Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents were keen amateur competitive dancers before I was born and some of my earliest memories are of seeing them dancing together in competitions, or else admiring the cups and medals that they had won over the years. There have always been a number of framed photographs around the house of them dancing together. My father looked most elegant in a dark evening suit and my mother dressed in one of her beautiful ball gowns. I was their only child and a relatively late addition to their lives, and so, inevitably, I spent quite a lot of time in the company of my parents or other adults. In most respects I had a secure and happy early childhood growing up in the town of Luton, which is about thirty miles to the north of London.

However, things changed when I was only six years old. My dad died suddenly in 1996 when he was only fifty-one, which came as a great shock to both my mother and to myself. The unexpectedness of his death had consequences for us both. I developed a slight stammer which further impaired my ability to communicate and make friends with other children. My mother, who found herself a widow in her late forties, embarked on a period of profound sadness, bordering on depression. She continued to go to work and looked after me properly but could never face the idea of finding a new partner and so gave up competitive dancing altogether. Our house with all its memorabilia of her happier past now became a far sadder place.

Although she had retired from competitive dancing, Mum never lost her love of the pastime, and in later years, encouraged me to take it up myself and taught me the basic steps at home. She also used to let me stay up with her to watch a television programme called Come Dancing. I remember that this was the one time in the week that she seemed to be truly happy once again, reliving her past and telling me stories about the competitions that she and my father had entered and frequently won. When that programme was dropped from the television schedules at the end of 1998, she felt particularly bereft as it had been broadcast for as long as she could remember. She felt as if an important part of her past life was no more. Her dance costumes were consigned to a trunk in the attic, and thereafter the only dancer in our household was me.

I persevered with my dance classes as it was my one opportunity to meet members of the opposite sex and I found my stammer would disappear whilst I was concentrating on the dance steps. There were always far more girls than boys at the classes I attended, and so I was in constant demand as a dance partner, which I didn’t mind. I never said too much about my hobby at school, though, in case I was accused of being a ‘sissy’ by my classmates. When someone did discover about my dancing I would tell them about my Dad, and the fact that no-one ever called him a sissy: that usually did the trick. As a result of my stammer and my interest in ballroom dancing I was accepted by most of my contemporaries as being mildly, but harmlessly, eccentric.

I progressed well as a junior dancer and even entered a few junior competitions in my early teens. At one point I even had thoughts of becoming a professional. However, although my interest never flagged, my progress did. I never developed the physique necessary to be a top-flight dancer. Although I possessed several of the required attributes, such as poise, good posture, musicality and good foot and leg action, male dancers also need good upper body strength to be able to perform lifts and had to be of at least average height so as not to be dwarfed by their partners dancing in their high heels. Neither of these traits was forthcoming to me after puberty. I settled at five foot five, with a fairly slim build, and small hands and feet. Thus I found myself less and less able to compete at the higher levels and all thoughts of a professional career were gradually dropped.

All the same, I continued to enjoy myself and my interest in dance and willingness to help ‘behind-the scenes’ did at least help me to find a reasonable job, which I am sure would not have been forthcoming if I’d merely attended for an interview. A married couple who were two of the keenest members of our local ballroom dancing group jointly owned a small independent estate agency in Dunstable, about five miles from where I lived. Rob was also the chairman of the Luton and District Ballroom Dance Society and a competent dancer in his own right; his wife Sarah was acknowledged to be the best female dancer we had. As nobody else seemed willing to do so, I volunteered to act as the secretary of the group. Apparently Rob and Sarah were so impressed with the way in which I performed this clerical role, whilst I was still only eighteen, that they offered me a trial as their office junior in August 2008 when my story begins. I was then living at home with my mother who had recently retired from work, now aged sixty.

Rob and Sarah’s business was located in Dunstable High Street. It had only three full-time staff in addition to themselves and also a couple of part-timers who helped look after the shop at weekends. Rob and Sarah were both in their early thirties; Helen, who was twenty two, was training to be a negotiator, Richard, our surveyor was aged twenty-six, and then me. Jenny and Sue were both married with teenaged children and so were happy to cover the shop at weekends. I suspect that the other staff may have considered me to be an odd appointment, because having a slight speech impediment did not exactly help when I was trying to communicate with clients in person or over the phone, but there was always plenty of paper work for me to do behind the scenes and I was soon able to demonstrate my usefulness to the business. It was understood, however, that before I would be able to progress to more responsible duties I would need to show that my stammer did not get in the way of me dealing with the clients.

After nearly a decade in the doldrums, Ballroom dancing and its competitive version Dancesport began to grow in popularity in the UK once again during the latter part of the first decade of the new century. This was largely due to the growing success of a new format celebrity version of the Come Dancing, TV show called Strictly Come Dancing which was introduced in 2005. (The title was in partial reference to the dance-based comedy film Strictly Ballroom, which both of my parents had loved, and which my mother often watched on DVD.) As a result of the success of Strictly Come Dancing, which went out at a prime time, many couples who had never thought about dancing before began to take up the hobby and join local clubs. Thus my skills as an organiser, amateur choreographer and dance coach began to be in great demand,

Towards the end of September 2008 our society was busy organising a series of six fortnightly exhibition/demonstration and training sessions scheduled to begin on 25th September and continue until 5th December where some of our best dancers would show off the most common traditional ballroom and Latin American dances to our new members and also those from neighbouring clubs in the region who wished to attend. Much of the Society’s income for the year came from the profits made from these demonstration sessions, which were usually well-attended. We would begin with the Waltz, and Foxtrot, and then move on to faster, showier dances such as the Quickstep and the Jive or else the Latin American styles such as the Samba and the Tango. On the night in question I was going through an ambitious Salsa routine that I’d recently designed for my two bosses, Rob and Sarah.

‘Now get ready Rob; and one and two and three,’ I said, keeping in time with the music, with the couple following me.

‘Now l-l-lift.’

The sudden re-appearance of my stammer, threw us all and Rob hesitated for a split second before executing the lift.

‘Be careful Rob,’ Sarah said in an alarmed voice as he lost his footing and began to stagger backwards.

Her warning came too late and he fell over backwards with his wife landing on top of him.

‘Are you alright Rob?’ I asked as he lay on the floor, winded.

‘Don’t worry about me!’ said Sarah in an aggrieved voice, trying to pick herself up.

‘I’m s-s-s-sorry, Sarah, it was my fault. Are you ok?’ I said giving her a hand to get up.

‘No! I think I’ve twisted my ankle.’

I helped them both off the floor and then to sit down for a minute to recover. I also took off Sarah’s right shoe for her, at her request. Five minutes later Rob had recovered his wind.

‘Oh my God, just look at my ankle! It’s beginning to swell up like a balloon,’ said Sarah.

‘I think we’d better get you to the hospital to have that checked out,’ said Rob.

Two hours later I was sitting in the waiting room at the of the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Luton and Dunstable Hospital getting bored with reading mindless articles in out of date copies of 'Homes and Gardens' and 'Country Life', or else listening to the local drunks bemoaning the fact that they were being kept waiting for treatment for problems that they’d brought upon themselves. Eventually Rob re-appeared from the treatment area.

‘H-h-how is she?’ I asked.

‘Not so good, I’m afraid. She must have landed badly. She has ruptured her Achilles tendon.’

‘What’s that?’ I asked.

‘It attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone.’

‘Is that s-s-serious?’ I asked.

‘It can be for a dancer. Her leg will have to be in a plaster cast for eight to ten weeks and it will be three months before she’s allowed to dance again.’

‘But … wha-what about next Saturday afternoon?’ I asked.

‘I’ll just have to find myself another partner.’

There was nothing more I could do, so I passed on my good wishes to the patient and made my way home whilst there were still some buses running. Fortunately Mum was away for a few days, visiting her sister in London and so she had no need to worry about my late arrival. On the way home I began to think about what we were going to do without Sarah over the next few weeks. She was scheduled to take a leading role in virtually all of our forthcoming demonstrations, yet now she was going to be out of action. It was going to be no easy task to find suitable replacements from among our members, and would certainly involve the redesign and simplification of a number of the dance routines that I’d prepared as we would no longer have four couples available. I decided to suggest to Rob that we should organise an emergency committee meeting after the first demonstration on Saturday, in order to discuss the problem. There would be time to arrange this as all the members of our Committee were likely to be present. At the same time we were also going to need a lady to step in and dance the Waltz and the Foxtrot in Sarah’s place in less than four days’ time, but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem to arrange since most competent ballroom dancers can perform them in their sleep.

Next time I am asked to help solve a problem.

My apologies that this has been some time in coming. I hope to post Chapter 2 tomorrow and then new chapters weekly thereafter. Thanks to Bronwen for editing. Louise

Sarah has an unusual request to make Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

 
Chapter 2 — Filling a temporary gap
Rob telephoned the office the next day to tell the staff what had happened to Sarah and to explain that he would also be late in to work as he had to take her to an out patients appointment at the hospital where she was going to be supplied with a pair of crutches to use over the next few weeks. As soon as he arrived I spoke to him about my suggestion for an emergency committee meeting, and he told me to go ahead and make the necessary arrangements. He also agreed that it would be a good idea for someone to start sounding out possible replacement dancers. However, he had already discussed this with Sarah who would be coming in to work by taxi as soon as her appointment was over. This might be something she could do when she arrived. She eventually made it in to work with the help of her two crutches at about 11.00, just as we were all having a cup of coffee together as there were no clients in the shop.

‘Oh you poor soul,’ said Helen as she got up from her desk to help Sarah through the front door. ‘How are you going to cope with your leg in plaster for the next three months?’

‘With great difficulty; by the looks of things. I think I’m likely to be stuck in the office a lot more than usual, so I shall be relying on your help much more to show clients around.’

‘Yes, of course,’ she replied.

‘I can help as well, if needs be,’ added Richard, our surveyor.’

‘M-M-Me too, if there is anything I can do to help,’ I added.

Sarah looked at Rob, who seemed to be a little anxious.

‘Actually, Mike, there is something you might be able to do for us. We were wondering if we might have a word with you in the back office after you’ve finished your coffee,’ she said.

‘Y-Yes, of course.’

Five minutes later I entered the back office that the two of them shared, although they were rarely in at the same time. Rob began to speak.

‘Mike, Sarah has got a request to make to you, but, before she does so, I want to make it clear that you don’t have to do it, just because you work for us. Whatever you decide will make no difference to how we treat you at work. Personally, I think that she is asking a bit much from you.’

I was about to respond, by asking exactly what she was expecting from me, but before I could do so, Sarah chipped in.

‘No of course he doesn’t have to agree, but I’m hoping he’ll consider my proposal all the same as he loves dancing and is a great supporter of the Society.’

‘Y-You’d better explain what it is you are thinking about,’ I said, painfully aware that she had been injured whilst undertaking a routine that I’d choreographed, and that my hesitation had been a contributory factor in causing the accident.

‘Well, Mike, we’re anxious about who is going to dance with Rob on Saturday afternoon, until we have had a chance to make some more permanent arrangements for my replacement. We were wondering …’ she hesitated for a moment. ‘No … I was wondering, whether you might be willing to take my place and dance the Waltz and the Foxtrot.’

‘B-b-but you mean that I should take your place by dancing - as a girl?’

‘Well, that’s the part I was planning to fill before I damaged my leg. You’re about the same height and build as I am, and so I’m sure my costume would fit you. I could also loan you a wig, and would be able to help you with your hair and makeup on Saturday. The main thing is that you won’t need to learn the dance routines as you choreographed both of them.’

‘S-s-surely there’s someone else who could take your place, the Waltz and the Foxtrot are two of the easiest dances?’

‘They may be easy for beginners but as you know they are not so easy to do well. Rob and I have been discussing possible stand-ins and to be honest I can’t think of anyone other than you who could take my place at three days’ notice.’

I rapidly went through the potential candidates in my mind, and realised that she may have a point.

‘B-B-But Sarah, the girl’s part is quite different from the guy’s. He leads, she follows.’

She sighed as if I was stating the blindingly obvious.

‘Off course I know that, but I’ve seen you take the girl’s part on several occasions when you have been demonstrating to the guys what they need to do.’

I couldn’t deny that.

‘But girls dance in high heels, and I’ve never worn high-heels in my life.’

‘It is only a question of your getting used to wearing them. After a few hours of practice you would be quite used to walking in them.’

‘B-b-but that’s not the same as dancing in them’

‘O.K. so you might need a few more hours of dance practice. What shoe size do you take?’

‘Six.’

That seemed to clinch it.

‘But that’s ideal! You’ll be able to borrow a pair of mine. It’s Wednesday morning now; you would have until Saturday afternoon to get used to wearing them.’

‘B-b-but I couldn’t wear high heels at home and at work, I’d look ridiculous.’

‘You could always say you were doing it as a stunt to raise money for Children in Need.’

‘Th-That’s not until the middle of November.’

‘Look Mike, things seem pretty quiet in the shop at present, will you at least come home with me at lunchtime to see how you would get on wearing my costume. If you look ridiculous, I promise I’ll forget about the whole idea. If, as I suspect, you will look pretty good, then we can discuss the logistical problems.’

I looked across at Rob. He shrugged his shoulders.

‘It’s entirely up to you Mike.’

It was a ludicrous idea but I didn’t wish to dismiss Sarah’s suggestion out of hand, especially as I’d been indirectly involved in her accident. I was fairly confident that it would be a non-starter but at the same time, the idea of dancing a demonstration match once again did have a certain attraction for me.

‘Alright I’ll come back to your house with you this afternoon, but that is all I am promising to do.’

‘Great, if you arrange to finish what you’ve been doing by lunchtime, Rob can drive us both to our house.’

‘This is between you and Sarah, Mike. I’m not getting involved, but I promise not to tell the others what you will be doing this afternoon,’ Rob said as he left us to go and meet a client.

It was quite a rigmarole for Sarah to get in and out of the back seat of their car; her leg was in a plaster cast from below her ankle to her thigh and so she had to sit with her leg stretched across both seats. Once we got to her house we found that the stairs were also going to be a problem, but at last she managed going backwards, one stair at a time on her bottom. I did my best not to laugh at her but didn’t succeed. I then felt really guilty. She directed me towards their spare bedroom.

‘First of all, Mike, I’d like you to strip down to your underpants, I need to have a look at your arms and legs.’

My limbs and armpits weren’t particularly hairy, but this wasn’t good enough for Sarah, she insisted that I used a depilatory cream to remove all traces. Whilst I was waiting for it to take effect, she returned with a pair of lace panties, a bra, a camisole top, a pair of tights and two nylon stockings with the feet filled with rice and tied off to make imitation breasts..

‘Once you have showered, will you be able to put on these by yourself whilst I sort out your dress and find some shoes?’ she asked.

‘I g-g-guess so.’

‘OK, I’ll be back in a few minutes.’

I managed to dress myself reasonably well in the underclothes, and had inserted the makeshift breast forms and adjusted the bra by the time Sarah returned carrying the dress and a pair of shoes.

‘This is a dress that I used to dance in but I now use to practice, it should be suitable for the coming weekend,’ she said.

‘It looks nice,’ I replied.

I’d been a little anxious about what she might expect me to wear, as some of Sarah’s costumes were skimpy, bordering on the downright provocative, but clearly she didn’t wish to frighten me off. It was a fairly conservative looking plain full length dress in powder blue viscose, but with the sleeves, shoulders and neck encased in a fine tulle-netting. It looked feminine but without being too flashy. Although the viscose dress had a low bust line the tulle netting would successfully disguise the fact that I was wearing falsies.

‘I’ve found you some black leather shoes with only a 2  ½ inch heel and an ankle strap, since you’re not used to wearing them.

Although the heels were only 2  ½ inches, I noticed that they were almost stilettos and so I would have to learn how to walk and dance on my toes.

‘Before you put them on, let’s see what we can do with my wig and a little make-up.’

‘Go on then.’

It was quite remarkable what Sarah was able to achieve over the next hour using her wig, a fair amount of make-up on my face and some cheap jewellery. The wig was first secured by pins then pulled back into a ponytail and then twisted into a bun as it was important to keep the long hair out of my face whilst I was dancing. I’d never had cause to wear female clothing before but I had to admit to myself that it was a pleasurable sensation, especially when I put on the dress. By four o’clock I was fully dressed and made up and looking at myself in the bedroom mirror.

‘Wow!’ was the only thing I could think to say. ‘Is that really me?’

‘We’re going to have to do something about your finger nails in time for Saturday, but otherwise I think you look pretty convincing, don’t you?’

‘I guess so,’ I replied, still feeling in a state of shock and not quite sure what to think.

Rob re-appeared soon afterwards, having been instructed by Sarah twenty minutes before to leave work early and come round to give us his opinion.

‘See! I told you so!’ said Sarah as he entered. ‘So what do you think?’

‘I think he looks stunning,’ he replied in a slightly surprised sounding voice, ‘but will he be able to dance when he’s dressed like that.’

‘That’s what we now need to find out,’ she replied.

‘What time do you need to get home tonight Mike?’ asked Rob.

‘It doesn’t really matter as my mother is staying in London until the weekend.’

‘Great, in that case we’ll book a practice session at the dance studio, and then we’ll all go out for a meal afterwards.’

‘I’ll find one of my winter coats for you to wear, and a handbag, as well,’ added Sarah, eagerly.

‘Alright,’ I said, not sure what I thought about the idea of going out for the evening dressed as a young woman.

One thing I had noticed though was that I hadn’t stammered once since the beginning of my transformation earlier in the afternoon.

Next time: A change of plan and some introductions.

Chapter 3 will be posted next weekend, Louise

Learning to dance and work as Michelle Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

My first experience of dancing the woman’s part, whilst wearing a woman’s costume and shoes was not the total disaster that I’d predicted, but neither was it a complete success. We began by dancing to ‘Lara’s theme’ from the film Dr Zhivago,which is in  ¾ time and so is an ideal tune for demonstrating the Slow Waltz. There were a couple of awkward slips on my part at first as I was unused to wearing heels, and to starting with my left leg, but once I got used to the new position I was alright. We were soon able to achieve the graceful rise and fall which characterizes the dance; in fact there were several times when we seemed to float round the dance floor in a most graceful and elegant way. In a number of respects the female dancer’s role is more challenging than that of her partner. She often has to take more steps to keep up with her partner and spends a greater proportion of the time going backwards. She tends to be the centre of attraction for the spectators and so has to give more thought to the costume she is wearing which will inevitably be more elaborate and cumbersome than her partner’s. Above all, she needs to be able to trust her partner and allow herself to be guided around the dance floor. This was all a new experience for me, but when it was going well, it was also an enjoyable one.

