replied with a small nod, "Ah, well, maybe one day you'll get to live your dream and dance there. I hear that it's amazing." Minato had been a lot of places, but Moulin Rouge was not a place that he'd ever been before although he hoped to go one day.

Minato reached down into his bag, pulling out a card for the studio his friend had just opened. "If you need a space to practice, or even want to sit in on some of the classes I teach? You're welcome to stop by. My friend just opened up the place, and she's not one to turn down someone with as much passion as you have." Minato held out the card, "Plus I think she mentioned something about running some workshops there as well. Might be worth checking out the website at least every now and again to see."

“Perhaps one day.” Really, not so much. Esmeralda knew that. There were the political aspects, even if France had supposedly gotten better in regards to their handling of the Romani people. But there was still that undercurrent which remained. That, and well, there was the fact she and the ‘family’ were settling here. Something permanent.

Then she was being handed a card and Esmeralda smiled brightly as she took it.

“Thank you. I will definitely look into it.” Really, just being able to pick up different styles and practice elsewhere? It was a good option for her. She loved the Court of Miracles, her small stage. But who wouldn’t want to be able to try different styles, do something that felt more focused, something that made her more than that gypsy Esmeralda who danced to the tambourine?

Minato was a big believer in one pursuing their dreams. He had done just that, and followed his heart when it came to his career. It was one of the best decisions he'd ever made, and he never spent a day really working in his life.

Minato believed that every person should have that chance.

"You're welcome." He offered, giving her a bright smile back. Minato knew his friend, he knew that she would have plenty of space for people to come in and practice if they needed it. The passion was what she looked for in people, and she was always happy to lend a helping hand to those that needed it. Besides, he was looking forward to her hosting some workshops too. "I'm Minato Namikaze, by the way." His name wasn't on the card, it was just a generic card for the dance studio as he hadn't had any new ones printed up. He tossed his towel back into his bag, and zipped it up. "Feel free to ask for me there if you do come by."

Pursuing dreams was nice in theory, and for those who had the ability? All the better. For Esmeralda? It wasn’t so easy as there was the whole surviving and constant moving that came with her life. She didn’t let it get her down though. After all, she still did get to dance and it was now more than just on sidewalks or parks to get people to give her money. It was a step in the right direction, anyway. Something more stable which was all any of them really wanted. That chance for stability. And here, she could try different styles of dance without it cutting into her earnings, so even better.

“Esmeralda. I will certainly do that.”

Noting the time, she winced some.

“On that note though, I should go. It was nice meeting you.” With a smile, Esmeralda shouldered her bag and waved before leaving the workshop. All in all? Definitely a good day.