A Girl Named Misty

Stepping Out

In middle school, Misty set a big goal that would change her life. She wanted to earn a spot on the school’s drill team, a type of dance group. And not just any spot. Misty wanted to be captain. Misty’s big sister, Erica, had been a star on the same team, and her mom had been a professional cheerleader. Could Misty, the girl who was afraid to read aloud in class, become the leader of the group?

On audition day, Misty stepped in front of the judges and gave it her all. She not only became captain, but caught the eye of Coach Elizabeth Cantine, who had studied ballet. As Coach Cantine watched Misty during practice, she knew Misty had a gift. Coach Cantine told Misty a friend of hers was teaching ballet at the San Pedro Boys & Girls Club. Misty was nervous about taking the class, so she sat on the bleachers watching other children learn basic ballet steps. For two weeks she just sat and watched. Not even the teacher’s encouragement convinced her to join in.

Then one day, Misty changed into a t-shirt, shorts, and socks, and decided to give ballet a chance. She was surrounded by kids wearing leotards and tights, and she felt out of place. The moves made her feel awkward and insecure, and by the end of the class she decided her time with ballet was over.