Progress
I'll be watching you
(Every breath you take)
(Every move you make)
(Every bond you break)
(Every step you take)
I'll be watching you
The rest of class went fairly well. Regulus spent his time correcting James, making sure his technique was only getting better.
“Okay everyone, now I'm going to begin teaching the second half of the barre, it's a lot more difficult so please pay close attention.” Regulus said while walking towards a free barre spot to show everyone each exercise “Starting off with Fondu. One, two, and we go up on demi pointe in fifth position. From here you plie, holding the front leg in coupe, and open back up on demi pointe with your leg extended slightly in the front like so. We will do en croix, then close fifth on demi pointe. Afterwards, lift the front leg up in passe, moving your hand to third position, and extending it in front of you without fully straightening it. This is called Attitude Devant. You will try to balance in it then allonge and close fifth again. With your back leg you will do the same thing, passe and attitude in the back. Everyone understood? This will be very harsh on your calves but please try to pull through.” He said, demonstrating each move with little to no effort.
Everyone nodded and the music began to play, it was slow , too slow in James’ opinion. He went up on demi pointe and did the fondu, for the front and side it didn't hurt or anything, but he kept up his high demi pointe and slowly his calf started burning, badly. Regulus went around the room to give everyone corrections and stopped at James for a small while.
“Your demi pointe is great, same for your coupe. Your calves are pretty strong too.” He said, observing James’ movement. “Now when you plie don't do it so harshly, the movement has to be delicate, yes good. Now passe up, oh and keep your knee open, use your hips James.” Regulus said, touching his knee and hip to adjust his placement. “Good, now when you extend use your heel, very nice” his grayish-blue eyes were studying every move James made, making sure they were correct “Don't lean back too much, shoulder down” Regulus touched his upper back slightly, then took a few steps back to make sure everything was perfect. “Beautiful.” he said before moving onto the next dancer.
By the time they switched to their back leg James was sweating and shaking slightly, his calf burnt so bad he could barely feel it.
“Now switch, passe back everyone” Regulus announced.
James let his right leg down slowly, moving his left one. He arched his back slightly in the attitude, attempting to bring it higher. Regulus only stopped for a moment to remind him to turn out his foot and to slightly straighten his leg just a tiny bit. And just like that fondu was over, it wasn't James’ favourite by far.
“Okay great, can anyone tell me what's next?” Regulus asked, waiting for someone to raise their hand, but no one did. He moved his eyes to James slightly hoping he would answer, so James did.
“Frappe, I think” he said, quite shyly, not wanting to be wrong.
“You think right. Okay everyone so, you have to keep in mind the fact that frappes need to be quick. You have to balance on your standing leg while moving the other one quickly. It's a sort of more energetic fondu but without the plie.” He said demonstrating. “En croix from the front, en croix from the back and that's it. I'm not adding anything else for now. The preparation for frappe is just like fondu, one and two, going up on demi in fifth and extending the leg to the side. Everyone understood?”
The class nodded and the music began, it was fast and it had some great accents. James enjoyed it. Regulus didn't give him any special corrections this time, just the usual shoulders down and turnout. Frappe ended as quickly as it began and James really enjoyed it. One of his new favourites.
“Okay everyone it's time for a bit of torture! Rond de Jambe en l'air, same preparation for frappé and then you keep your leg up. Eight slow ronds en dedans and eight en dehor. This is en dedans” he said, turning his leg up in the air “and this is en dehor. Everyone got it?”
The music was slow. Really slow. James went up on demi pointe and lifted his leg just around 90 degrees, trying to keep his hips down. This time Regulus began correcting him as soon as the exercise started:
“Keep your back straight, don't lean on the barre. Oh and don't grip it too hard, you will have a hard time in center if you don't learn how to balance during barre.” He said, touching his hand to move his thumb slightly. Regulus had really cold hands, James nearly shivered at his touch. “Squeeze your glutes, bring your fingers closer” Regulus was touching his hand, turning his palm slightly, meanwhile James was struggling to hold his leg up. He was shaking and sweating, his muscles twitching slightly.
“Shaking is good James, I'm glad you're trying. Point your foot more and now when you do the rond and bring the leg to passe make sure you keep it over the knee, good. Really nice.” Regulus said, giving Prongs a slight smile.
Rond en l’air was hard. Really hard. James was relieved when it ended, his whole body trembling. He had always considered himself a strong guy, he could lift quite a lot at the gym, but when it came to ballet he was the weakest being ever.
“I see all of you are tired, you can take a water break before the last three exercises. We will move on to center afterwards.” Regulus announced, arranging his t-shirt slightly. Just then James concentrated enough to see what was written on it: Prix de Lausanne. Was Regulus a past competitor? Did he perhaps win? He had so many questions but didn't want to ask him directly, he just decided to google his name when he got home.
“James! Come here for a minute will you?” Regulus asked, making James realise he was staring. He walked across the room slowly, watching Regulus smile at him.
