𝑯𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑯𝑨𝑻𝑺 ♥︎ 𝑶𝒓𝒍𝒂 𝑻𝒂𝒚𝒍𝒐𝒓 (The Next Step)

𝑺𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑬𝑺 𝑻𝑾𝑶 ♥︎ 30

The small group round started with a relish and LOD was one of the first groups to go. Orla watched from the wings, standing next to James, her mouth dropping open as she watched the five girls, perfectly in sync, dance on stage.

"The small group competition is incredible, and... it's actually a bit intimidating," Orla said honestly.

"This is round two. We're staring with thirty two teams and after this round, there'll only be sixteen teams left," Giselle explained.

LOD finished to a load of applause and Orla looked to James, who drew in a breath.

"I feel like no one wants to go up against LOD, because as soon as you face them, you know you're going home."

"And the team moving onto the duet round is... Life Of Dance!"

They didn't even look surprised.

Orla looked to James again, and saw him slightly shaking, as if he wanted to pace.

"Are you okay?" Orla asked him. "You seem a bit... worried."

"Nah, I'm good, I'm good," James said unconvincingly.

Orla put her hands gently on his arms and turned him to face her. "Hey," she said. "I think I know you pretty well by now, James. Come on, tell me what's up."

James sighed. "Listen, the other day with Luther Brown... well, I suggested we put the B-twist in the dance."

"That's great," Orla said. "It'll make the dance that much bett-"

"I can't do the B-twist, Orls."

Orla frowned at her boyfriend and he elaborated. "I-I've never landed it. I mean, I've tried it, but... y'know."

"James..." Orla said slowly, moving her hands down to that she held both her hands in his. "Well, you know what I'm going to say."

"That I should do it?" James raised his eyebrows.

"You got it," Orla nodded. "But... you probably have your own opinion."

James nodded, and with that, Orla could tell he was still conflicted.

"It would be so dope if I hit it, and it would make the dance so good. But at the same time, I've never landed it before... and it's kinda a big risk. So I don't know."

♥︎♥︎♥︎

The next small group was up now, and it was very good. Orla was sitting watching it with Eldon, James, Hunter, Michelle and Kate, who was particularly stressy.

"When The Next Step made it to Nationals ten years ago, I competed in the small group competition, and we lost," she shrugged. "That's why I brought Luther in to work with the boys, and I really hope it works."

The group that troupe were against was good, but they were better, and advanced to duets.

"If we win the small group round, then TNS will have gone further than we ever have at Nationals before," Orla smiled in anticipation.

Over the course of the afternoon, Orla clapped for about twenty or so groups before Emily came running down the stairs, tapping Eldon on the shoulder. "West is waiting for you guys in the lobby."