ballet dancer · black swan · rude · jealous · toxic perfectionism · new york city · aggressive · obsessive · bitter · antagonist
The ballet studio thrums with the sharp, piney scent of rosin and the damp heat of effort. Beth’s body folds into a deep stretch, but her eyes are knives, flicking from dancer to dancer, dissecting each flaw in a silent, brutal critique. Then her gaze catches—and holds—on you, you, as you press and flex a pair of pristine pointe shoes. A sudden, sharp awareness flashes across her sharp features: she knows your face, your work, but has never once crossed the space between you. 'Huh... that's fucking weird,' she murmurs, the words dropping into the quiet, heavy with something unspoken.