“Think you can stay for a few minutes longer after class? There were a few more things I wanted to tell you before but I didn't get the chance.”
“Sure!” James responded, turning his back to see Alice and Frank (he somehow remembered their names).
“James dear! We had such a fun time talking to you when we started. Fancy going for a coffee sometime? To be honest we don't really get along with anyone else in this class, but you were very nice!” Alice said with genuine kindness in her voice.
“Id love to! You can get my number from the group right? Text me anytime and we can surely meet! I enjoy making friends” he said, leaning in to shake Frank's hand.
Just after they took their spots again, ready for Adagio. It was the usual en croix, except they had to hold their legs up there for a really long time. James was shaking, especially when he had to hold it to the side. Regulus lifted his leg slightly, helping him arrange his hips better, but nothing really helped.
Soon enough Regulus had to demonstrate Grand Battement. It was like the regular battements except you needed to lift your legs…really high. James was sure he would be really bad at it.
“Okay everyone, the combination is fairly simple, en croix then two in the back, swing front and back three times and that's it!” Regulus said, then stopped to show the exercise himself. His leg just flew up, going past his head whenever he lifted it to the side. James wished he would be this flexible too one day.
The music played and he took position, doing the usual preparation before beginning. He leaned in slightly for each one but it wasn't too bad. ( Regulus said so too!) It was a nice and quick exercise and James overall enjoyed it.
“Normally I would do releve now, but since we don't have that much time we will skip it and do it again next time. I expect all of you to remember what we did today so we can do more center next time. Now, it's time to learn Pique turns!” He said, clapping his hands together to show he enjoyed Piques. “We will be doing these diagonally, I will show you the preparation and how to do a few then you will go.” Regulus said while directing them all a corner , having them line up. James ended up being third in line, after Alice and Frank.
“So, beginning in fifth with our hands down we will bring them up in first position and open them in sixth position, like so. Now you battement and turn your body diagonally, then you go up on demi pointe on your right leg and lift the left one while turning."He demonstrated a few and they seemed fairly easy, no wonder they were the first types of turns they learned.
The music began and Alice went first. She actually did pretty well, though her spotting was a bit rough. Frank was way worse, he couldn't figure out which way to turn and he kept swapping legs. Soon after it was James’ turn.
“I expect you to attempt two at the end, now one and two, good, now go!” Regulus said, watching James do the preparation.
He turned, it was pretty easy. Spotting came rather naturally to him and after listening to the few corrections regarding his shoulders and plie that Regulus gave him James could turn quite nicely.
“Now, one more and then try two!” Regulus said while walking alongside James.
He did one more, then he went up again, trying to balance nicely. He turned, and actually did manage two really nice turns with a small balance at the end. Regulus looked very pleased.
“Very good. Next!” he said.
James joined Frank and Alice to watch the others attempt the turns, just then Frank spoke:
“I suppose you caught his eye…he's always correcting you plenty making sure you're doing everything nicely. He's actually been giving Alice a lot of corrections too but he's definitely paying closer attention to you” he said.
“Oh! Yeah I suppose so…we do know eachother but it's sort of complicated! I'll tell you over coffee if you'd like.” James responded, trying to pretend what Frank said didn't bother him.
“Nicely done everyone, you're free to go. See you on Friday!” Regulus announced.
Everyone left while James pretended to pack up ultra slow, so he could talk to Regulus after. Once the room was empty Regulus began talking:
“I didn't lie when I said you did have some sort of natural gift in ballet y’know…you really are good for a complete beginner. How far do you want to take this? I could definitely help you become really good if you want.” he said, his tone a bit more serious than before,
“Well I suppose at first I wasn't really taking it seriously but now I love ballet, I really do. I haven't been this obsessed over something since 9th grade…it feels good.”
“Perfect! Can I try one of those muffins you brought?” Regulus asked.
“Go ahead! They're yours now” James laughed slightly.
He watched Regulus pick one out, smaller than the rest. He took a big bite, leaving a bit of frosting at the corners of his mouth. His eyes lit up slightly after chewing and before fully swallowing he already started talking.
“What the fuck dude! Did you put crack in these or something? They're the best muffins I ever tasted! You've got to bring me these more often. I can teach you some more ballet stuff in exchange! Holy crap they're incredible! What's the recipe?”
“Secret! I will bring you more if you want though, is 6 every week alright?”
“My my you're kind! Yes please, do I love them so much!” James was smiling, really smiling. No one ever admired his baking as much as Regulus just did. Just then he had a quick glance at the time.
“It's getting a bit late. I should head out, anything else you wanted to say?” he asked
“Oh no it's alright! Wait for me though, let's go out together.” Regulus said, packing up his things quickly.
James waited for him and held open the door like the true gentleman that he is.
“Wow you're soo kind!” Regulus laughed slightly “If you arrive early on Friday i'll be in this room” he said pointing to a big large door. “I won't mind if you come a bit early, I'd love to show you some stuff, especially after those brilliant cupcakes.”