After an hour we moved on to the Foxtrot, another elegant and sophisticated dance which is similar to the Waltz but in 4/4 time. We danced to ‘Fly me to the moon’by Frank Sinatra. Once again I had to concentrate hard to ensure that I began by stepping backward with my right foot rather than stepping forward with my left, as I would normally have done. On this occasion, I made only one relatively small blunder and Rob was able to cover up for me. It was just as well though that the two dances that we would be demonstrating on Saturday were fairly sedate, and not taxing in terms of technique: it would have been a different matter if we had been due to dance the Quickstep or one of the faster Latin American dances. Thus by the end of a two hour session I realised that, with a little more practice, I would probably be alright. However, I knew from experience that individual dancers are not always the best judges of their own performance. I wanted to see what others thought before passing comment.

‘That’s enough for now. Let’s go and get something to eat so we can discuss how you both got on,’ suggested Sarah, who had been sitting at the side-lines, resting her injured leg.

‘Alright but please can we have a take away meal at your house instead? I don’t feel like going out to a restaurant dressed like this,’ I replied.

Sarah offered to loan me something of hers to change into, but I protested that my feet were aching. Rob stepped in and agreed with my suggestion so we stopped off for a takeaway and went back to their place where I was able to change into my own clothes once again.

‘So what did you think of our performance tonight, Sarah?’ Rob asked.

‘Apart from those few slips you were both pretty good. Of course you’ve stripped out some of those fancy arc-turns and the final spin that Mike had put in for me, but I honestly don’t think there is any other couple in the group who would be better placed to take the lead role in the demonstration.’

‘Yes I suppose it was a little bit on the dull side, but I guess we were playing safe. What did you think, Mike?’

‘M-M-Most of the time it was alright, but it is supposed to be an exhibition dance, after all. We need to get the series off to a good start on Saturday and I would still be frightened about letting everyone down.’

‘Perhaps if we could pair Mike up with Alan to take the lead since he’s a better dancer than me and would be better placed to cover up any slips that Mike might make?’ suggested Rob.

Sarah thought for a moment.

‘Yes, that might be a good idea. You could then dance with Sonia, as she’s now much improved,’ said Sarah to her husband, ignoring any reservations I might have had about taking part.

Alan was, without doubt, the best male dancer in our group, but didn’t have a permanent female dance partner. This was probably because he was quite open about being in a gay relationship, and so he wasn’t seen as a particularly ‘good catch’ for any of the unattached young women. Instead he tended to be paired up with any novice dancers who were showing promise, as he was so good at bringing them on.

‘I’ll speak him in the morning, and explain the situation and see what he thinks. That is if Mike is still willing to go ahead with your plan.’

‘What do you think Mike?’ asked Sarah.

‘Are you s-s-sure there’s no-one else who could take your place?’

She shook her head.

‘Quite sure; I can think of no-one who would be able to take over at such short notice. But it’ll only be for this one session. Otherwise we’ll have to cancel the show, and that’ll get the whole series off to a really bad start.’

‘I would like to help on Saturday but I’m still anxious about tripping over in those heels.’

‘You said that your mother was away until the weekend. Why not stay with us for tonight and I’ll find something of mine for you to wear in to work tomorrow, so you can spend some more time getting used to the shoes,’ she said.

‘You want me to go into work tomorrow dressed as a woman?’

‘Things are pretty quiet at the moment and you could keep out of the public eye. Rob can explain what is happening to Helen and Richard. I’m sure that they would both understand that you were doing this for my sake.’

‘I’m not so sure,’ I replied.

I looked at Rob, but he seemed to wish to avoid becoming involved in this conversation, but I needed an ally.

‘Wh-what do you think, Rob?’ I asked.

‘Why not stay the night anyway and think about things and then decide what you want to do tomorrow morning. I promise we won’t attempt to force you to do anything against your will.’

It was now nearly eleven o’clock and too late for me to get a bus home. We’d also shared a bottle of wine with our meal, so I didn’t feel that I could ask Rob to drive me home. I suppose I could have ordered a cab but a five mile taxi ride was quite an extravagance for a nineteen year old office junior.

‘Alright then, I’ll st-stay.’

‘Good, I’ll find you a toothbrush and a pair of pyjamas to wear,’ said Sarah.

The following morning, Sarah limped into the spare bedroom at seven-thirty carrying a dark grey suit of hers and a pink blouse.

‘Here you are Mike, she said laying them on the foot of the bed and then leaving before I could answer.

She returned a minute or so later carrying a pair of black patent leather court shoes with three inch heels.

‘If you wouldn’t mind wearing the same underclothes and tights that you wore last night, just for today, we can stop off on the way in to work and get you some new ones for tomorrow and Saturday.’

Tomorrow and Saturday?,’ I thought. ‘Who has said anything about tomorrow and Saturday?’

‘Y-y you are taking it for granted that I’m going to agree with your plan, Sarah?’

Sarah put down the shoes, then shut the bedroom door and proceeded to hang the clothes on a hook. She’d chosen her moment carefully, since Rob, who was normally a restraining influence on her schemes, was occupied in the shower.

‘Come on, Mike, I saw your expression as you were dancing last night. When it was going well you looked as if you were really enjoying yourself.’

‘M-m-maybe I was; when it was going well, but there were also those two or three slips.’

‘Exactly, they need to be ironed out. That is why you are going to need as much practice wearing the high heels as possible before Saturday afternoon. If you put on these clothes for today, I’ll pack my long dress and dance shoes for you to change into so we’ll be able to go straight on to the dance studio after work. It is for the sake of the Society, after all.’

She said it in such a pleading manner, and Rob was unable to take my side at that moment, so I found it difficult to resist — especially as I’d been at least a contributory factor in her accident. On the other hand, I had to admit to myself that she did have a point; it had been good fun to be dancing again. Fortunately Mum was away and so I would not have to make any explanations to her.

‘Alright; but either you or Rob will need to explain to the others before I get in to work, and you are going to have to help me to get myself ready.’

Sarah gave me such a nice smile.

‘Yes, of course. As soon as Rob is finished, please get yourself showered and dressed and I’ll fix your wig and makeup for you.’

By the time we came to leave, Sarah had presented me with various items of makeup that she thought I might need during the course of the day, together with a hairbrush, grips, a small packet of tissues and a spare key to their house. All of these were put into an old, but smart looking handbag which she said I could keep for the duration of my stay. She and I were half an hour late arriving at work as Rob had dropped us off at ‘New Look’ in the Broadwalk to enable her to buy some more underclothes for me to wear. I remained a step or two behind her and let her make the decisions about what I would be wearing, but since she was willing to pay for them I couldn’t really object. By the time we arrived at work, Rob had already explained to Helen and Richard why I would be coming to work wearing a skirt and jacket, a blouse and a pair of high-heeled court shoes.

‘Wow, Mike! From what Rob had said I was half expecting to see a drag queen this morning, but you actually look pretty good dressed as a girl,’ said Helen in a surprised voice, as I entered.

‘Thank you,’ I said, blushing a little.

I went over to my desk, smoothed my skirt and sat down. Richard just looked across at me with an open mouth.

‘So is that agreed then, our colleague will be known as Michelle Williams for the rest of today and tomorrow, just in case any clients should come into the office?’ said Sarah.

‘That’s fine by me,’ said Helen, ‘Welcome to the office, Michelle.’

‘As long as Michelle doesn’t mind,’ said Richard, having found his voice at last.

‘I don’t think I’ve much choice, dressed the way I am,’ I answered.

The telephone rang, which Helen answered, and then both Rob and Richard had to go out to see different clients. I turned on my computer and the normal work of the office began.

Next time: Making a new friend and acquiring a new partner.

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated. The next chapter will be published on 10 November. Louise

Invitations to lunch and to dance Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

I kept my head down at the word processor doing my usual work for most of the morning, letting Helen or Sarah deal with any clients who came through the door. However, at one point Sarah did ask me to take several packages to the Post Office for her. The prospect of going out on my own, dressed as a girl was not particularly appealing, but I couldn’t very well refuse as this was part of my normal duties and she was clearly unable to manage them herself. In the event the little trip turned out to be less nerve wracking than I imagined. The people I passed in the street and the woman who served me all appeared to accept me at face value and so I began to relax a little more and no longer assumed that everyone I passed would be able to see through my disguise.

By the time I got back Rob had returned to the office.

‘So, Michelle, how did you get on with your little venture outside?’ he asked.

‘Alright I suppose, I’m gradually getting a little more used to walking in these high-heeled shoes.’

‘Good, that was one of the objects of the exercise,’ commented Sarah. Then, turning to her husband, she asked, ‘Rob, have you spoken to Alan yet?’

‘Yes, he thinks it is a totally crazy idea and he also complained that he is always expected to dance with novice partners.’

‘So what did you say to him?’

‘That ‘Michelle’ was a competent dancer who already knew the dances and in any event it was only for this one occasion.’

‘So has he agreed to co-operate?’

‘Not exactly; he’s reserving judgment but has at least he agreed to meet us all at the Dance Studio at 6.15 this evening.’

‘In that case, young lady, you will have to do your best to impress him this evening,’ said Sarah to me.

I didn’t reply, but noticed that Helen had looked up from her work and was smiling at me.

‘I suppose I’ve gone so far with this idiotic plan that I can’t easily back out now,’ I murmured.

‘Of course you can, if you wish, but I hope you will at least give it a try this evening,’ said Sarah.

I didn’t reply as I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to back out or not.

Somewhat to my surprise, Helen asked me if I wanted to join her for lunch; something she’d never done before during the six months or so that we’d worked together. Presumably she hadn’t wished to give Mike the wrong idea by appearing too friendly, whereas she didn’t think it would be an issue for her to have lunch with Michelle. I agreed and we went to a sandwich bar nearby.

‘So how does it feel to have become one of us, Michelle?’ she asked, when she was sure that we were out of earshot of anyone else.

‘One of us?’ I asked being deliberately obtuse.

‘I mean a member of the opposite sex. I think you’ve managed very well so far today.’

‘Thanks. I still find these clothes and the long hair a little strange,’ I replied, ‘but I’m gradually getting used to them.’

‘I don’t think you are in much danger of giving yourself away just by your looks alone, but you’ll need to be careful with your gestures and the way you walk and present yourself. Be aware about what you do with your hands as your fingernails are a little bit short, and make sure you keep your knees together when you are sitting.’

‘There seems to be so much that I need to worry about but I suppose it is only for the rest of today and perhaps tomorrow. I’m glad that I don’t actually live in Dunstable, and so I’m not likely to bump into anyone who knows me.’

‘By the way, what has happened to your stammer?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I don’t think I’ve heard you stammer once this morning.’

‘Most of the time I’m hardly aware that I am doing it. Maybe it is because my mind is concentrating on other things.’

‘Aren’t you a little bit worried about this demonstration dance that you’re due to give on Saturday afternoon then?’

‘It’s still not certain that I shall be dancing; it’ll be up to my dance partner to decide, but if we do go ahead they are two relatively straightforward dances.’

‘How will I know whether you are going to be dancing or not?’ she asked.

‘If I come in to work tomorrow dressed as Michelle rather than Mike then I think you can safely assume that I’ll be dancing on Saturday.’

‘In that case I hope to see Michelle again tomorrow.’

I smiled, not sure what I felt about the matter.

‘Unfortunately I’m due to work on Saturday, so I won’t get to see you dance.

‘I expect that someone will take some photographs.’

‘If the demonstration does go ahead will you have to wear one of those long flowing dresses?’

‘Yes, I shall be borrowing one from Sarah.’

‘I wish I could see you wearing a long dress,’ she said.

‘Rob will be bringing it in for me to change into after work this afternoon, so we can go straight on to the dance studio where I’ll meet my partner.’

‘In that case, I’ll have to stay on for a while after the office has closed.’

Rob arrived back from his appointment just as we were about to close the shop. He was carrying the dress in a cellophane wrapper.

Sarah and Helen took me to the back office and helped me to get changed.

‘Wow, you look lovely, Michelle,’ said Helen

Then turning to Sarah she asked, ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’

‘You could put some lacquer on her finger nails, whilst I do her hair and makeup,’ said Sarah.

I couldn’t help noticing Sarah’s use of the female form of the personal pronoun, but wasn’t sure whether it was deliberate or not. However, given the way in which I was dressed and had spent my day, I didn’t feel able to make an issue out of it.

‘You nails are rather short. I have some stick-on nail tips at home, which you would be welcome to use on Saturday,’ Helen commented as she painted my nails.

‘Great, bring them in to work with you tomorrow,’ said Sarah without even consulting me.

‘You are rather assuming that this will be going ahead,’ I said.

‘I wouldn’t have gone to this much trouble if I thought the idea would be a non-starter,’ said Sarah.

‘Well, let’s hope Alan is of the same opinion when we meet up with him,’ I replied.

‘May I just remind you ladies that I am parked on a double yellow line outside,’ called Rob from outside the door.

‘Don’t worry, we’re almost done, and most of the traffic wardens will have gone off duty by this time,’ said Sarah.

A few minutes later the three of us emerged and Rob began to help his wife into the back seat.

‘Good luck tonight, Michelle, you look lovely in that dress and I’m looking forward to meeting you again tomorrow,’ said Helen giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.

‘Thanks for all your help,’ I replied.

Rob then proceeded to help me get into the front seat without creasing my dress.

We arrived at the Dance Studio about ten minutes before we were due, so I’d taken off the coat that I’d borrowed from Sarah and had just brushed my hair when Alan arrived, looking smart in his black suit. He was in his late-twenties, fair haired tall and muscular looking. He would have been a popular partner for several of the ladies, if it were not for the fact that he was known to be gay.

‘Wow, Mike, you certainly look the part,’ he said on first catching sight of me.

I blushed slightly.

‘Alan, let me introduce you to Michelle, who I hope will be your dance partner on Saturday afternoon,’ said Rob.

He smiled and took my hand.

‘In that case, Michelle, let us now see how we get on dancing together.’

Rob was a competent amateur ballroom dancer but he was not in the same league as Alan who had an innate sense of musicality and could successfully translate this into movement. He was both strong and yet nimble on his feet, which are attributes that aren’t often found in the same person. From the first moment I allowed myself to be guided round the floor by him we moved together almost as one. I forgot all about my heels or my dress and just followed his lead. We had not been dancing for ten minutes before I was sure that I wanted to be his partner and that together we could lead a creditable demonstration. We then switched from the Waltz to the Foxtrot, and once again it was a new and pleasurable experience to be in the arms of such an expert dancer as we glided round the floor.

At the end of a typical set of dances it is usual for the male dancer either to thank his partner, or else to give her a friendly hug or kiss on the cheek if they were particularly friendly or related to one another.

‘Wow, you really can dance,’ said Rob to me with a degree of surprise in his voice. ‘Thank you very much.’

He gave me a little formal bow by way of acknowledgment.

‘You are most welcome,’ I said smiling and executing a small curtsey in return whilst thinking to myself, ’and so can you.’

‘So what do you think?’ asked Rob as Alan led me off the dance floor.

‘If you can clear things with Sonia, I should be happy to take your place and dance with Michelle on Saturday.’

‘How about you, Michelle?’ asked Sarah. ‘How do you feel about the idea, now?’

I suspect that she was quite confident of my answer or else she would never have asked the question.

‘I think we could make a pretty good team,’ I replied, trying my best not to show too much enthusiasm. ‘So if you’re willing to continue to house and clothe me until Saturday, I guess I’ll do it.’

‘It’s a deal,’ said Sarah, smiling.

Rob looked relieved and left us to go and telephone Sonia and explain the new arrangements to her. He doubted if there would be a problem for the coming weekend. Sonia knew that she was not yet competent enough to be one of the lead couple, but would be pleased to be one of the supporters and also partnered by the chairman of the society.

‘Those two routines are just a little bit dull; now that we both know that the other one can dance I don’t suppose we could try and spice them up a little, to give the spectators their money’s worth?’ suggested Alan.

‘I originally intended to put in a couple of arc-turns and a free spin at the end of the Waltz and some triple steps and a twist turn for the woman in the Foxtrot, but we took them out after Sarah hurt her leg as they are not strictly necessary,’ I said.

‘How would you feel about re-instating them?’ he asked.

‘We could give it a try, if you want.’

‘In that case, let’s see what we can do,’ he said leading me back on to the dance floor.

Next time: Preparations for a demonstration.

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated. The next chapter should be published on 16 November. Louise

The day before my public demonstration Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

By the end of Thursday night Alan and I had pretty much got our demonstration routine sorted, although, of course, we would also need a final run through on the Saturday morning with the three other couples involved. Sarah, who had remained with us to watch, whilst Rob went to talk to his new partner, also expressed her approval.

‘See, Michelle, I knew you would be able to do it,’ she said.

‘Well, let us at least get through Saturday without any disaster before you start offering me any congratulations,’ I replied.

‘Unfortunately the Dance Studio is booked for tomorrow evening, but there’s a hall near to us where you two could practice together with a CD-player if you wish to do some more.’

‘What do you think, Alan?’ I asked

‘I think we’re probably good enough, but I’d be happy to come along for an hour or two after work if you wish. Maybe we could also try out one or two other dances as well?’

I suspected that he was right, but the idea of seeing how we got on together with other dances also had its attractions.

‘That sounds alright by me,’ I replied, smiling.

‘I’ll pick you up after work, tomorrow,’ he offered.

‘In that case it might be better if I went to my home tomorrow night to pick up a tracksuit as I don’t want to risk getting this costume dirty before Saturday,’ I suggested to Sarah who was standing with us.

‘No, don’t worry about that, Michelle, I’ll find you something else of mine to wear for tomorrow. I think you’re going to need as much practice as possible dressed as a girl before Saturday,’ she said.

Alan agreed with her and so I accepted their advice.

Thus the following morning, I turned up at work wearing a dress, tights and high heels, once again courtesy of Sarah. Rob had dropped the two of us off outside the office and proceeded to an appointment in Luton. Richard was already out of the office when we arrived.

