A Girl Named Misty

Putting In the Work

Cindy Bradley, who taught the ballet class, had other plans. She saw Misty’s talent. and she convinced her to come back. At age thirteen, Misty was older than most beginners, but she was a natural. Misty was offered a full scholarship to the ballet school. All of her classes and ballet clothes would be provided. Misty’s mom is so proud of her daughter earning a chance to develop her talent.

Almost every day, Misty went to Cindy’s studio. The classes were grueling and required focus, but every step, leap, and spin filled Misty with joy. Soon, Misty was excelling and nothing could stop her. Just two months after starting lessons, Misty went en pointe. Dancing en pointe is a skill that takes most dancers years to master. Cindy told Misty she was perfect for ballet. She could perform moves easily that others needed a lot of training and practice to do. She had a ballerina’s form. Misty knew in her heart ballet was where she belonged.

Meanwhile, life at home was getting harder. Misty’s family had to find another place to live and moved into a motel room. Her sister, Erica, took the long bus ride with Misty from Cindy’s studio back to their home. Between school, her daily ballet practice, and long bus rides, Misty was gone a lot. Misty’s mom worried that Misty was away from her family and friends too much. Her mom said Misty should give up ballet.