In the bustling summer filled with the sound of cicadas, eight-year-old Suzhou stepped into the Training Base, her small bag slung over her shoulder, ready to embrace the knowledge and challenges that awaited her. Nestled on the outskirts of the city, the base was surrounded by verdant mountains, forming a natural barrier that enclosed a world where dreams could take flight. As she arrived, the white dormitory building shimmered under the blazing sun. Inside, it was simple and unadorned, with iron bed frames and wooden tables and chairs. The stifling air was thick with unfamiliar scents. She clutched the hem of her shirt tightly, nervously greeting her new roommates, her eyes filled with both anxiety and anticipation.
On the first day of training, as dawn broke and the sky turned pale, a sharp whistle sliced through the silence like a fierce wind. Sleepy-eyed Suzhou hurriedly donned her Training Outfit and joined the throng heading towards the playground. The grass still glistened with dew, and as she lightly tapped her shoes against it, tiny droplets splashed up, refreshing against her skin. During warm-up jogging, her petite figure struggled to keep pace; her arms swung awkwardly, hair tousled in the breeze, beads of sweat rolling down her forehead as her youthful face displayed determination.
The Fundamental Training session moved into the spacious Training Room, where sunlight streamed through tall windows, casting golden beams across the floor. During leg stretching exercises, Suzhou's slender legs trembled as she lifted them to meet the cold, hard bar. At that moment, she furrowed her brow and pressed her lips together tightly; a sharp pain shot through her hips, causing her eyes to well up with tears. Yet she fought back against them, holding on for one second longer, then two, trembling as she completed the required duration—all in pursuit of greater flexibility.
As daylight stretched on, Skill Training intensified. In Jumping Class, the instructor demonstrated a grand leap with grace akin to a swallow in flight. Filled with envy, Suzhou gathered her courage for her turn but lacked the strength and fell to the ground, scraping her knee. Gritting her teeth, she brushed off the dirt and continued to practice—repeatedly analyzing her jump angle and force—like an unyielding little top spinning tirelessly. In Rotation Class, she focused intently on herself in the mirror; balancing on one foot while twisting her body made her dizzy at first and caused her steps to falter. But fueled by a competitive spirit, she gradually transitioned from unsteady to stable, deciphering the rhythm hidden within her sweat.
When it came time for Dance Choreography, challenges piled up one after another. She was tasked with performing a military-themed dance—a concept that felt abstract for an eight-year-old. That night, bathed in moonlight spilling into the corridor, she tiptoed outside to practice military salutes in front of a glass window. She pondered how to convey respect through her gaze and how to position her fingers just right—repeating these movements over and over until dawn broke.
A month flew by like a fleeting shadow as they approached the Military Camp Grand Stage. The stage was set in the center of the playground beneath a blue sky where Military Flags fluttered proudly. Soldiers sat upright below with resolute expressions like stone. As music played, Suzhou appeared in a flowing red dress like a vibrant flame. During her solo dance, she moved lightly across the stage as if walking on clouds; twirling in her skirt made it billow like blooming red lotuses. Each step was perfectly timed; she danced gracefully with clear and passionate eyes that expressed deep respect for soldiers. In the Group Dance segment, she collaborated seamlessly with partners—arms intertwined and bodies moving in harmony—depicting a profound bond between soldiers and civilians. As they concluded their performance, applause surged like crashing waves; soldiers leaped to their feet in enthusiastic cheers, their dark faces lit up with surprise and admiration. The instructor strode onto the stage with excitement and praised: "At such a young age, you embody the spirit of our military! You are born to dance!" Soldiers presented paper cranes adorned with compliments filled with affection.
In Lin Family Courtyard, longing for this month felt endless. Song Ying sat each night in the courtyard gazing at stars while murmuring about whether Lin Xiao Yu had eaten enough or slept well; Lin Wufeng polished his daughter's dance shoes while eagerly anticipating her return and proudly boasting about Lin Xiao Yu's potential to anyone who would listen; Lin Dongzhe drew pictures of his sister dancing and plastered them above his bed while eagerly waiting for her to share stories upon her return. Neighbors gathered frequently to sing praises of Lin Xiao Yu—the little pride of the Lin family.
From their first meeting with Lin Xiao Yu, Dance Teacher recognized her extraordinary talent and cherished it even more after a month of training. While rigorously correcting movements out of concern for injury to such a young child, they often offered patient encouragement and detailed explanations. When faced with obstacles in choreography arrangements, they dedicated extra time for private practice sessions; witnessing Lin Xiao Yu shine on stage brought satisfaction and nods of approval as they silently vowed to sculpt this budding talent into an artistic gem.
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