‘So it is going to be Michelle again today,’ said Helen, smiling, as I went in.

‘Yes, I’m afraid so,’ I replied.

‘Does that mean that you’ll definitely be dancing on Saturday?’ she asked.

‘It looks that way,’

‘Well, young lady, I must say that you do look good again this morning.

‘Thank you, Helen,’ I replied, pleased to receive such a compliment. ‘It’s mainly due to Sarah’s help. I wouldn’t have been able to manage my hair and makeup on my own.’

‘But you are only a beginner, it is only a question of practice,’ added Sarah, as she hobbled over to one of the desks.

‘By the way, Sarah, I’ve brought those nail tips for Michelle to wear, would you mind if I stuck them on for her?’

‘Go on then you two, do it in the back office, whilst Rob is away, but please hurry up otherwise he’ll only complain that we’ve been wasting time. I’ll hold the fort for you both in the meanwhile,’ said Sarah smiling.

Half an hour later I had a set of elegant glued on nail tips covered with a fresh layer of nail polish so that they were virtually indistinguishable from my originals.

‘Now that looks a lot better,’ said Helen.

I held out my fingers for Sarah to see.

‘Good, your hands will now look more elegant when you’re dancing tomorrow,’ she said. ‘It is important to get the details right.’

‘Maybe, but I just hope I’ll be able to operate the keyboard in the meanwhile,’ I replied, as I turned on my machine.

Friday morning turned out to be fairly busy at work and at one point I even found myself dealing with a couple of potential clients who wandered into the office, as both Helen and Sarah were occupied on the phones and the two guys were both out of the office. I was a little hesitant at first, conscious of how I was dressed and anxious that my stammer might suddenly return. However, once I realised that the elderly man and woman concerned were not treating me as if I were some kind of freak, I began to relax and adopt a more confident and business-like approach to dealing with their enquiries. I let the woman do the talking and she explained what they were looking for and I told them about several houses in their price range which we had on our books. I listened carefully to what they were looking for and provided them with the printed details of several of the most likely candidates. They promised to look through them and return after the weekend. All in all I found that I’d enjoyed the encounter, and it wasn’t until after they’d left that I realised that my two colleagues had finished their phone calls and had been watching my performance.

Richard returned shortly before one o’clock, followed by Rob soon afterwards, and so Sarah suggested that Helen and I should take our lunch break.

‘Shall we go next door again, Michelle?’ Helen asked.

‘That’s fine by me,’ I replied, pleased to discover that yesterday’s invitation wasn’t a one-off.

‘So what is with the dress today?’ asked Helen as we took our food to sit down. ‘You looked smart enough in that suit that you wore yesterday.’

‘It was Sarah’s suggestion, as I shall be going to dance practice straight after work.’

‘How did you find the new dancing partner?’

‘He’s good; in fact he’s very good indeed. I could almost wish that I could dance with him on a regular basis,’ I said, only half in jest.

‘In that case I’m sorry that I won’t be seeing you dance together tomorrow afternoon.’

‘Sarah has asked Richard to come along with his video camera and film the proceedings, so you still may get to see us dance.’

We then moved on to other topics.

‘I think that Sarah was quite impressed with the way you dealt with the Johnson couple earlier. You were friendly and persuasive and had them eating out of your hand. You even managed to interest them in looking at that property at Houghton Regis that no-one else seems to want.’

‘Persuading them to take away the details of a house is quite a long way from making a sale. However, I’ve been listening to the way that you and Sarah deal with clients recently and have done my best to learn from both of you,’ I replied.

It was nice though to receive a compliment about the way that I did my job and not just about the way I looked.

Nothing unusual happened during the course of Friday afternoon. I did notice though that Richard was gradually getting a little more used to dealing with me as Michelle rather than as Michael, and he was happy to chat during any quiet periods. I may have freaked him a little bit after we’d finished our mid-afternoon coffee, when, at Sarah’s suggestion, I refreshed my lipstick and mascara and dabbed some powder on to my nose whilst sitting at my desk. He didn’t say anything, but the look on his face was a picture. Helen noticed it as well and we exchanged glances and smiled at one another. However, he must have gotten over the shock as at the end of the afternoon he came over to wish me the best of luck for the next day. Helen also stayed behind for a little while after work.

‘Good luck, Michelle. I’ve only known you as a girl for a couple of days, but it has been good fun working with you, and I’ll look forward to seeing the video of you dancing when I come in next week.’

I smiled and thanked her.

Alan brought his partner with him, when he picked me up after work. I assumed that this was his way of demonstrating to both of us that he and I would be dance partners only and nothing else. In some respects this was a relief to me, as I was unsure of my own sexual orientation, especially when I was dressed as Michelle. I only knew that I tended to prefer the company of women in most social situations. Most of my teenage years had been spent in the company of people who enjoyed ballroom dancing which is one of the few areas of life where whether someone is gay or straight is not a particular issue.

Alan’s partner was called David who was a few years older than he was, probably in his early-thirties. He didn’t seem to feel particularly threatened by my presence: no doubt he was quite used to his partner dancing with attractive young women, although I doubted whether they had come across exactly the same situation before.

David had also been a ballroom dancer and so he was able to make several helpful comments as we went through our planned routine together.

‘So what do you think, Dave, will we be good enough tomorrow?’ asked Alan.

‘I should think so. I must say that I’m very impressed with you Michelle, given your background and all the circumstances that I’ve been told about.’

‘Ah, but I can only dance so well because I’ve such a good partner,’ I responded, smiling.

Alan seemed pleased by my comment, and Dave knew enough to realise that it was probably the truth and not mere flattery.

‘I’d better leave you now to go and prepare our evening meal,’ he said. ‘Will you be joining us Michelle?’ he asked.

‘I don’t know,’ I said, surprised to be asked.

‘I can give you a lift home afterwards, if you wish,’ said Alan.

‘All right, but I’d better ring Rob and Sarah to let them know what I’m doing, as I will be staying at their house tonight.’

‘In that case I’ll see you both at about eight fifteen,’ said David and left us.

I explained about the invitation to Sarah, who was quite happy with the change of plan, as it would save her from attempting to prepare a meal. Rob was also going to be out, going through the routine with his new partner, and so she was quite happy to have a ready-made dinner out of the freezer for once.

‘Ok then Michelle, we have just over an hour and a half to spare, how would you feel about trying one or two other dances, such as a Tango or a Quickstep?’ asked Alan.

‘I don’t mind having a go, but please don’t expect me to be as good as for the Waltz or the Foxtrot,’ I replied.

‘From what I’ve seen of your dancing so far you should be fine.’

For the next ninety minutes we embarked on a series of dances without particularly worrying too much about detailed techniques. It was just for the pleasure of being able to dance with one another. As a result we made remarkably few mistakes and I don’t think I remember a time when I have enjoyed ballroom dancing so much, so I was almost sorry when it was time to finish.

Next time: The 'big day' approaches

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated. The next chapter will be published on 23 November. Louise

Getting ready for my public demonstration Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Alan and I discussed our dancing during the dinner with David and it was inevitable that they both wanted to know how I felt about undertaking the woman’s part.

‘It was a bit of a surprise when Sarah first suggested the idea but as long as I don’t make a total fool of myself, I don’t mind.’

‘I don’t think that is likely to happen,’ said David. ‘Both your appearance and presentation as Michelle are quite convincing.’

‘And your dancing is pretty good as well,’ added Alan.

‘Thank you, kind sirs,’ I replied smiling to them both.

‘Taking on the role of Michelle is probably the only way that I would get to dance at more than just the basic level.’

‘I think we make a pretty good team,’ Alan replied.

‘I do too,’ added David.

’Maybe I’ve made the right decision to go ahead on Saturday, but we will have to see,’ I thought to myself.

‘If nothing else, it is going to be an experience that I will never forget, although if things don’t go well, I might wish to do so.’

Alan dropped me off at Rob and Sarah’s house soon after ten thirty. I thanked him for the lift and for the enjoyable evening and let myself in with the key that had been loaned to me. Rob was still out; Sarah was in the lounge resting her leg. She was just finishing a telephone call when I came in.

‘Hi Michelle, how did the practice go tonight?’ she asked.

‘Fine thanks, that guy really knows how to dance,’ I said.

‘Yes, I know. I noticed how well you looked together last night, although I’ve never actually danced with him myself,’ she said.

‘You should try it once you are recovered,’ I replied.

‘One of the problems with being married to your dance partner is that you can never really progress.’

‘I guess so, but Rob is a pretty competent dancer all the same.’

‘Yes, but he’s not in the same league as you and Alan.’

‘Or you, for that matter,’ I replied.

She smiled, but then looked a little sad.

‘Maybe, but every dancer reaches the point where she realises that she has gone as far as she is likely to go and I was beginning to reach that point. Of course I’ll go back to dancing when my leg recovers, but I doubt whether I will ever be quite as good again. On the other hand you, Michelle, seem still to have a long way to go.’

‘Thanks for saying so. It’s ironic, but as Michael I’d given up any idea that I might be a good dancer, but as Michelle I seem able to let myself go more.’

‘In that case I’m pleased that you are getting this opportunity to dance as Michelle tomorrow. Also we’re all really grateful to you for filling in for me.’

‘It was a crazy idea on your part but as it has turned out, I’ve had a good time as Michelle over the last couple of days,’ I admitted.

‘I suspected as much.’

At that moment I felt quite content with my situation.

‘If you ever did get to dance with Alan, I don’t think that Rob would need to worry about the two of you running off together. I get the impression that he is happily settled in a relationship.’

Sarah smiled.

‘Yes, there’s no danger that we would end up sleeping together but it would still seem like a betrayal if I were to tell Rob that I wanted to dance with someone better.’

Sarah thought for a moment and then said something which took me completely by surprise.

‘Yes I’ve known several love affairs ruin a number of good partnerships, but I don’t think you are in any danger, you’re far too feminine for his tastes.’

Sarah must have noticed how startled I looked by her comment as she quickly added a rider.

‘Don’t worry, I would never have thought that about Mike, but it is remarkable how a change of clothes and a wig can alter how you act and how others perceive you.’

I didn’t know what to think about her previous comment, so I frantically looked for a change of subject.

‘We’ll soon have to work out who is going to be filling in for you over the subsequent weeks,’ I said.

‘Yes, that’s what I’ve been discussing on the phone this evening, but let’s cross one bridge at a time. We can sort out all the details at our Committee meeting after your demonstration. Now, are you all set for tomorrow?

‘I’m still a little nervous, which is inevitable, but I believe that we’ve done as much as we can.’

‘I’ve left you some clean underclothes in the spare room, and if you wouldn’t mind wearing the same dress and shoes as today in the morning. We’ll take your dance costume in the car with us so that you can change immediately prior to the demonstration.’

‘I’m in your hands. Just tell me what I need to do.’

‘Have you checked your legs and armpits for any unsightly hair?’

‘Yes, I’m fine, thanks, I did them only two days ago,’ I answered, then added: ‘You’re beginning to sound like my mother.’

Sarah smiled and seemed amused by the idea.

‘It’s a pity that she won’t get to see you dance tomorrow.’

‘Maybe,’ I replied, unsure of what I thought about that idea.

Rob arrived home soon afterwards and confirmed that all was well with his new partner and all the necessary arrangements had been made for the following day.

‘So are you and Alan set for tomorrow as well, Michelle?’

‘I just hope that I don’t make a fool of myself and let you all down tomorrow.’

‘From what I’ve seen of you dancing so far, I don’t think that’s very likely,’ said Rob.

The following morning I showered and dressed myself, and even managed to put on Sarah’s wig and some makeup before joining my hosts for breakfast.

‘Would you mind if we called in at my mother’s house before we go to the hall? I’ll drop off Michael’s dirty clothes and pick up some clean ones so that I’ll be able to change back straight after the demonstration.’

‘Alright, we should have time as I’m not now going to need to do your makeup for you this morning,’ said Sarah.

‘But I might need help with it later on,’ I replied.

‘I’m sure that one of the other ladies present will make sure that your makeup is done properly and in plenty of time for this afternoon.’

Inevitably I was the centre of attention among the four pairs of dancers at our run-through. By this time everyone knew that Alan and I would be taking Sarah and Rob’s places. They were keen to know how we would get on — especially with me dancing a female part. I received some curious looks as I entered the hall, especially from the guys.

‘Don’t worry, once they’ve seen you dance any doubts on their part will soon evaporate,’ said Alan.

‘I hope so,’ I said, beginning to wonder whether I’d made the biggest mistake of my life.

I was quite pleased when Rob began to address the assembled group.

‘Alright everyone, as you all know, Sarah has injured her leg and Mike — or rather Michelle, Williams as she will appear on the programme today, will be taking her place. Alan is going to take my place and together they will now be dancing as the lead couple for both dances. Michelle and Alan have decided to stick to the original routine, rather than the simplified version, but this shouldn’t have too much impact on the rest of us who are dancing. I suggest that I now ask them to show us both of their routines and so we can see what we’ll need to do in order to support them.’

There was a murmur of assent, the music started and we began to dance. As soon as we’d finished I knew that we’d done well, from the applause that we received from our peers during the expertly executed lift at the end of the Waltz. By the time we had finished our Foxtrot I could feel that the atmosphere among the spectators had changed from a mixture of inquisitiveness and occasional mild distaste, to one of excitement and admiration. By midday everyone was happy about their respective roles and people began to drift away to grab a light lunch or begin to change into their costumes.

‘I’ve got a couple of packets of sandwiches, so you’d better come with me, Michelle, as we are going to need some time to get you ready for this afternoon,’ said Sarah.

Up to that point it hadn’t really occurred to me where I was going to get changed, but Sarah walked straight to the ladies’ changing rooms and beckoned me to follow. Two of the other dancers, Sonia and Louise were already there, dressed in their underclothes, but neither of them batted an eyelid as I entered.

‘Wow, Michelle, I wish I could dance like that,’ said Sonia.

‘I’m sure that you will be able to do so with a little more practice,’ I replied.

‘How are you managing with the heels?’ she asked.

‘With difficulty, I have a feeling that my feet will be aching for the next week, but I hope they should be alright for today.’

We were soon joined by the remaining ladies who were due to take part in the proceedings, and again nobody seemed to act as if they were surprised to see me or that I was in the wrong place. I suspected that Sarah had been discussing the arrangements for me to get changed into my costume with the other ladies the previous night whilst I’d been out practising.

‘OK, Michelle, take off your dress please so that we can all have a close look at you to decide what will need to be done,’ said Sarah.

I followed her instructions and over the next hour and three quarters my costume, makeup and hair were subjected to the detailed scrutiny of the five leading ladies of our ballroom dance society, who seemed to regard me as some kind of joint project involving them all. They took turns to contribute whilst simultaneously helping one another to get themselves ready. For most of this time I quietly let them get on with it, without argument. My breast forms were pronounced to be not good enough and were replaced by two silicone breast enhancers loaned to me together with a push-up bra and some judicious taping to produce the semblance of a cleavage. My finger nails were examined and pronounced to be acceptable, and I was also fitted with some false eyelashes.

My hair and makeup were done for me by Joan who ran a beauty salon in Luton. The makeup she applied was somewhat heavier and more pronounced than I’d been used to wearing

‘You’ll need to wear more makeup than you would normally do if you complexion is not going to look washed out under the spotlights,’ she explained.

‘You need to have long hair as a dancer, but for the more formal ballroom dances it is important for you to have it strictly under control,’ she said as she wound it into a bun at the base of my neck, covered it with a light weight hairnet, and then affixed a flower.

‘You’re the expert. I’ll just do what I’m told.’

It was a nice friendly atmosphere in the changing rooms as we chatted together happily and I seemed to be accepted, without question, into the sisterhood. It was only when Joan expressed a desire to pluck and shape my eyebrows that I complained that if she went too far, I wouldn’t be able to go into work on Monday, let alone explain to my mother when I saw her the next day. So we agreed on a compromise between our wishes. Ultimately she was satisfied and I had a flawless complexion, smouldering eyes and sexy pouting lips.

‘OK I think that’s you finished, Michelle, let’s see what you look like in your frock,’ she announced.

Sonia helped me to put on my dress and shoes, and the others crowded round as I looked at myself in a full-length mirror.

‘So what does everyone think?’ asked Joan.

‘I think she looks pretty good, and entirely convincing,’ said Sarah, without sounding too surprised about it.

‘How about you, Michelle; how do you feel?’

It felt wonderful to be wearing that long blue gown, with immaculate hair and makeup, but I couldn’t find the words to express how I felt. I also wondered how my mother would react if she could see me.

‘Thank you very much, everybody, for all your help,’ I replied, turning to look at myself from both sides.’

‘What about some jewellery?’ asked Louise.

‘With the high tulle neck she doesn’t really need a necklace, said Sarah, but perhaps she could do with some earrings.’

‘I have just the pair which she can borrow,’ said Louise.

She provided me with two large dangly clip-on earrings.

‘They are a little painful,’ I commented.

‘They do look good with that dress, if you can manage to wear them. If they get too painful you can always take them off once the second dance is over,’ said Sonia.

I spent the last ten minutes before we were due to go on helping my colleagues with their last minute preparations and then we all went out to find our partners. I was just about to leave when Sarah provided me with a couple of squirts from her perfume.

‘You may as well smell as good as you look,’ she said smiling.’

‘Thanks for everything, Sarah, I’m pleased that you talked me into doing this.’

‘I know; now off you go and the best of luck, Michelle.’

Next time: Our demonstration, followed by the committee meeting

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated. The next chapter will be published on 30 November. Louise

My first public performance as Michelle Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Alan was waiting for me along with the other guys. He’d changed into a white tie and borrowed tail suit that was a tiny bit too small for him, but he looked great all the same and it was made of a stretchy material so didn’t hinder him from dancing. He didn’t say anything as I approached but I could see that he approved of the way I looked, as well. I smiled, nervously, and we took our places ready to begin our demonstration of the Waltz. Sarah, who would no longer able to take any part in the dancing, introduced the dancers to the audience and gave a little bit of background information about each dance and explained what the audience should look for. Then the music started and we began.