“I'll be there” James smiled while holding up the door for Regulus to get out once again, then he waved him goodbye and they headed in opposite directions.
James was happy, really happy. Regulus was his friend again and he was going to go out for coffee with Frank and Alice, which did seem really nice. He skipped home, jumping over tiles glad his life seemed to only go from good to better constantly.
Just as he was about to take out his keys to open the door to his apartment he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He only glanced at it slightly, expecting the text to be from Frank or Alice, but it turned out Sirius responded to his texts.
Hey Prongs! Me and Moony went out of town, we wanted to have a bit of fun! Well be back soon though (depends on when Remus feels like going back). I'm not mad at you or anything, no worries. Mary is taking care of Buckbeak so no need to go and feed him.
James read it slightly and an idea came to mind. He didn't dare to think about it too much though, as if Sirius could hear his thoughts. Padfoot out of town, Regulus being back. Prongs wanted to ask him to hang out. To really find out what happened in those past years that they all stopped talking, but would he want to? Is it too soon for them to start talking again? Not to mention Sirius would be furious if he found out…
James went into his apartment and stripped naked in the bathroom, stepping in the shower without bothering to do anything else. He turned the water on the hottest temperature to help him think and he began pondering. He does want to hang out with Regulus, but Sirius would be pissed if he knew. And Padfoot is his best friend so Prongs can't possibly do that to him. Though curiosity was eating him alive, he wanted to know what Regulus had been doing and how he managed to continue pursuing ballet. Maybe one hangout while Sirius is out of town wouldn't hurt right? James would make it out to him, he would take him and Remus out to their favourite hotspot restaurant and they will have a good time. That sounds right. Nobody needs to know who he will be hanging out with while Sirius and Remus are gone. It's strictly his business. Surely the guilt won't be eating him alive.
After 30 long minutes of standing under hot steamy water James began to feel dizzy, so he went out of the shower with a tower wrapped around and grabbed a muffin to raise his glucose levels. Then, he sat down on the couch, deciding on whether or not he should text Regulus. After a few minutes of going back and forth, he decided on this message:
Heya! Whatcha doing?
It was simple and a pretty good conversation starter. It seems Regulus was also spending time on his phone cause he responded almost instantly.
Miss me already, do you?
Typical. His usual sarcastic way of texting everyone. James tried not to let it affect him, and continued to write.
Want to grab a coffee sometime this week, maybe next week? He asked
Yes! Yes I do! There's this super dope place I found and I've been wanting to go! When are you free? My schedule at the ballet is pretty complicated.
James was glad Regulus didn't find his request weird. With his flexible schedule he could basically meet him anywhere at any time.
I literally do nothing all day, you decide when to meet.
Is tomorrow too soon?
Never.
Tomorrow at 1! Let's grab lunch!
And it was set. Regulus sent James the place he found and it did look really nice, the food looked scrumptious too and the prices were alright. Since James felt bad for suddenly asking Regulus to hangout out of nowhere he figured he would be nice enough to pay.
James decided to google Regulus’ name to see what he could find. After a bit of browsing he found a video of him dancing at Prix de Lausanne, which he apparently won in 2020. That's how he began dancing at the Paris Opera, which offered him a spot there after he won. A few years later Regulus auditioned for principal at the Royal Ballet and got accepted. Prongs saved the video of him dancing, deciding that he would watch it later when he wouldn't be so tired. Every inch of his body hurt from what they did at ballet. His muscles were sore and sort of throbbing with pain. No workout at the gym could possibly hurt this much after. His feet hurt too, calluses were slowly starting to form. Ballet was having a very quick impact on his body, and although James did not necessarily mind it, he did feel really weak. All of those muscles he had were just for show if he couldn't handle two hours of ballet class, and a beginner one at that. He decided he would ask Regulus about it tomorrow, if what he was feeling was normal or if he was just doing something wrong.
Eventually Prongs found himself yawning like crazy, a sign he needed to go to sleep. Evan sent him the second chapter of his book so he opened it up on his computer so he could work on it tomorrow, then James made himself some tea. He had no idea what flavour though since his bags were not labeled. He sent Sirius a photo, letting him know that he missed him. Although James felt selfish, hanging out with Regulus without Sirius knowing, he had a feeling he was doing the right thing, like it was good for him.
He sipped his tea slowly, scrolling through whatever apps he had on his phone. Just as he opened insta he noticed a new follower: Regulus. James caught himself smiling at that, being glad to have gained back an old friend. He followed Regulus back, who had a public account for posting ballet pictures, and looked at a few of them. He did look great, his legs and arms always working together to make him seem unreal, like some sort of ghost. He had a few videos of him dancing, jumping up in the air and even partnering up with a few girls, lifting them with little to no effort. After Prongs nearly accidentally liked a year old photo Regulus posted he figured it was time for sleep.
He tucked himself in bed, thinking about everything that was happening to him lately.
Progress…he was making progress in every possible way.