It isn’t my intention to fill this story with detailed commentaries on our dances together but on this first public occasion I will try and give some indication of how it felt. It was as if the music took control of the two of us as we glided around the room. I let Alan lead us around the room whilst I concentrated on my posture and showing off my costume to best effect. Everything looked and felt just right, the dress, the shoes, my hair and makeup. I’m sure that neither Alan nor I put a foot wrong during the dance, and our poise and posture would have been good enough to satisfy the strictest competition judge. Of course I couldn’t comment on the other pairs of dancers but I gained the impression from the applause afterwards that the whole team had been a credit to the society. The first of the new season of demonstration sessions appeared to have gone very well indeed. In spite of being dressed as I was in such a public arena, I felt confident about myself and that I had not let anyone down.

All the dancers stayed around for half an hour or so after each dance, whilst they organised and signed up newcomers to the corresponding training session. This was an opportunity to answer individual questions or receive compliments or congratulations from members of the audience. One of the first to approach me was Richard from work.

‘Michelle, that was awesome, you two looked so professional together. I’d no idea that you were such a good dancer. ‘

‘Thanks,’ I replied, a little surprised by his enthusiasm and the unselfconscious way he was now addressing me.

‘I’ve filmed the whole dance, and have just checked it through. There are some wonderful shots of both of you. Would you have any objection if I put some clips up on You-tube,

‘What do you think, Alan?’ I asked.

‘It was a public performance and so there’s nothing to prevent any member of the audience from filming us,’ he replied.

‘Alright, as long as you promise only to use the name Michelle Williams, and not my real name,’

Sarah then introduced our second demonstration - the Foxtrot - which she explained had nothing to do with the gait of carnivorous mammals but was named after an American vaudeville actor. It was a progressive dance characterized by long, continuous flowing movements across the dance floor and danced to big band music. Although it is a relatively straightforward dance for beginners, it is actually quite difficult to achieve the elegance and sophistication necessary. On this occasion I felt that we had done so. Afterwards there were lots of people who wanted to talk to us and I probably spent more time chatting than I needed too, partly because I was enjoying myself so much that I didn’t really want it all to end. It was Sarah who eventually reminded me that I’d organised a Committee meeting at 5.00pm, and that if I didn’t get changed soon I would have to attend and take the minutes dressed as Michelle. The idea was not completely objectionable to me but was probably not appropriate and so I reluctantly followed her to the changing rooms.

Sarah helped me to get changed into Mike’s clothes and to remove all traces of the makeup. It was a relief to take off the earrings and the high heels, but in other respects I felt a sense of loss as I gave up Michelle’s lovely clothes in favour of Mike’s rather non-descript t shirt and jeans. The only difficulty we encountered was with Helen’s nail tips which proved to be somewhat more time consuming to remove than I’d imagined. In the end I sent Sarah ahead to make my apologies to the committee for the late start. By the time I arrived, I was ten minutes late for the meeting, and was disappointed to see that there were only Sarah and Rob and four other committee members present, although it appeared that Alan had also been asked to attend as the main topic on the agenda would probably concern him.

‘I’m afraid a couple of the other members have had to leave, but they have given us their views and will be happy to go along with whatever we decide,’ said Rob.

I started to take the minutes.

‘The only item on the agenda is to consider who will be filling in behind Sarah over the next few weeks, but I should perhaps begin by thanking everyone who took part in today’s proceedings which we all agree have been a great success,’ said Rob.

There were mutters of agreement from Jack and Lucy, two middle-aged members of the Committee, neither of whom had been dancing.

‘Particular thanks are due to Mike and Alan, who between them have saved the day for us after Sarah’s accident.’

There were further murmurs of agreement from almost everyone present apart from Alan and myself who both looked a little embarrassed.

‘But the question is who is going to be dancing the Viennese Waltz and the Quickstep on 10th October, the Charleston and the American Smooth on the 24th, the Jive and the Jitterbug on the 8th November and the various Latin American Dances during the remaining two sessions?’

‘Alan, would you be willing to dance any of those?’ asked Jack.

‘I believe so; you can pencil me in for any of them although I would of course need to practice some of the more difficult dances. That is, so long as you find me suitable partners to dance with,’ he replied.

‘Thank you very much. On the basis of your performance today I think we would like to make plenty of use of your talents over the next few weeks. Which brings us to the question of who will be taking the lady’s part,’ said Rob.

Sarah came in at this point.

‘I’ve been canvassing our lady members ever since my accident, looking for volunteers who might be willing to take my place or else seeking other likely names. Louise says she would be willing to take the lead and cover the Latin dances as these are not scheduled for six weeks and so she’ll have plenty of time to practice. However, Guy, her usual partner doesn’t feel confident enough to take part in a demonstration and so we will have to ask Alan to step in.

‘OK, but what about the other sessions?’ asked Jack.

‘Unfortunately I’ve found no volunteer who would feel sufficiently confident to take the lead and demonstrate any one pair of the remaining dances that we’ve scheduled. We could perhaps re-organise the schedule, although this has already been published. On the other hand one suggested name has cropped up several times during the course of this afternoon.’

‘Who’s that?’ I asked, as I was writing the minutes.

‘You, I’m afraid Mike.’

I looked up; everyone around the table was looking at me.

‘N-n-now hang on, I reluctantly agreed to fill in for today as it was a true emergency, but it was stated by all concerned that it would only be for this week.’

‘I know, and we are all very grateful,’ said Sarah. ‘But there is no-one among the ladies who is competent in all of those dances, whereas you know them all.’

‘I-I-I may know them, but not well enough to be able to demonstrate them in front of an audience.

‘You haven’t exactly helped your cause by dancing so well today,’ commented Lucy.

‘B-b-but the only way I was able to do that was because I had three nights of practice and two days of going in to work dressed as Michelle.’

‘And you admitted to me last night that you’d had learned a lot about ballroom dancing by doing so.’

‘Yes I have, but you’re asking me to take over a series of dances over a six week period. I’d have to spend two or three evenings each week just getting ready for the next session.’

‘Whoever took on that role would need to practice,’ said Alan.

‘Wha-what about costumes?’ I asked, seeking to divert the spotlight from myself.

That tactic didn’t work, as Sarah assumed that I was asking what I might wear.

‘There are five or six ladies who are roughly the same size as you are. Between us, I’m sure we could loan you enough costumes for you to wear.’

Rob stepped in on my behalf.

‘Don’t feel you have to do this Mike, if you don’t want to,’ he said.

‘Where I have heard that one before?' I thought to myself, but didn’t answer.

But Sarah had now got the bit between her teeth and used my hesitation as an invitation for her to put the boot (hoof?) in.

‘Let me put to you a proposal that I’ve discussed with several of the other ladies during the course of the afternoon and they have all agreed to help. First of all we all know that you can make a convincing and attractive lady dancer.’

I blushed, but didn’t say anything.

‘OK and you’ve spent the last three days living and working as Michelle.’

I blushed even further.

If you continued to do so for the next few weeks, we will all contribute some clothes for you to wear at work during the week and loan you some dance costumes at the weekends. Joan would also be willing to provide you with some proper hair and nail extensions. You would then be able to concentrate on being Michelle and devote all your free time to practicing the new dances and working out routines with Alan.’

‘B-b-but what about my job?’

‘You’ve already demonstrated to us that going in to work as Michelle wouldn’t be a problem,’ said Sarah. ‘Of course we’ll have to explain the situation to the weekend staff, but it isn’t going to be an issue for them.’

‘Are you saying that I would need to go in to work dressed as Michelle every day?’ I said beginning to weaken.

‘We would be happy to employ you as either Mike or Michelle over the next six weeks, but we’d be less keen if you were to keep switching back and forth between them,’ said Rob.

‘Also Joan wouldn’t be too pleased if you kept changing between Mike and Michelle,’ added Sarah.

‘But what would I say to my mother?’ I protested. ‘She doesn’t even know about my dancing today.’

Nobody had an answer to that one. Eventually Rob came to my aid once again.

‘We would be asking an awful lot from Mike and I don’t think we can expect an answer to Sarah’s proposal straight away. We do at least have a fortnight before the next demonstration so maybe we should adjourn the meeting to let the secretary have a little time to think about the idea.’

The others agreed, but Alan asked whether he might just say something before we all left.

‘Mike, or perhaps I should say Michelle, I’d just like to say that you are the best partner I’ve yet danced with and it has been an honour and a pleasure to dance with you today. I get the impression that if you were to accept Sarah’s proposal we could really do great things together, but of course it is up to you to decide.’

I blushed and didn’t know what to say in reply, because, apart from anything else, I felt he was probably right.

‘I-I’ll try and let you all know my decision tomorrow, after I’ve spoken to my mother,’ I said.

As we left the Hall, Sarah and Rob offered me a lift to my home. I accepted but we didn’t say anything until we pulled up outside my mother’s house.

‘Thank you for filling in for me at the last moment,’ said Sarah, ‘you were really wonderful today.’

‘Th-Thanks to both of you for putting me up for the last few days, and also for your help getting myself ready today Sarah.’

I was on the point of getting out, when Sarah spoke again.

‘Mike, would it help if I were to have a word with your mother, to explain about Michelle?’

I thought for a moment before replying.

‘I-I don’t know. Maybe?’

‘When does she get back to Luton?’

‘Tomorrow afternoon, I’m due to meet her off the 2.10 train from St Pancras.’

‘Should we arrange to meet her with you and give you both a lift home? I’ll then make an excuse to send you guys out on an errand somewhere and ask if I can wait with her and rest my leg.’

‘Wha-What will you say to her?’ I asked.

‘I’ll tell her about Michelle and how you came to fill in for me today. I’ll tell her what a good dancer you are and how much we would appreciate your help in the coming weeks.’

I spent a while without answering, thinking through the implications of what she was saying.

’Did I want my mother to know about Michelle?’, I asked myself.

‘Well?’ she said.

‘Alright then,’ I replied.

‘Shall we pick you up tomorrow at 1.50 then?’

‘Y-Yes, thank you,’ I said and got out of the car.

That night I relived the wonderful memories of the last few days and of the previous afternoon in particular and wondered what my mother would think about it all when she found out what I’d been doing.

Next time: Mum’s reaction

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated. The next chapter will be published on 7 December. Louise

Mum’s reaction to Michelle Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

‘My wife does get a little bit carried away with her schemes at times, Mike,’ said Rob to me as we sat in a coffee bar together. ‘I want to assure you that you don’t have to do this, if you don’t want to. You just need to say the word and I’ll make that sure it doesn’t happen. The Society will just have to find someone else to do the demonstrations.’

I sighed. For the last few days I’d felt myself being steadily sucked in to one of Sarah’s schemes, in spite of Rob’s assurances to the contrary. But on the other hand I wasn’t sure whether I minded or not.

‘Th-Thanks, Rob. As I said, I’d like to help, although it rather de-depends upon how my mother reacts to the idea,’ I replied.

‘Well the decision is entirely in your hands, Mike. If at any point you wish to change your mind or pull out you are free to do so. I won’t let Sarah put any more pressure on you.’

‘Are you sure that it will be ok as far as work is concerned?’ I asked.

‘As you know, business hasn’t been too good for Estate Agents recently. You were lucky we took you on when we did, just before the crash, and that one of our negotiators has recently left us. However, I believe that things should pick up next year and in the meanwhile I don’t think it will impact on the business if you come in dressed as a girl for a while.’

L-Let’s see how Sarah gets on with my mother, then.’

We were waiting for a signal from Sarah that she’d spoken to my mother and that I should make my way back home. Between the three of us we’d concocted a story to explain why I was accompanied by my two bosses (whom she had never met before) when we met her at the station. I explained that I would be needed to help them move a new easy chair in the back of their car. They had seen it advertised privately and thought it might be useful to support Sarah’s injured leg. Of course, Sarah would be unable to help move it, or even ride in the car as it was being transported. I’d therefore volunteered to help after I’d collected Mum from the station. Thus we first collected Mum and took her home, and left Sarah behind with her whilst Rob and I went off to perform our fictitious removal job. Sarah had arranged to put in a surreptitious telephone call to Rob as soon as she’d had the chance to talk to my mother and the time was right for me to return and face the music. But it seemed to be taking a lot more time than I’d imagined.

Eventually Rob’s phone bleeped, and he quickly looked at the caller display and turned it off.

‘Alright Mike, it looks as if the deed is done; it’s now time for us to return to your mother’s house and for me to pick up Sarah.’

As we pulled up outside the house, Sarah was saying goodbye to Mum at the front door. She smiled at me as we passed one another at the front gate.

‘It’s up to you now, Mike. Give me a call tonight to tell me what is happening,’ she said quietly as I passed.

Mum was standing waiting for me at the front door.

‘So they are your bosses — they seem to be a friendly couple,’ she commented as their car pulled away.

‘Y-Yes, I suppose so.’

‘Sarah has been telling me what you got up to last week, and I must say that I’m very disappointed with you, Mike.’

This wasn’t a good start.

‘Wh-Why is that?’ I asked, although I could think of half a dozen possible reasons.

‘You know that I love ballroom dancing but you didn’t think to tell me that you would be dancing two demonstration sessions.’

‘But you were away in London,’ I protested.

‘I could have arranged to come back early.’

‘I- I only knew for sure that I was going to be dancing on Thursday, and it was only the Waltz and Foxtrot, which you have seen me dance many times.’

‘Not in the woman’s part,’ she added in a voice which I could not work out if it showed disapproval or disappointment.

‘To-To be honest, Mum, I wasn’t sure how you would react to the idea of me dancing the woman’s part.’

‘How do you think I would react to the idea?’

I tried to gauge from her expression what answer would be most appropriate: disapproval? disgust?’ horror? but was unable to do so.

‘Surprise?’ I suggested.

‘Yes, certainly I was surprised,’ she replied with a small smile and seemed to relax a little.

She looked intently at me.

‘I thought your eyebrows looked different when you met me at the station.’

It was now my turn to smile.

‘I only just managed to prevent my friends from doing anything more drastic to them,’ I said.

She laughed and that seemed to dispel the tension between us.

‘But if you’re ever planning to dance in public again, whether it as a man or a woman, I should like to know about it.’

‘S-Sorry, Mum. In actual fact I think we did quite well together.’

‘I know, I’ve heard all about it from Sarah. She even showed me a DVD of you dancing and has left a copy with me.’

My crimes appeared to have been forgiven. Perhaps it was now time to probe a little deeper.

‘D-Did Sarah mention to you that the Committee has invited me to take her part and dance a number of other demonstration sessions this year?’ I asked tentatively.

‘Yes, and she made it clear that it was up to you to decide whether or not you wished to do so.’

‘Wh-What do you think I should do?’

‘I think you are now old enough to make up your own mind,’ she replied without giving anything away.

‘It would be a big commitment in terms of practicing and sorting out my costumes.’

‘Yes, I can see that.’

‘S-Sarah thinks that the only realistic way I could devote the necessary time to practice would be for me to spend the next few weeks living as a girl.’

‘She told me that as well. I understand that if you agreed to do so the other ladies in the society would sort out your hair and supply you with some clothes to wear.’

‘Y-Yes, I believe so.’

‘I also understand that you spent two days at work last week living and working as a girl.’

‘That’s true,’ I replied blushing. ‘I needed to practice.’

‘So how did you get on?’

‘Alright, I think. My colleagues and those clients that I came into contact with seemed to accept me.’

‘Sarah said that they were very pleased with you at work,’ Mum continued.

‘I-I work hard but am not so good at dealing with clients because of my st-stammer.’

She didn’t respond, or give me any indication what she was thinking.

‘Wh-What do you think I should do?’ I repeated.

Her face hardened.

‘Mike, I’m not going to help you with this one; you must decide what you want to do.’

‘It w-would be very helpful to the society,’ I suggested.

‘I can see that, but is that sufficient reason for you to sacrifice six weeks of your life?’

‘It wouldn’t exactly be a sacrifice, in fact it may be the only opportunity that I will ever get to dance at the highest level with a really good partner,’ I protested.

‘Well?’

‘I l-learned a lot about dancing last week,’

She didn’t respond. I took a deep breath.

‘I think I’d like to go ahead with Sarah’s suggestion,’ I murmured, blushing as I did so.

‘Are you sure?’ she said severely.

‘Yes, I’m sure,’ I responded, this time with a little more confidence.

Her face relaxed into a smile.

‘I’m so glad that you’ve decided to do so and I’ll be looking forward to seeing you dance once again. I was hoping that you might say yes, but didn’t want to influence your decision.’

‘Oh!’ I said in surprise at her response.

‘Now that you’ve made up your mind, I promise that I will help and support you in any way I can.’

That was a relief, especially as I’d only just admitted to myself what I wanted to do.

‘How w-will you feel about living with a daughter rather than a son for the next six weeks,’ I asked.

She thought for a moment then smiled at the prospect.

‘I always wanted to have a daughter and I’m sure there will be lots of things we will be able to do together, but you should understand that if you are going to be my daughter for the next six weeks you cannot also be my son at the same time.’

I wasn’t sure exactly what she meant by that but I nodded my head, all the same.

‘I I thought you might worry about what the neighbours will think if I come and go dressed as a girl.’

‘They can think whatever they like. To be honest, I doubt whether most of them will even notice.’

She was probably right. We lived at the end of a terrace and the family next door had chosen to hide their house from ourselves and the road behind a high hedge. We barely knew any of our immediate neighbours.

‘So why don’t we have another look at that DVD together, and I’ll tell you what I think of your dancing?’ she said’.

‘Aright then,’

It was just like the two of us watching ‘Come Dancing together once again, but this time with a running commentary.

‘Your Waltz was pretty good, but as a female dancer, you’ll need to be aware of your costume at all times. See! You could have shown off your dress to better effect at that turn. Now let’s have a look at the Foxtrot.’

I was clearly going to benefit from the experience of an expert, who was noticing small details that might otherwise be overlooked.

At 8 pm I called Sarah, as she’d requested.

‘Well?’ she said impatiently as soon as she took my call, without waiting for the usual introductions or greetings.

‘It’s M-Mike here. I’ve spoken to Mum and decided that I’ll do the next three demonstrations.’

‘Are you intending to remain as Michelle for that period?’

‘Y-Yes, I guess so; that seems to be the only practicable way forward, as long as you can make the necessary arrangements and provide me with the clothes to wear.’

‘That’s brilliant news,’ she said sounding really excited. ‘I’ll tell Rob and the others.’

‘M-Maybe I’d better now call Alan and break the news to him.’

‘Just give me a quarter of an hour before you do, so that I can speak to Joan and see when she will be able do your hair and nails for you. After that you’ll be able to organise your first practice session together.

She rang me back after ten minutes.

‘You will have to come into work tomorrow dressed as Mike, but Joan can see you at four o’clock and continue after her salon closes. By that time I should have sorted out some suitable clothes for you to wear over the next few days so I suggest that you should get changed at the salon. I’ll also be contacting the other ladies in the Society to collect their contributions to your new wardrobe.

‘Mum says that she can probably loan me some of her clothes as well, if necessary.’

‘Good, the more choice you have about what to wear the better. So from tomorrow evening it will be Michelle full-time.’

‘Yes, until the middle of November,’ I added.

‘Hmm. Maybe we should extend it until the Society’s Christmas Dinner in mid-December?’ she said laughing.

‘S-six weeks is all that I’m agreeing to,’ I said.

‘Alright, I’ll be satisfied with six weeks and thank you very much.’

I next put in my call to Alan, only this time deciding to adopt the persona of Michelle on the telephone.

‘Hi Alan, it is Michelle. It looks as if you’ve found yourself a dance partner for the next three demonstrations,’ I said.

‘Really!’ he said sounding delighted.

It was nice to feel appreciated.

‘Yes really. From tomorrow night onwards I shall be available for any practice sessions.

‘You really want to do this? We didn’t bully you into agreeing?’

‘No, I’m doing it partly for the sake of the Society, but also for both our sakes. I happen to believe that you were right yesterday and that we could do great things dancing together.‘

‘That’s wonderful, Michelle, when shall we make a start?’

‘How about Tuesday evening at the Dance Studio?’ I suggested. ‘We’ll have just under two weeks to practise the Viennese Waltz and the Quickstep

‘That suits me.’

‘I’ve already worked out routines for both of them but I would really appreciate your input,’ I added.

‘I’m looking forward to it.’

‘Me too!’ I thought to myself as I finished the call.

Next time: Mike’s last day at work

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated. The next chapter will be published on 14 December. Louise

Mike’s last day at work (for a while?) Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 9 — Mike’s last day at work

Mum offered to loan me some of her clothes to enable me to go into work on Monday morning dressed as Michelle. However, I didn’t have Sarah’s wig available and there was no way that I was going to travel in on the bus with short hair, whilst wearing a dress. I was still a little apprehensive about how she would react to seeing me dressed as a girl, for the first time.

‘Th-thanks, Mum, but I would prefer to wait until my visit to Joan’s salon this evening before I make the transition.’

‘Alright then, it will give me the opportunity to look out some of my office work clothes that I no longer wear now that I’ve retired.’

‘Y-You know that I’ll be late home this evening,’ I said.

‘Yes and I’m looking forward to meeting my new daughter.’

I therefore arrived at work, dressed as Mike, and found that Richard had beaten me to it. After all the fuss over the last five days or so I felt a little embarrassed in front of him: much more so than I’d felt the previous week as Michelle.

‘Hi, Mike! Have you recovered from Saturday yet? I must say that you and that Alan guy performed excellently.’

‘Th-Thanks,’ I said, blushing slightly, as I took off my coat and started up my computer.

Helen arrived next: I hadn’t expected to see her in the office that day as she’d been working the previous Saturday, but it later transpired that she had arranged to take a day off the following week for a shopping trip to London.

‘So how did you get on Saturday, Mike?’ she asked as she sat down at her desk.

‘I th-think we did alright, thanks. At least we didn’t make any silly mistakes and the audience seemed to appreciate our efforts.’

‘I’m sure you did very well.’

‘They were both brilliant, especially Mike, given the handicap of having to dance whilst dressed as a woman,’ added Richard, from his desk.’

‘Some of us have to do that all the time,’ commented Sarah as she hobbled through the front door with the aid of her crutches, followed by her husband bringing a large blue carrier bag.

‘I’m pleased that you did so well, Mike,’ added Helen.

I smiled in acknowledgment but had the impression that she was a little disappointed to see me at work in male mode once again. This was confirmed a few seconds later when she added.

‘I enjoyed working with Michelle last week, and you looked so lovely on Friday evening, when I last saw you that I half hoped you might decide to continue with the experiment for a while.’

I wasn’t sure what to say in response to her as I was still wondering how I was going to break the news to my colleagues. However, before I could do so, Sarah chipped in and made the announcement for me.

‘Don’t be too upset, Helen; Michelle and her partner danced so well on Saturday that the Committee have asked them to take responsibility for the next three demonstration sessions, so Michelle will be re-joining us tomorrow.

‘Really! How long for?’ she asked, whilst not attempting to disguise that she was pleased by the news.

‘S-six weeks, I’m afraid,’ I replied, blushing a little.

‘From tomorrow morning until the middle of November, we will have a new female colleague working in the office, Michelle, and so we’ll be forgetting about Mike, for the time being,’ added Sarah.

‘That’s great news,’ Helen said, addressing me, but then added as an afterthought, ‘if that’s what you want?‘

There seemed to be no point in my pretending otherwise.

‘I- I think so, at least it will give me the opportunity to improve my dancing skills,’ I replied.

‘It’s not that I don’t like working with you as Mike, but it will be more fun to have another girl to talk to,’ she said.

Then, somewhat to my surprise, Richard agreed.

‘Yes, I was pleased when I heard that you will be coming back as Michelle.’

I blushed and wondered how he already knew.

‘I rang Richard last night to give him the news and he has agreed to video your remaining performances for us,’ explained Sarah.

‘I’ve put a couple of excerpts from Saturday’s video on You-Tube,’ said Richard. ‘They’ve already received a number of hits and several votes of approval.’

Rob, who had only come in to deliver his wife before going out on a job, was now on the point of leaving once again. He looked towards me to see how I was reacting to the various comments. I shrugged my shoulders.

‘I j-just hope that I’ll get on alright and don’t let you all down,’ I said.

‘I think that Michelle is going to be an asset both to the ballroom dancing society and also to us at work,’ he said and then left.

Richard was also now getting ready to go out on a site visit.

‘Sarah, would you mind if we had a quick look at those video clips before any customers arrive?’ Helen asked.

‘Alright, but please be quick,’ she replied.

We crowded round Richard’s computer to look at them. They were a lot better than the majority of amateur clips of ballroom dancers, I’d seen.

‘Wow, I think you both looked brilliant,’ commented Helen.

‘Thanks,’ I said, now feeling quite proud of my performance.

‘When Richard has filmed all of your demonstrations, we can perhaps edit the material and sell DVD copies on behalf of the Society,’ said Sarah, then added ’as long as you and Alan are agreeable.’

‘I w-w-won’t object as long as nobody uses my real name,’ I said.

Once all the initial fuss and congratulation was over and Richard had left the office, work seemed a little duller for me in the role of Mike than it had been the previous week as Michelle. I even began to look forward to her return the following day. I was also conscious of the return of my stammer after several days in which it had disappeared, so was less willing to enter into conversations with my colleagues and less inclined to answer the phone unless I really had to. Instead I found myself working on the computer updating our entries on the Rightmove database for most of the morning which was a task that no-one particularly enjoyed doing. At one point I noticed the Johnsons, the elderly couple that I’d dealt with the previous Friday when I was dressed as Michelle, were heading in the direction of the shop. I just about managed to slip out to the back office in time, leaving Helen to deal with them.

‘S-sorry about that, Sarah,’ explaining my sudden interruption.. ‘I’m n-n-not s-sure how they would have reacted if they’d realised that the young woman they’d spoken to on Friday was really a young man.’

‘That’s why we didn’t want you switching backwards and forwards between Mike and Michelle at work,’ she replied. ‘It shouldn’t be a problem for you after tomorrow, though.’

‘I guess not.’

As soon as they’d left I returned to my usual place in the front of the shop.

‘They asked to speak to the helpful young lady that they saw last week,’ said Helen as I sat down again.

‘D-did they say what they wanted?’ I asked.

It looks as if you may have interested them in being shown round that house at Houghton Regis that has been on the books for so long.’

‘S-So what did you say to them?’ I asked.

‘I offered to make an appointment for them to be shown round later in the week, or else they were welcome to come back tomorrow when you would be in the office once again. They decided to do the latter as they had a number of questions they wanted you to answer. It seems as if they appreciated the way you dealt with them.’

‘Maybe Rob is right and Michelle will be an asset to the business,’ said Sarah who had overheard the conversation.

Sarah had been due to show a young couple around a new housing development at midday but was no longer in a position to drive the office car. In any event, she would never have been able to walk round a building site on crutches and with her leg in plaster, she had therefore asked Helen to go in her place. Thus Sarah and I were alone in the office between eleven-thirty and two. As I was going to be leaving work early I felt duty bound to buy myself some sandwiches and a coffee to eat at my desk rather than go out for a lunch break. That way I could at least help Sarah if there was more than one caller.

‘With all the excitement last night, I didn’t really have a chance to ask how you got on with your mother?’ asked Sarah during a quiet patch.

‘N-Not too bad; that is once she’d told me off for failing to let her know about my demonstration dances.’

‘So was she alright about Michelle?’

‘Y-Yes, I think so. To tell the truth, she was quite positive about the idea. She loves ballroom dancing and was pleased to have me take part again, even if it was as a woman.’

‘So, are you all set for this evening?’

‘I g-guess so.’

I hesitated for a moment, before continuing.

‘Actually, I’m quite looking forward to it.’

Sarah smiled.

‘I thought so. I’m glad. I wouldn’t want you to do anything against your will.’

‘I’ll j-just have to sort out what I’m going to wear to work over the next few weeks.’

‘That reminds me,’ said Sarah who pointed to the large carrier bag, which Rob had brought in to work that morning, and asked me to bring it over for her.

‘Here is the dress and shoes of mine that you wore last week, which you are welcome to keep. There are also the underclothes that we bought for you. These will be my contribution to Michelle’s wardrobe. I washed everything over the weekend.’

‘Th-Thanks, I expect I’ll wear the dress in to work tomorrow as I’ll be going dancing afterwards.’

‘I’m hoping you will also receive some other donations in the next day or so.’

‘M-My mother has also promised to help out as well.’

‘Good, the more you have to choose from the better.’

During the course of the lunch hour Sonia and Louise from the Ballroom Dancing Society called in to the office bringing with them an old suitcase, which they presented to me.

‘Some more clothes for Michelle,’ said Louise. ‘We’ve both used the opportunity to go through our wardrobes looking for suitable items that should fit you and which we no longer wear. Some of the other ladies who are your size will be doing so as well.’

‘By the end of the week you should have a reasonable wardrobe for Michelle,’ added Sonia.

Sarah and I quickly had a look through the case in the back office, whilst there were no clients around.

'There's quite a lot here,' I commented.

'Yes, Sonia has a reputation for being a shopaholic when it comes to buying clothes and so often had plenty of barely used ones to spare,' commented Sarah. 'She also has a tendency to go for styles more suitable for a younger woman, such as yourself.'

Between the three of them I’d been given a number of dresses, skirts, tops, and shoes to wear over the next six weeks, with the promise of more to come. I would, however need to buy myself some more underclothes over the next few days.

‘It’s going to be quite a task for you to carry all of those clothes home with you tonight. Am I right in thinking that you have a driving licence?’ asked Sarah.

‘Y-Yes, I passed my test earlier this year and have been saving up for a car.’

‘Good, as one of our employees you’ll be insured to drive the office car. Helen should be back with it by three o’clock. You can then drive yourself and the clothes to Joan’s salon and afterwards take the car home for the night, so long as you bring hit back in tomorrow morning.’

‘Yes of course. Thanks very much.’

‘Those will be for your everyday and work clothes, there’s still the problem of your dance costumes for the demonstration sessions,’ said Sarah.

‘Y-Yes, I suppose so,’ I replied.

‘I expect I’ll be able to loan you another of my dresses for the next demonstration on Saturday week but I hope that some of the others will be able to help you out in later weeks. You’re also going to need to get used to wearing and dancing in higher heels than those that you wore last weekend.’

‘Really!’

‘Yes, but don’t look so anxious, it will be fun.’

‘I guess so.’

‘Once you are safely back in Michelle mode we can discuss your future costumes.’

‘Alright then.’

Helen came back with the car on schedule and I got ready to finish work at 3.40 pm. As I was about to leave she came up to me.

‘I suppose it is goodbye to Mike then.’

‘Y-Yes, at least it is goodbye to Mike for the next six weeks,’ I replied.

‘Or maybe it is goodbye to Mike, for the next six weeks, at least?’ she added with a grin.

I smiled, but didn’t rise to the bait.

‘I’ve bought a small present for Michelle, perhaps you’ll pass it on when you see her,’ she said, handing me a paper bag.

I opened it and found a lovely pink lingerie set, and a card to wish me good luck.

‘Sarah told me Michelle’s size.’

‘I’m sure that Michelle will thank you very much and that she’ll want to wear them tomorrow,’ I replied.

Next time: My transformation

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated. The next chapter will be published on 21 December. Louise

Michelle emerges from her cocoon Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 10 — My transformation

I arrived at Joan’s salon carrying the plastic carrier bag containing the clothes and shoes that I’d be changing into later that evening. The remainder of my newly acquired clothes had been left in the boot of the office car in the ‘Pay and Display’ car park nearby. I received a few curious sideways glances from one or two of Joan’s colleagues as I introduced myself to the receptionist and asked to see her. I assumed that they’d all heard about my exploits the previous Saturday and knew what was about to happen to me, but I was committed to going through with the plan and so there was no point in my worrying about what other people thought of me.

‘Come through to the back room and sit down, Mike,’ said Joan. ‘Before I start, there are just a couple of things that I need to say to you.’

I followed her instructions

‘From what I saw on Saturday you have the right build to make a convincing female ballroom dancer and the ability to dance well. I’ve worked with female impersonators in the past, but on this occasion it will be more a question of turning you into a convincing and attractive young woman than a traditional ‘drag queen’. I’ll be happy to make my contribution towards turning you into Michelle.’

‘Th-thank you,’ I said, unsure where the conversation was heading.

‘But I want to make it clear that we’ll be doing things properly this time. Do you understand?’

‘N-Not exactly. Y-You’d better explain,’ I replied.

‘As you will be undertaking some fairly energetic dances in the coming weeks we will need to sew your hair extensions securely on to braids in your hair rather than just clip them in place. Also, the "UV Top Coat" nail extensions that I use these days will not be removable without some trouble, until they’ve grown out. Rather than relying on the stick-on false eyelashes, I suggest we should lengthen your existing lashes with semi-permanent ones which will also stay in place for a few weeks until your existing lashes fall out. Finally, although I improved the shape of your eyebrows last Saturday, there’s still some work to be done on them if you are going to look your best. In other words, once I get started on turning you into Michelle, it isn’t going to be very easy for you to go back to looking like Mike for some time.’

‘A-a-as long as you don’t do anything that is irreversible.’

She laughed.

‘Don’t worry, I’m a beauty consultant not a plastic surgeon. We’ll be doing nothing that cannot be undone, but you must understand that you are going to be looking like a girl for the next few weeks irrespective of whatever you choose to wear. You will look like a girl when you’re dancing but also at home or at work. Do you understand?’

‘M-My mother and my work colleagues all know about Michelle and that I’ll be putting Mike into storage for a while.’

‘Good! In that case I’m sure we can do a convincing job in transforming you, but we also need to discuss your boobs.’

‘Wha-what about them?’

‘As a dancer you don’t want large breasts as they will impede your movement, but you do need to look like a woman and will be wearing a variety of different clothes. The silicon enhancers that you borrowed last Saturday were alright with that rather modest dress that you had on, but there will be other occasions when you will need something a little more secure and reliable so you can wear a lower neckline or a backless dress without it being obvious.’

‘What do you suggest?’

‘There are some breast forms on the market which look realistic and are stuck to your chest. They can be fixed quite securely and won’t be too obvious, particularly if you learn how to create the illusion of a cleavage and disguise the joins with makeup.’

‘H-How easy will they be to take off?’ I asked.

‘They are removable with care, by using a solvent. As dancing is a fairly energetic activity I recommend that you should renew the glue each weekend after you’ve had a practice or demonstration. I’ll show you how to do it.’

‘How much will they cost?’ I asked, unsure about who would be expected to pay for them.

‘They’re quite expensive, about  £150 to buy. I’ve discussed this with Sarah, and she and Rob are willing to meet the cost on the understanding that they are reimbursed from any profits that the Society makes from the training sessions.’

‘Alright then, go ahead, as long as I’m not expected to pay for them.’

‘I’ll measure you for them now and if we place an order straight away they should be delivered by the end of the week. In the meanwhile you can wear the existing breast enhancers.’

‘One other thing,’ I added. ‘Those clip-on earrings that I wore on Saturday were quite painful after a while; even if they did look good. May I pay you to pierce my ears?’

‘I was planning to do that anyway, and I’m sure that I can meet the cost of a pair of studs to keep the holes open. I’ll show you how to look after the holes so that they don’t become infected. You’ll have to manage with both the studs and the clip-ons for a little while but after a week or two you’ll be able to get yourself some nice earrings.’

‘W-will the holes in my ears be obvious when I got back to being Mike?’

‘No; they’ll probably close up once you stop wearing earrings regularly.’

‘Alright Joan, in that case you can go ahead and do your worst.’

‘Good, so get undressed as far as your shorts so we can measure you for your new boobs and I’ll make a start de-fuzzing your arms and legs.’

I did as I was told. After taking the required chest measurements Joan began inspecting my arms and legs for any sign of hair.

‘I-I think you’ll find them to be pretty smooth, I went over them with my mother’s razor last night once I’d knew that I would be dancing as Michelle again. I also borrowed her depilatory cream to use on my arm pits.’

‘Well that saves me a job. How about your chin?’ she asked, inspecting it carefully.

‘I’m quite lucky; I only need to shave once a week,’

‘Good, but it might be as well to shave more regularly, in future, just to be on the safe side.’

Joan showed me how to tape the breast enhancers in place so that once I’d put on a push-up bra I appeared to have a visible, although not particularly large cleavage.

‘Do you know how put your testes back into your body cavity so you can tuck your penis out of the way between your legs?’

‘N-No, is that going to hurt?’

‘I don’t believe so. I’m told that after you’ve done it a few times it will come easily to you. I’ll show you how to make a gaff to hold your penis out of the way without your having to use sticky tape,’ she said.

‘Go on then,’ I replied.

‘First of all you cut the feet off an old pair of socks to create a tube, and also cut the waistband off an old pair of tights. You then insert the waistband through the tube, and insert your legs through the resulting loops, but first of all we will need to go to the staff washroom and I’ll show you what to do with your testes.’

Ten minutes later we emerged from the washroom with me wearing a pair of elasticated panties over the home made gaff, which together gave no sign of any male organ underneath.

‘It feels a little unusual down there, but there’s no real discomfort. I guess that after a day or two dressed like this I’ll hardly notice,’ I said.

‘At least this way you should have no difficulty when you have to go to the toilet. Also, these gaffs are inexpensive to make yourself so you’ll be able to wear a clean one every day. You can now put on a camisole and I’ll loan you a dressing gown to wear whilst we fix your hair and makeup.’

By five thirty the last client had left the salon and the other assistants made their way to the backroom to collect their belongings before leaving. Joan had finished the braids in my hair and was beginning to sew on the swatches of shoulder-length natural hair extensions. I received a couple of compliments and nobody seemed to be particularly surprised to see what she was doing to me. I got the impression that they’d dealt with guys undergoing such a transition before.

‘When I’ve finished with your hair, we’ll go through to the main salon, and give you a style and also fix the extensions to your nails.’

By seven o’clock I possessed shoulder length hair, long manicured and polished finger nails, new studs in my ears and full eyelashes. We then stopped for a cup of coffee and for Joan to have a cigarette.

‘I’ll need to add some more shape to your eyebrows; after that we can make a start on your makeup,’ she commented, closely examining my face.

‘Will you be showing me how I need to fix my makeup for when I am dancing?’

‘I won’t have time to do so today; the best time to do that will be when you next go dancing. I’ll be around to help you on the Saturday afternoons until you are able manage by yourself. It is more important for you learn how to do your everyday makeup for the time being.’

‘You’re the expert,’ I replied.

‘You have nice facial features for a girl, but your eyes and lips are going to need greater definition to look their best. You should get used to wearing makeup and refreshing it from time to time during the day.’

‘Sarah showed me how to put on lipstick and mascara last week.’

‘That’s a start, but you’ll also need to learn about how to apply the right foundation to match your skin tone, and how to give more depth to your eyes using different eye shadows, and to emphasise them with eyeliner.’

‘My mother has also promised to help me until I’m able to cope by myself.’

‘Good, but you need to learn to do it for yourself and also to look after your hair as you won’t always be able to rely on other women to help.’

Joan certainly took her task seriously as my transformation and makeover eventually took nearly five hours to complete. It was 9.30 before she allowed me to put on Sarah’s dress and a pair of five inch heels, donated to me by Louise. I was then invited to look at myself in their full-length mirror.

‘So, what do you think, Michelle?’

‘I may be biased, but I believe that I look pretty good,’ I said.

‘So do I,’ she responded, smiling.

‘Thank you for all the time and effort you have devoted to me, so far.’

‘It has been my pleasure, but your part of the bargain is to complete those demonstrations for the Society. I’ll also be expecting you to maintain a high standard of personal grooming over the next few weeks, and will let you know if I think standards are being allowed to slip.’

‘I’ll do my best, and I’m sure that Sarah and my mother will also be keeping an eye on me.’

‘Good! I’ll see you again when your breast forms arrive. In the meanwhile, here’s a ‘goody bag’ containing some make-up samples and a few other items that you’re going to need over the next few weeks,’ she said handing me over a largish sponge bag.’

Everyone seemed to be keen to help Michelle adapt to her new life.

‘Thanks Joan, for everything,’ I said as I left the salon feeling like a new person.

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated. I shall be overseas for the next two weeks and cannot promise when I will publish the next chapter, but will try to do so on 28 December. If I am unable to do so I will catch up as soon as possible after my return on 5 January. In the meanwhile, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all readers. Louise

Michelle emerges from her cocoon Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

It is difficult to explain exactly how I felt as I left Joan’s salon just before ten o’clock. My ears felt sore where they’d recently been pierced and I was conscious of the tightness of the braids to which my hair extensions were sewn. I also felt a little trussed up wearing the gaff down below and was still not entirely used to walking in heels or having long nails. Yet in spite of all these minor discomforts I felt absolutely wonderful; even better than when I stepped off the dance floor with Alan on Saturday afternoon, with the applause ringing in my ears. It was a question of knowing that my clothes, hair and makeup all looked exactly right and this time there were no compromises so that my mother would not notice. It was the confidence that comes with knowing that I would be remaining as Michelle for the next six weeks and I had no need to disguise the fact from my family, friends or workmates. I was now anxious to get home and see Mum’s reaction as soon as possible.

I’d reminded Mum where I was going after work so that there was no need for her to worry about my late arrival. However, she had called me at about 7.00pm to ask about my plans for dinner and I could tell she was impatient to meet her new daughter. I’d suggested that she should go ahead without me and that I expected to be home by ten thirty. It was just as well that Sarah had loaned me the office car as I now had the suitcase, a cardboard box and several packages to carry home with me. There was no way in which I would be able to drive in those heels but I’d notice a pair of flats in the case from Louise, which I put on before stowing the remainder of my luggage in the boot and driving home. I parked in the street near to our house and quickly changed back into my smart high-heeled shoes before I went in to the house with the suitcase. The other packages could be left in the car until later.

Mum had seen a video of me dancing and one or two photographs of me dressed as a girl, but she’d yet to meet Michelle in person.

‘Hi Mum, I’m home,’ I called out as I let myself in the front door and walked in to the living room, and put down the suitcase in the corner of the room.

There was an audible intake of breath from my mother as I entered the room and she caught sight of me.

‘So, what do you think?’ I asked, smiling.

‘I don’t know what to say,’ she replied.

‘I trust you haven’t changed your mind, about Michelle, I’m rather committed to looking like this for a while,’ I replied, suddenly beginning to wonder whether I’d done the right thing.

‘No, I haven’t changed my mind; you look really lovely. I was just a little taken aback because you reminded me of how I looked at your age.’

‘Really?’

‘Just wait for a moment.’

She disappeared to her bedroom and brought back a photograph of herself which she handed to me. She was wearing a beautiful carmine and silver ballroom dress with matching floats attached to armbands decorated with rhinestones. She looked absolutely wonderful.

‘This was taken when I was about your age and had just won my first competition. It was before I met your father.’

Having just been staring at my reflection for a few hours as Joan did her work, I could see that there was undoubtedly a facial resemblance between the two of us. Even our hair styles looked similar.

‘I see what you mean,’ I said. ‘Well if I can look as good as you did on that day, and dance as well, I don’t think I’ll need to worry too much about the next six weeks.’

She didn’t respond and looked a little sad, as if she was remembering a previous life.

‘By the way, whatever happened to that dress?’ I asked, attempting to change the subject.

‘It is up in the attic, somewhere, along with all my other costumes,’ she said wistfully.

I was about to sit down, but Mum’s mood had now changed.

‘What have you brought home in that suitcase?’ she asked.

‘A couple of the ladies in the Society have been passed on to me some of their unwanted clothes to wear. There’s also some more items in a box in the car outside and a carrier bag full of cosmetics for me to use.’

‘In that case we’re going to need to sort out your bedroom tonight. I’ve already been out and bought you some items of underwear and found some of my clothes that you can use as well. I’ll take the case and you can go out and collect everything else from the car so we can see what you have and what we’re going to need to buy for you over the next few days.’

By midnight I’d hung all my new clothes in my wardrobe or else put them neatly away in the chest of drawers. We also moved a dressing table from the spare room into my bedroom so that I would have somewhere convenient to store and put on my makeup.

‘I’ve found a number of other things that you are going to need as Michelle,’ said Mum.

She gave me a pretty comb and brush set, a manicure set, some curling tongs, and some eyelash curlers.

‘Aren’t you going to need these?’ I asked.

‘The comb and brush, and manicure sets are both spares, given to me by my mother. I no longer bother with using the others. Once you get to my age you tend to simplify your beauty regime, but you are going to need to learn how to look after your hair and makeup properly if you are going to be a successful dancer. In any event, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy looking good whilst you can.’

(Mum sometimes seemed to know what was going on in my mind, without me spelling it out.)

‘Thanks Mum.’

‘There are also a couple of handbags which are in good condition which might suit a girl of your age, and one of my outdoor coats that you may have.’

‘Good, I borrowed some from Sarah last week, but it will be good to have my own.’

As a result of these various new acquisitions I was forced to transfer most of Mike’s clothes into storage in the spare room.

‘You may borrow one of my nightdresses for tonight and I’ll get you one of your own and some more tights and underclothes when I go to town tomorrow. Otherwise you seem to have enough clothes to be going on with.’

‘I can manage with my own pyjamas,’ I said.

‘No you can’t. I’m not having a daughter of mine wearing men’s pyjamas, what would people say if there were to be a fire and the house burned down.’

I wasn’t absolutely sure whether she was being serious or just teasing me a little.

‘I’m going to enjoy having you as my daughter for the next six weeks or so.’

At that moment, dressed as I was, and feeling the way I did, I had no particular wish to argue.

If my arrival at work on Monday morning had been a source of disappointment to Helen, it was quite the reverse the following morning.

‘Wow, just look at you, Michelle! You look really great with that hair style; you look even prettier than you did last week,’ she said as we both arrived at the shop at the same time.

‘Thanks,’ I replied, smiling, as I took off the flat heels that I’d been wearing in the car and replaced them with some medium heeled court shoes.

I was dressed in a charcoal grey, short sleeved belted dress with a round neck and side pockets, which Mum had given to me as she felt it would be suitable for the office. It had a zip fastening down the back, which I would have to get used to, but was also fully lined and so felt comfortable to wear.

‘You always look smart, when you come in to work, I was just trying to follow your example,’ I offered in response, as I took my seat, smoothing the skirt as I did so.

‘Maybe, but I’ve had twenty-three years of experience dressing as a girl, whereas you’ve only had one week. Your hair and makeup also look great, did you do them yourself?’

‘My hair is due to the efforts of the stylist that I went to see yesterday, and Mum helped me to choose and to put on some makeup.’

‘So your Mum doesn’t mind about Michelle then?’

‘No, quite the opposite, I get the impression that she’s keen to see me dancing once again even if it is in the female role.’

‘So it looks as if I’m going to be working with Michelle for the next few weeks.’

‘I’m afraid so. Mike has been put into storage in the spare room until the end of November.’

‘I have an eleven o’clock appointment but should be back by one if you would like to have lunch together again. You can tell me about your plans.’

‘Alright, I should like that.’

The others arrived in the office soon afterwards and greeted me and also complimented me on the way I looked, (something which had never happened to Mike) and we all settled down to a normal day’s work. Richard, in particular seemed to have lost any trace of awkwardness towards me and now seemed to treat in a friendly manner just as he would Helen or Sarah.

At ten o’clock, the Johnsons came in and asked to speak with me. Dealing with the clients who came into the shop would not normally have been one of my duties as the office junior, but Sarah gave me a quick nod to confirm that I should go ahead.

‘Hello again Mr and Mrs Johnson, how can I help you?’ I asked cheerily.

‘I see you’ve had your hair done, dear. It does look nice,’ commented Mrs Johnson.

‘Thank you,’ I replied, smiling.

‘Last week you gave us some details of a house in Houghton Regis, and we would now like to ask you a few questions and then perhaps arrange to have a look around it,’ Mrs Johnson replied.

Their questions were all quite straightforward and I was able to answer them to their satisfaction, either from my local knowledge or the house specifications. In fact I couldn’t really see why they couldn’t have asked them of Helen when they came in the previous day.

‘Now when will you be free to view the property?’ I asked

‘What about Friday morning.’ Mrs Johnson suggested.

I looked at the office diary.

‘Friday morning will be fine. The house is empty at present and so one of my colleagues will meet you at the gate and show you around,’ I said.

They thanked me and went to leave.

‘It’s a pity she couldn’t show us round as she was so helpful last week,’ said Mrs Johnson to her husband as they went out of the door.

It was nice to know that she’d noticed and had also commented within earshot of my boss. Once they had left Helen, who was about to leave for her appointment, turned to. Sarah

‘It is going to be difficult for me to get out to Houghton after my nine-thirty appointment in Luton on Friday. Why can’t Michelle show them around?’

Sarah turned towards me.

‘I don’t think you’ve shown clients round a house before. Would you feel confident enough to do so?’ Sarah asked me.

‘I don’t see why not. I’ve given out the details of houses often enough and listened to the way in which you and Helen deal with the customers.’

‘I know that; but would you feel confident in doing so as Michelle?’

I smiled.

‘After my makeover yesterday, I feel more confident in dealing with customers as Michelle than I would previously have done as Mike. Also I don’t seem to stammer as much when I’m Michelle.’

‘Yes, we’d all noticed that. In that case, let’s see how you get on with them on Friday!’

After ten thirty there was only Sarah and myself left in the office, I was then dealing with our weekly advertisement in the local newspaper. Sarah was busy writing the specifications for a number of properties that had recently been re-possessed — a sad result of the bursting of the 2006-7 property bubble, which represented tragedies for the individuals concerned but was keeping us in business.

‘Michelle, would you mind if I took these in to the back office and left you to manage the phones and the shop on your own? You could always call me if it gets too busy.’

‘Yes, of course. I’ll tell you if I need you but I’m sure that I shall be ok.’

It had been ten days since Sarah’s accident, and this was yet one more thing that Mike had never been trusted to do on his own before.

Next time: Another lunch with Helen

Helen and Michellehave another ‘heart-to-heart’ discussion. Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Rob returned to the office just before one o’clock on Tuesday followed by Helen soon afterwards, so Sarah suggested that Helen and I should take our lunch breaks at the same time.

‘In that case shall we have lunch together again Michelle?’ Helen suggested.

‘Fine, but I was only planning to have a coffee and a panini at Latte Heaven in High Street South.’

‘That suits me,’ she replied.

It seemed that Helen was once again happy to have lunch with me.

‘So how have things been this morning?’Helen asked as we took our toasted sandwiches and coffee to a vacant table.

‘The office was pretty busy after you left. Also Sarah needed to finish those new specs so I was left manning the shop by myself. I must have dealt with nine or ten enquiries but, I seem to have coped alright. I thought it would become less busy as a result of the economic down turn.’

‘No, not at the moment; those people that have been given notice of redundancy or otherwise found they have over-extended themselves are frantically trying to downsize, and those who aren’t too affected by the downturn are looking to pick up a bargain,’ said Helen.

‘I didn’t mind it being busy though.’

‘You never used to be so keen on dealing with clients and tended to hide yourself away behind your computer screen doing clerical work.’

‘That was Mike,’ I replied.

(It now seemed quite natural for me to be referring to my former self in the third person.)

‘As you know he tended to stammer when dealing with people face-to face.’

‘But not Michelle - that is odd,’ she commented. ‘Yet Mike didn’t stammer as much when answering the telephone.’

‘I know, but then he used to feel self-conscious of his high-pitched voice which was sometimes mistaken for that of a girl.’

‘But of course that is no longer a problem for Michelle,’ she said smiling.

‘No it isn’t; at least not for the time being. As Michelle I feel more confident and relaxed and so tend to be friendlier and more at ease with callers.’

‘Yes, I can see that. You’re also easier to chat with, as well.’

I’d also noticed this about myself but didn’t really want to get into a discussion of why it should be so. I therefore looked for another topic of conversation.

‘By the way, thanks for suggesting to Sarah that I should show the Johnsons around that property on Friday.

‘That’s alright; it would have been a rush for me to fit them in and in any event it’s time they gave you an opportunity to show what you can do when dealing with clients.’

‘Sarah’s accident seems to be providing me with different opportunities to prove that I can be relied upon to do a good job.’

‘Me too!’ she replied. ‘But in your case I don’t think it is just a result of the accident. As we’ve just discussed, Michelle seems to be a different person and inspire more confidence. I doubt whether that elderly couple would have specifically asked for you to show them around if you’d been dressed as Mike on the first occasion you met them.’

I didn’t answer; no matter how much I tried to avoid it, the conversation always seemed to return to me and my future. Helen could see that I was beginning to get embarrassed and so changed the subject.

‘We’ve not had much chance to talk together since last week; tell me what happened last Saturday.’

(In fact she’d had plenty of opportunity to ask me this the previous day when I was in the office dressed as Mike, but had chosen not to do so. Perhaps she was right and that it had been more difficult for her to have a friendly chat with Mike?)

I shrugged.

‘As I said, my new partner and I seemed to dance quite well together and there were no problems. Afterwards, the committee discussed the question of Sarah’s replacement and there were no volunteers or obvious candidates except for the two of us so we’ve been asked to perform the next four demonstrations.’

‘With you dancing the woman’s part for them all?’

‘Alan is more than six feet tall and quite well built; I don’t think he would look very good wearing a dress.’

‘But you do,’ she responded, as if were a truth, universally acknowledged.

‘So it would seem,’ I admitted.

‘So how does your mother feel about you spending all this time as a young woman?’ she asked.

‘Mum seems to welcome the idea of having a daughter for a while, especially if it means that I’m going to be dancing once again.’

‘I suppose, more to the point, how do you feel about the idea?’ she asked.

I thought for a moment before answering, trying to work out my own feelings. I decided the best idea would be to focus on the dancing, as that was the reason for the existence of Michelle.

‘The idea came as a bit of a shock at first, but everyone in the Ballroom Dancing Society has been so encouraging to me. Also, it is going to provide me with the chance to partner a really good dancer.’

Helen smiled as if this wasn’t the full answer and she was expecting me to enlarge upon my comments.

‘I assumed that I knew all about ballroom dancing, but I’m beginning to discover that I only ever saw things from a male perspective and that there is a lot more for me to learn.’

This answer didn’t satisfy her though.

‘But it isn’t just about the dancing, is it?’ ‘How do you feel about having to live and work as Michelle, as well?’

The conversation was back to discussing my future once again. She would only be satisfied once I’d come clean about how I felt.

‘Now that I’m getting used to the idea and wearing the clothes and makeup, I must admit that I’ve been rather enjoying myself as a girl, both at home and at work.’

‘There’s a lot more to being female than just wearing nice clothes and makeup.’

‘I realise that, but following my makeover yesterday I feel more confident and I’m no longer worried that I might give myself away, if I go out or have to talk to someone new.’

‘Would it matter that much if you did give yourself away.’

‘Yes, it would matter to me. If I’m going to be Michelle for the next few weeks, then I want to do it properly, both as a dancer and also at other times.‘

‘You seem to have slotted into the new role quite easily so far, and we both agree that you are more confident than you were either as Mike or as Michelle last week.’

‘I’ve been doing my best to look at the way girls walk, talk and gesture with their hands and to copy them, but without going too far.’

‘I noticed as we were walking here that you were beginning to move more like a girl.’

‘I’m gradually getting used to wearing high heels which encourage me to take shorter steps and gently swing my hips as I walk.’

‘You’re also using your hands in a more feminine way.’

‘Am I? I suppose I’m more conscious of them since having these nail extensions.

’I think you are doing fine. I don’t believe anyone coming in to the shop would realise that you were really a guy.’

‘I hope not but I do wonder where it is going leave me when I come to change back in mid November.’

‘We’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we?’

I didn’t reply and fortunately Helen decided to change the subject.

‘What dances will you be demonstrating the Saturday after next?’ she asked.

‘The Viennese Waltz and the Quickstep.’

‘I thought that you’d already demonstrated the waltz.’

‘The Viennese waltz is the original form of the waltz which is danced to about 180 beats per minute, compared to the slower, more popular ‘English waltz’ that we demonstrated last week.’

‘Is it difficult to dance?’

‘Yes and no. It’s a rotary dance where the dancers are turning toward the leading couple’s right and then to the left, with change steps to switch the direction of rotation ,’ I said trying to demonstrate with my hands, and noticing how nice my nails now looked, as I did so.

‘That looks complicated to me.’

‘It can be danced at a basic level, but as with other ballroom dances, takes some time and effort to learn to dance really well. The true Viennese waltz consists only of turns and change steps whereas the ‘American-style’ is a little more elaborate with fleckerls, and side sway turns which are modern inventions.’

‘Fleckerls? Aren’t they a type of pasta?’ asked Helen.

I smiled

‘No, a fleckerl is a dance step, a turn which doesn’t move forwards along the dance floor but instead rotates on the spot. However, on this occasion we will be demonstrating the earlier, more formal version, where the couples do not pass one another, but turn continuously left and right while travelling anti-clockwise around the floor, following each other.’

‘It sounds very complicated.’

‘Not really. The dance requires the woman to be fairly light on her feet but is relatively easy to learn and there’s not a lot to go wrong. The other couples involved have all danced it many times before. We will just have to ensure that they are capable of following our lead. Alan and I will be trying it out tonight and we will have a full rehearsal with the others on Saturday morning.’

‘How about the Quickstep?’ Helen asked.

‘That is a little more difficult. It’s a less regulated and more light-hearted type of dance, but one which requires equally fast footwork. In some ways it is a faster version of the Foxtrot, consisting of quick stepping and syncopated feet rhythms in time to the music. The routine that I have designed is quite difficult to perform, but on this occasion only Alan and I will be dancing and so we will have to practice tonight. There will be no opportunity to hide any slips between us.’

‘Well good luck! I hope to be able to come and see you dance on Saturday week. Richard is going to show me how to operate a second video camera and wants me to film you as well, so he will be able to edit the shots together in order to make a better video clip than last time.’

‘In that case I’ll have to make sure we get it right.’

‘I do envy you, Michelle, being able to dance so well. Ballroom dancing seems so glamorous when I see it on television.’

‘It is only a question of learning the steps and a little practice. We run classes for beginners, if you are interested.’

‘I would have to find a partner anxious to learn first. Most guys that I meet would only be interested in dancing to Electronic music at clubs or at raves: house music , garage, techno, that sort of thing.’

‘I’m afraid that the clubbing and rave scenes have tended to pass me by,’ I admitted. ‘Most ballroom dancers go no further than rock ’n roll or maybe disco. I understand that the movements are not predefined and the dance is performed randomly, with dancers taking inspiration from the music or their mood. That is rather the opposite of what most ballroom dancers are seeking to achieve.’

‘Maybe, but it can be fun all the same. You should try clubbing some time, Michelle, you might find that you enjoyed it.’

‘I’d be frightened that if I danced with a guy he might be expecting something else as well, and then be in for a nasty shock,’ I said, smiling.

I wasn’t sure how I would feel about dancing with a guy in a social setting. The advantage of dancing with Alan was that he was clearly only interested in the dancing, and nothing more.

‘I don’t think you would need to worry. These days Guys don’t treat club dancing as a cattle market as they used to. If you dance with a guy and then want to dance with another, or with a girl, or just by yourself that will be fine.’

‘I’ll think about it.’

The conversation ended inconclusively as Helen and I noticed the time and hurriedly made our way back to the office.

The rest of the afternoon was busy but otherwise fairly uneventful. Everyone in the office now treated me as Michelle and there was no further reference to Mike; it was as if he had ceased to exist.

Learning the Quickstep and how to deal with guys Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

As soon as the office closed on Tuesday evening I changed out of the blouse and skirt suit that I’d been wearing for work into a pink tracksuit that Louise had donated to me, to await the arrival of Alan to take me to our first rehearsal. I’d toyed with the idea of wearing a dress but decided that was not really necessary for a first run through. I selected the outfit as there was a matching pair of high heeled sneakers to dance in. Although I was now quite used to walking in heels I was going to need as much practice dancing in them as possible.

I was waiting outside as Alan’s car drew up.

‘Hi Michelle, you’re looking very smart again today,’ said Alan as he arrived. ‘It looks as if Joan has done a good job on your transformation.’

I smiled and thanked him. I never tired of receiving compliments; it made the trouble that I’d taken to ensure that my hair and makeup looked alright seem worthwhile.

‘I’m still waiting for a new pair of breast forms to arrive but they should be here in good time for our dress rehearsal.’ I said as I got in his car.

One thing I liked about Alan was that having once danced with me, he now accepted me as I was.

‘So what treats have you planned for us for our next demonstration?’ he asked as we went on to the dance floor.

Although he was a better dancer than me, I was the more experienced choreographer and so he was happy enough to leave it up to me to work out our routine and choose the appropriate music.

‘I thought that for the Viennese Waltz all four couples could dance to the waltz from ‘The Godfather‘ with the two of us taking the lead.

‘Fine, I’m sure you’ve designed an excellent routine,’ he replied.

’Then, for the Quickstep, how would you feel if we were to have a go at ‘Let's face the Music and Dance’

‘Surely not the Astaire and Rogers sequence?’

‘Do you think that it’s a bit dated these days?’ I asked.

‘Not at all, it really is the high point for the Quickstep; but aren’t we being a little ambitious with all those spins?’

‘I’m willing to have a go if you are,’ I said, smiling. ‘But it might be better if we use the recording by Nat King Cole.’

‘O.K., you’re the boss; at least when it comes to choosing what to dance.’

As expected, the Viennese Waltz would be unlikely to present us with too many problems, and we agreed that the other dancers were all sufficiently experienced to be able to cope with my plans. However, our Quickstep routine was going to be a challenge, although we still had ten days in which to get it right. We were both so engrossed in practising that neither of us noticed the time go by and before we knew it, it was 10.30pm and time to go. We had made some progress and had the opening sorted, but there was still a lot to do and so we decided to need to meet again for some more practice on Thursday evening.

‘Alan, would you mind if I invited my mother to come along and give her opinion of our performance next time? She and my father won a medal for their Quickstep in the 1980s.’

‘By all means, do so. I’ll invite David to come along as well, so that he doesn’t think that I’ve abandoned him for my attractive new dance partner.’

By the time I got home it was 11.30 and Mum had gone to bed.

Wednesday morning was the 1st of October and I travelled in to work on the 31 bus service dressed as Michelle for the first time. Although I recognised several of the regular travellers waiting at the bus stop, nobody seemed to recognise me or look at me at all oddly. I therefore assumed that my long hair, makeup and different clothing provided me with enough of a disguise. Getting on and off the bus wearing heels proved to be a little more problematic than usual, but I felt sure that I’d get used to it, after all, other girls managed. During the half hour bus ride I read a free magazine and for the first time began to take an interest in some of the fashion features.

It proved to be another busy day at work, with Helen, Richard and Rob out for most of the time showing clients around houses or else measuring up and taking the details of new properties coming on to the market. Sarah was still suffering from her impaired mobility and found it awkward to get up from her desk and so I dealt with most of the customers who came through the door. Once again, I found that I was enjoying this aspect of the work and those people that I dealt with tended to be friendlier towards me and more willing to chat. By the end of the day I was fairly tired and so was quite happy to spend the evening at home with Mum, who naturally wanted a detailed account of how Alan and I had got on with our practice the night before.

‘The Viennese Waltz should be alright but the Quickstep is going to need some more practice,’ I explained.

She asked me what we were planning and I explained about the famous Astaire Rogers routine from Follow the Fleet, which we watched together on You Tube.

‘I doubt whether Alan and I will ever be able to dance as good as that,’ I commented.

‘Maybe not; but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a reasonable stab at it, all the same.’

‘Do you think so?’

‘As you know, the steps themselves are fairly straightforward but, as the name implies, they are performed very fast.’

‘Yes, the dancers need to keep their upper bodies upright and stable whilst their legs are going like mad,’ I added.

‘I found that the main problem with the Quickstep for the lady dancer is when she has to keep up with her partner without seeming to be struggling to do so,’ Mum explained. ‘It isn’t easy to do this as a woman’s stride is shorter than the man’s, especially if she’s wearing a long dress.’

‘So I’m beginning to discover.’

‘But there are one or two tricks you can use,’ she continued.

She proceeded to demonstrate them to me, so that after an hour or so I felt a lot more confident.

‘Would you be willing to come and see us practice tomorrow night and let us know what you think?’

‘Yes, of course, I would love to do so, but first we should discuss the matter of your costumes. What are you planning to wear?’ asked Mum.

‘I hadn’t really thought about it. I was leaving it to Sarah to organise.’

‘Ideally you should wear a fairly traditional ballroom dress with floats for the Viennese Waltz, as they will tend to guide the eye movements of the audience to focus on the dancers and also give a sense of direction.’

(A float is a lightweight piece of material sewn at each cuff of long sleeves, or on wristbands in the case of sleeveless dresses.)

‘I hadn’t realised that floats served any practical purpose. I’d always assumed they were purely there for decoration,’ I confessed.

Mum rolled her eyes in disbelief. I was beginning to see that there were aspects of ballroom dancing of which I knew very little.

‘I’ve never really thought too much about female dance costumes,’ I admitted. ‘I always assumed it was up to the lady herself what she chose to wear.’

‘Yes, it is but there are certain basic things that need to be taken into account.’

‘Such as?’

‘Ballroom dance dresses are not the same as those that you might wear to work or for a social gathering. They need to look good whilst also allowing for the free movement of arms and legs. That’s why they tend to be made of light or stretchy fabrics such as silk, chiffon, Lycra, or Spandex.’

‘I suppose that is the reason why the dresses are often long and flowing.’

‘Yes, at least those that are designed for traditional ballroom dances, but they mustn’t be so long that they hide the feet, which must be visible to the judges at all times. Dresses designed for the Latin dances are usually shorter and tend to be more colourful; they are often designed to show off the dancer’s hip action.’

‘I may know about dance steps and body posture in ballroom dancing but I’d never given much thought to the importance of the woman’s costume before now.’

‘I’m sure that most male dancers feel the same way, but I hope you will now begin to revise your opinion, Michelle, in the light of your recent experience.’

‘I’ll do my best but I’m afraid that I only have one ballroom dress available at the moment. Sarah is trying to arrange for me to borrow some others for the later demonstrations in the series.’

‘Hmm, and that dress won’t be ideal for the Quickstep either; you’ll need something a little more colourful and fun to wear,’ continued Mum, seemingly talking to herself. ‘Maybe I should have a word with Sarah and volunteer my services.’

Thursday at work was also quite busy as Sarah was out for most of the day as she had an out patient’s appointment at the hospital. As a result Helen and I ran the office for most of the day. Alan telephoned at one point to make arrangements for our practice session that evening, and I confirmed that Mum would also be there. He then offered that he and David could collect us from our home and give us a lift to the dance studio. When Rob eventually brought Sarah back in to work she had a shorter plaster cast which allowed her a little more leg movement and enabled her to walk with a stick rather than crutches. She was still going to be out of action for a few weeks, but things had begun to improve. I gave Rob a series of phone messages that I’d taken for him during the course of the day.

‘Thanks, Michelle, it seems that business is beginning to pick up again.’

‘I hope so.’

‘I understand that you will be showing some clients around a property at Houghton tomorrow morning.’

‘Yes, it will be my first time and I’m quite looking forward to it,’ I replied.

‘Make sure you are well prepared and can answer any of their questions.’

‘Yes, I will do my best.’

‘How are you getting out to Houghton?’

‘I was planning to get a 37 or 38 bus.’

‘It would be more sensible for you take the office car home tonight?’ You’ll then be able to drive straight over to the house tomorrow without coming in to work first.’

‘Yes please, if I may.’

Fortunately I had left a pair of flat heeled shoes in my locker at work after driving in on Tuesday.

As I was getting out of the office car, one of our neighbours (a guy who’d never so much as acknowledged me during the five years that we’d lived at our present house) stopped to wish me a good evening. He had just got out of a large and flashy car (which no doubt served to compensate for other inadequacies on his part).

‘You’re new to the area, aren’t you sweetheart? I don’t remember seeing you before,’ he said after I’d briefly acknowledged his initial greeting with a nod.

‘Yes, I’m staying with my Aunt for a few weeks,’ I replied.

‘In that case I hope to see you around,’ he said with a self-satisfied smile.

‘Not if I see you first,’ I thought to myself as I smiled sweetly in reply, but didn’t do anything to prolong the conversation in case it might encourage him to ask me out.

It occurred to me that whilst it might be good fun being a girl for most of the time I was going to need to learn how to deal with such encounters over the next few weeks. At the same time, though, it was quite gratifying to be noticed!

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated.Louise

Mum comments on my dancing and I show my first couple round a house Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future, until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 14 — Mum’s opinion, and Michelle’s first viewing

As a result of Mum’s advice, I had a clearer idea of what was required of me in the Quickstep and Alan had also been practicing. As a result, we made a much better job than for our first run-through than we’d previously done on Tuesday. By our fourth attempt that evening I was no longer so worried that we’d been overly ambitious in our choice of routine, and was beginning to look forward to the next performance.

‘That last routine was very good indeed,’ said David, applauding as we decided to take a short break. ‘You could have the makings of the next ‘Fred and Ginger!’

‘Not with my present hair colouring,’ I replied, laughing.

However, I knew that Mum would not be quite such an easy critic and would certainly have some observations and suggestions to make.

‘So what did you think, Mum?’ I asked.

‘Not too bad! There were a couple of times when you went slightly wrong, so you are going to need some more practice but you do at least seem to dancing like a couple rather than two individuals.

I grinned at Alan and he smiled back.

‘Shall we show them our Viennese Waltz?’ I asked Alan.

‘OK then.’

The Waltz went without a hitch and Mum and David expressed themselves satisfied with our performance, it was merely a question of having a practice session with the other couples to ensure that they followed our lead.

‘We should be able to do that during the normal club practice session next Tuesday evening,’ said Alan.

‘Alright, I’ll notify everyone concerned,’ I replied.

We were about to return to practising the Quickstep when Mum asked about costume once again.

‘What about your shoes, Michelle?’ she asked.

‘I’ll be wearing the ones that I currently have on,’ I replied, not sure what she meant.

‘Oh.’

‘What’s wrong with them?’ I asked.

‘They should be alright for dancing the Waltz but they’re not ideal for the Quickstep. You really need more support over the arch to hold the foot comfortably and securely in the shoe,’ she commented.

As far as I was concerned, a lady’s dance shoe was a lady’s dance shoe, but clearly there was more to it than that.

‘I’m afraid they are the only pair I will have available, Sarah has loaned them to me.’

‘Do you still take a size six?’

I nodded.

‘In that case I may have a pair up in the loft that you can use.’

‘How about you, Alan, what will you be wearing for the demonstration?’

‘These shoes and the tail suit that I wore last time; I am borrowing it from David’ he replied.

She clearly wasn’t impressed by that either.

‘That suit was too small for you. I could see that from the video.’

‘Maybe, but I can’t really afford to get myself a new one at present.’

Alan had a job working at the distribution centre for a supermarket chain, but I doubted whether he made a lot of spare money, and ballroom dancing can be an expensive business.

‘There is a tail suit in my attic, which I feel sure would fit you better,’ said Mum, smiling.

‘Really?’ said Alan.

‘Yes, it used to belong to my late husband when we went dancing together. I kept all his dance costumes after he died in case my son ever had need of them, but he took after me and stopped growing too soon for them to be of any use to him,’ she said talking as if her son was no longer present. ‘I’m sure it is in good condition, and there are some other male dance costumes as well, if you are interested.

‘Well, if you’re sure, Mrs Williams, I’d be happy to have a look at them.’

‘Of course you would have to get them down from the loft for me, but you are welcome to try them on.’

‘Thank you.’

‘There is also a much better pair of shoes for Michelle, with a double strap, in a suitcase in the loft somewhere. Would there any chance that you and your friend could get them down for me sometime soon?’

Alan turned to David, who nodded.

‘We could have a look for you this evening, if you like, when we give you a lift home.’

‘Good, at least then we’ll know that you’ll both be alright for Saturday week.’

An hour and a half later the two guys had retrieved four large suitcases from our attic and deposited them in our spare bedroom. After quickly looking through a couple of them, Mum found a tail suit, a dinner jacket, a pair of grey trousers and a couple of fancy shirts which she handed to Alan.

‘Try these on; if they fit, you are welcome to have them.’

Mum and I left them for a few moments and then were called back. Alan was wearing the tail suit and one of the shirts and looked absolutely wonderful, although I wasn’t going to say so, as I didn’t want to excite any jealousy on the part of David.

‘What do you think, Michelle?’ he asked.

‘I think it fits you better than the other one,’ I said.

‘Yes, you look very smart indeed,’ added Mum. ‘As you are going to be dancing with my daughter, I should like you to have them.’

‘Thank you very much. Would you now like us to put the cases back in the loft for you?’ replied Alan.

‘No, don’t bother, for the time being, I have to find that pair of shoes for Michelle to wear and there may be one or two other costume items in here that she’ll be able to use over the next few weeks.’

‘In that case we’ll be happy to come back and put them back for you whenever you have had a chance to sort through them.’

‘He’s a nice looking guy, and a good dancer,’ commented Mum after they’d left. ‘It is a pity he’s spoken for.’

I blushed, not sure how to take her comment. She noticed my embarrassment.

‘You have the makings of a good dancer, too, Michelle‘

‘But only in the female role,’ I commented.

‘Yes! I’m afraid you never had the physique for a professional male dancer, but you do have elegance and a good sense of rhythm.’

I didn’t respond for a while, thinking that maybe she was right.

‘Mum, you referred to me as your daughter earlier, when you spoke to Alan.’

‘Well I did warn you that you could be my son or my daughter, but not both. Looking the way you do at present, I could hardly refer to you as my son.’

‘No, I suppose not.’

Neither of us spoke for a minute or two whilst we both took in the implications of what had just been said, but then Mum spoke once more.

‘I was happy to have a son, but at the same time I’d always wanted a daughter to be able to help with her dance costumes. Unfortunately your father and I left it too late to have any more children. That’s why I’m so pleased to have you as Michelle for a while. As I said last week, I’m really looking forward to the next few weeks.’

I could see from her expression that she meant it.

‘Me too; so far I’m enjoying being your daughter and looking forward to the next few weeks.

I was able to take my time getting dressed on Friday morning, as I had no need to go into work before showing the elderly couple around the house at Houghton Regis. I therefore fixed my hair and makeup on my own and felt that I’d made a pretty good job of it. Mum even commented that I looked like a professional young woman, as I was leaving. It was surprising what a difference it made to the way I felt about myself, knowing that I looked so good.

As I drove over towards Houghton Regis I gave some thought to how I was going to deal with the elderly couple. It seemed as if she was going to be the decision maker, he would just need a little stroking of his ego and then would go along with whatever she wanted. My sales pitch would have to be aimed at her, but I needed to be careful not to appear too pushy. I would therefore concentrate on those aspects that were likely to be of most interest to her. For example I would point out that the kitchen was somewhat larger and more conveniently sited compared with most modern houses in the area and that although the house needed superficial attention it could be modernised without them spending a great deal of money.

I arrived at the house about fifteen minutes before they were due to arrive so that I could have a preliminary look round and work out what I was going to say to them. I knew that the house was within their budget and was fairly close to their married daughter (which was their main reason for deciding to move). I also knew that they wouldn’t be able to afford a lot more. On the other hand the house was a little scruffy and run down, although it had potential and its condition was reflected in the asking price.

‘Hello, Mr and Mrs Johnson, thank you for coming, and it’s nice to see you again,’ I said as I opened the door to them.

(The first rule in showing someone around a house is to appear cheerful and welcoming when they arrive.)

‘Hello, young lady, we weren’t expecting to see you this morning,’ she replied.

‘I know, but my bosses have let me out of the office as a special treat today as I have been a good girl all week. Now please come in and I’ll show you around, and please call me Michelle.’

I began my tour of the house letting them enter each room first: that way they get more of an impression of spaciousness. I did my best to be positive, but also to be open and honest in answering their questions or responding to their observations. I did not seek to hide any of the faults, and didn't contradict when they pointed out the disadvantages. Yet at the same time I tried to get them to focus on the advantages it had to offer. My strategy and preparations seemed to work and within half an hour I felt that I developed a rapport with the couple. Eventually after about an hour of looking round the house followed by a brief discussion outside, I felt that I’d done everything I could.

‘If you have no more questions, and there is nothing that you would like to see again, I’ll leave you to consider whether or not it was what you are looking for,’ I said smiling.

‘Yes, thank you dear, we may be interested, but there is so much to take into account,’ she said.

‘Well, take your time, I’m not pressing you for a decision,’ but it would be nice to know one way or another.’

‘Yes of course, we’ll let your office know next week, but we do both appreciate the way you have shown us round and answered all our questions.’

I smiled and took my leave with them still looking at the front garden, discussing what might be done with it. As I drove back to the office I went through how things had gone in my mind. I felt reasonably satisfied with my performance. I quite enjoyed the work and, with a little more experience, I could do it well.

I arrived back at the office just before lunchtime and as soon as I’d taken off my coat, changed my shoes and refreshed my makeup, Sarah asked to have a quick word with me in the back office.

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated. I have posted this chapter a day early as I have to be away over the weekend, but will resume Saturday posting next week! Louise

I acquire some new appendages Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Image Credit: Picture from Wikimedia Commons. Free for commercial and personal use with restriction under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported licence.

Note - The last posting of this chapter fell down the crack in the Big Closet HDD, taking with it all the comments and kudos, so please be generous with this one ;-) Louise

‘How did you get on at Houghton this morning, Michelle?’ asked Sarah as I entered her office and took the offered seat.

‘Alright, I think. I did my best, but we’ll have to see what they decide to do.’

‘That’s all we can ask of you, but don’t be too disappointed if it comes to nothing; there are lots of unsold properties on the market around here at present.’

‘I know. I don’t think that they’ve decided against the house but they’ll need a little time to talk it over between themselves and come to a decision. I didn’t want to pressurize them, but tried to get them to see the potential of the property. They have promised to let me know their decision early next week,’ I replied.

‘Well, thanks for your efforts. That property has been on the books of several agencies in the area for some time and it’s high time that it was sold by somebody. It would be a boost to the office if we were the ones to do so.’

I smiled and was about to get up return to my desk, but she hadn’t finished.

‘There are two other things I need to discuss with you. First of all, Joan rang this morning to ask whether it would be possible for you to call in to her salon at five o’clock this evening to be fitted with your new boobs. I said that as far as I was concerned it would be alright but you would let her know if you were unable to make it.’

‘I’ll need to leave work an hour early to get over to Luton for 5.00pm, would it be alright with you and Rob if I work through my lunch hour to make up the time?’

‘You can take a short lunch break and we’ll let you have the remaining time as it is for a good cause.’

‘Thanks, Sarah. What was the other thing that you wanted to discuss?’

‘I’ve had a phone call from your mother this morning; she’s been looking through her dance costumes and thinks that she has a number of outfits that would be suitable for you to wear, including a dress and shoes for your Quickstep routine for the next demonstration. She has invited me round to your house tomorrow afternoon to see what I think of them,’ said Sarah.

‘Mum’s dresses are quite old; she was dancing in the 1980s and 1990s. Also some of them are in styles dating from the nineteen twenties and thirties.’

‘As long as they are in good condition, that needn’t be a problem. As a rule, ballroom costumes don’t go out of fashion in the same way that ordinary clothes do. In fact sometimes it can be better to have a range of styles dating from different decades to match the period of the dance or music that has been chosen.’

‘So are you planning to come round to our place tomorrow afternoon?’ I asked.

‘Yes, if I can get a lift. Rob and I were supposed to be going to see his parents this weekend, but I honestly couldn’t face the prospect of a four-hour car journey with my leg in plaster, so he will be going alone. I was wondering whether you would mind taking the office car again after work tonight and then collecting me and taking me home again tomorrow?’

‘Won’t the office car be needed over the weekend?’

‘No, I don’t think so; Richard will be working together with the weekend staff and he has his own car.’

‘In that case I should be happy to do so. In fact if I can take the car tonight I won’t need to leave work until 4.30pm.’

‘From what your mother said it sounds as if we will be able to sort out all your costumes for the next few weeks.’

‘OK but I trust that I’ll be given a say in what I wear?’

‘Yes, of course, and I hope you will be present when we decide tomorrow. Under normal circumstances it is up to the dancer herself to choose her costume, but as you’re still something of a novice in this respect it might be sensible for you to take the advice of those with a little more experience, at least for the first few weeks.’

‘I’ll be happy to leave it to the two of you as long as you don’t choose anything too outrageous for me to wear; some of your dresses are a little revealing.’

Sarah smiled.

‘Nobody is going to force you to wear something that you really hate or doesn’t feel right for you, but it will take you a little time to get to know what looks good on you.’

‘I suppose I’ll have enough to do with learning new dance routines and how to live as Michelle without having to worry about choosing my dance costumes as well.’

‘Good, but you should now begin to take an interest in what you are wearing as it is an important part of the ballroom dancing experience for any girl.’

I had to deal with several clients who called in during the course of the afternoon and arranged for a couple of viewings of properties, whilst Sarah and Helen interviewed other clients now wishing to put their houses on the market. Yet the afternoon at work seemed to drag as I was looking forward to leaving early to be fitted with my new breast forms. Eventually, just before 4.30pm, I began to clear my desk.

‘If it is alright with you Sarah, I’m off to get my new boobs.’

She nodded to say that it was ok for me to leave. Richard, who had recently arrived back in the office, at first rolled his eyes in disbelief, but then thought better of it and gave me a nice smile.

‘Good luck, Michelle, see you next week,’ he said.

‘Don’t come back with a pair that put the rest of us girls to shame,’ said Helen, laughing.

‘I hope not, big breasts are not a good idea for ballroom dancing,’ I replied.

This time there were no awkward looks from the staff, when I arrived at the salon. I was addressed as ‘Madame’ and politely asked to wait for a few minutes whilst Joan finished off her last customer. I actually quite enjoyed reading one of the beauty and hairdressing magazines that they left out for their waiting customers.

‘I’m glad to see that you’ve been taking trouble with your grooming, Michelle; you look very smart today,’ said Joan as she invited me through to the back room.

‘Thanks, I’m doing my best’ I said, aware that the compliment was coming from an expert.

‘Have you been doing your hair and makeup by yourself?’

‘ Mum helped me with them on Tuesday morning, but ever since I’ve been managing on my own.’

‘Good, but I expect that you’ll still need my help again next weekend as the makeup needed when you are dancing under spotlights is different from that used for every day wear.’

‘So I understand.’

‘However, we can worry about that at the appropriate time; the main thing is that you will be able to look smart at other times without the help of others. Now, come through to the back and we’ll see how you get on with these new breast forms.’

An hour later I had two realistic looking breasts securely attached to me by surgical glue, comfortably supported by my bra, which had to be adjusted to suit my new shape. The joins between the breasts and my own skin were well disguised with skin coloured makeup, and in any event would not be visible with a normal bra. I even had a hint of cleavage visible as the weight of the appendage pulled down on my own skin. Joan showed me how to enhance this effect by brushing on a darker powder in two arcs from my breast bone. By the time she’d finished, nobody looking at me dressed in my bra and panties would have realised that they were not the genuine article.

‘So how do they feel, Michelle?’

‘It’s as if my centre of gravity has moved slightly forward, but they seem to be quite comfortable and secure.’

‘They should be alright as they are for the next week, but I’ll check that they are all still alright after your two dances on Saturday week.’

‘Thanks again, Joan, for all your help. What about the cost of these?’

‘I haven’t had the bill yet, but when I do I’ll be discussing it with Sarah; you don’t need to worry.’

‘Thanks again, I’d better go home now and show off my new endowments to my Mum.’

‘Well I hope she appreciates them,’ said Joan laughing.

Mum would sometimes go out with a couple of her former workmates to the Friday afternoon session at the Mecca Bingo on Skimpot Road and wasn’t usually home until six thirty. She had arranged to do so on this occasion and so I hadn’t bothered to warn her that I was going to be late home from work. In fact, as a result of my having use of the office car, I was home before she was. I just had time to change out of my work clothes and put on a dark red dress which Louise had given me, and refresh my lipstick when she came in. I chose the dress as it had a low neckline which would show off my newly acquired cleavage to perfection, and I wanted to see whether she would notice,

‘Hi Mum, how did you get on at bingo?’ I asked casually as she came in the front door.

‘Hi Michelle, actually I had a small win - not a fortune, but enough for us to be able to celebrate tonight,’ she replied as she hung up her outdoor coat.

‘Well done!’ I replied. ‘Shall I make a start on cooking us some dinner?’

‘No, I put something in the slow cooker before I left,’ she said, turning towards me. ‘I’ve not seen you wear that dress before,’ she said.

‘No it is the first time I’ve felt able to wear it.’

‘Good heavens you’ve grown breasts!’

I smiled.

‘Not exactly, it’s the effect created by my new breast forms which were fitted earlier this afternoon.’

‘But your cleavage looks just like the real thing.’

‘So you approve of them, then?’ I asked.

‘Well they certainly give you a nice figure, but will they stay in place whilst you are dancing?’

‘I think so; they seem to be stuck on quite securely.’ I said, jiggling them up and down to prove the point.

She smiled and proceeded to examine them more closely.

‘That’s good; there were one or two of my dance costumes which I’d rejected as they seemed to be too low cut for you to be able to use, but it now looks as if you’ll now be able to wear them. We’ll have a good range to choose from when Sarah comes round tomorrow.’

‘I guess so,’ I replied.

‘Hold on a minute, Michelle, I have just the right pendant to go with that dress. It will tend to draw the eye to your latest assets,’ she said laughing.

She disappeared in to her room and came back with a ruby pendant on a thin gold chain, which she placed round my neck.

‘Once your ear piercings have settled down, I also have a pair of matching earrings which you may use as well.’

Over Dinner, we discussed the arrangements for the following day.

‘I’ll be collecting Sarah at 2.00pm, and also taking her home afterwards, but I’m going to need to do some laundry in the morning.

‘Yes, I noticed that you’re going to need some more underclothes; as far as I could see you have only one clean bra and pant set left. Maybe we should also go out shopping together tomorrow morning, before Sarah comes.’

‘I’m afraid I haven’t got much spare cash until I get paid at the end of next week,’ I warned. I’ll have to go into the bank and withdraw some money from my savings account.

(Ever since I’d passed my driving test I’d been saving as much as I could afford towards the purchase of a second-hand car.)

‘That’s alright; as I told you, I was lucky at bingo today and so I should be happy to treat my daughter to some new lingerie.’

As she said this she was looking into my eyes and seemed really pleased with the prospect. In fact I hadn’t seen her so enthusiastic about life for many years.

‘In that case, thank you very much, Mum,’ I replied.

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated.Louise

I’m required to model some of Mum’s costumes Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 16 Mum’s costumes

Going out with Mum on Saturday morning to buy myself some underwear proved to be a novel and enjoyable experience for us both. Whereas I’d hung back and let Sarah decide for me when we went shopping the previous week, on this occasion I took a full part in the proceedings, discussing colours, fabrics and styles and not being afraid to give my own opinions. I’d assumed that Mum would want us to go to one of the larger and more impersonal department stores in town, but she suggested that we went to a specialist shop called Lingerie 2 Go in the appropriately named Stockingstone Road. The assistant there offered to give me a proper bra fitting, which gave rise to some anxiety on my part but Mum came to my rescue saying that I’d only recently been measured and that we knew what we were looking for.

We soon agreed on a light blue lacy bra and pants set for everyday wear, but then Mum pointed to a pale pink lingerie set in my size. It consisted of bra, pants, suspender and camisole.

‘What do you think of these?’ asked Mum.

‘They are very nice, but quite pricey.’

‘As this is the first occasion we've been out together as mother and daughter I think I can afford to treat you.’

‘But when would I get to wear them? I certainly couldn’t dance in them.’

‘No, they wouldn’t be suitable for dancing, but every girl ought to have at least one nice set of lingerie for special occasions,’

I couldn’t envisage any special occasions other than the dance demonstrations, but before I could say so, Mum added:

‘In fact you could wear them this afternoon when your boss comes as you’ll want to be wearing something nice when you model the various dresses for us.’

‘I’ll leave it up to you to decide, Mum, but they are very pretty,’ I replied.

Mum went ahead and purchased both sets of underwear and also a pair of stockings for me to wear with the suspenders.

After collecting Sarah and driving her to our home, the remainder of my afternoon was spent trying on Mum’s different dance costumes and then modelling them in front of the two of them. Virtually everything fitted me, and most of them I liked, although one or two were a little skimpy and provocative for someone in my particular situation. On one occasion Sarah pointed out that my stocking tops were visible through the slit up the side of a skirt, and I had to reassure her that another time, I would have no intention of wearing both items together.

‘You don’t need to worry about underwear for Michelle to wear when she’s dancing, I've several skin coloured body stockings and leotards that she can use so there'll be no danger of treating the audience to unforeseen displays The main thing is what you think of the dresses?’ asked Mum.

‘That ankle length cream gown with the embroidered bodice should be ideal for the Viennese Waltz on Saturday. It has short-sleeves but includes two pairs of matching armbands for the floats,’ said Sarah addressing Mum.

Mum nodded in agreement. I didn’t comment but had to agree with her assessment. The dress looked and felt really lovely to wear as I executed a turn in front of them. The bodice and waist seemed to fit me and the full skirt disguised my lack of more pronounced hips.

‘What do you think Michelle?’ Sarah asked.

‘I like it and it feels good to dance in, but don’t you think that it has rather a low neckline?’

‘Yes but that's no longer such a problem now that you have been fitted with those new breast forms,’ commented Sarah.

‘Good! So we’re agreed on the cream dress for the first dance, then perhaps Michelle could execute a quick change into the dark blue outfit, for the Quickstep, as both the dress and shoes are better suited to the dance?’ continued Mum.

‘Yes, I agree. That dress is both practical and also looks very smart. So that seems to be the next demonstration sorted.’

Mum seemed to be pleased that I was going to be wearing her costumes the following week.

‘By the looks of things we have everything here that Michelle is likely to need over the next few weeks,’ she replied.

‘Are you quite happy with the choice, Michelle?’ asked Sarah.

‘I’m in your hands for the next few weeks and will be happy to take any advice from you both,’ I said smiling.

Turning to Mum, Sarah said: ‘I’d really no idea that you had been so much involved in ballroom dancing at the end of the last century.’

‘Yes it has been a waste to have all these lovely clothes stored away in the attic for so long, but I’ve never been able to face the task of looking through them until now.’

‘I’m glad that you now feel able to do so,’ said Sarah.

Mum smiled and looked at me.

‘It is nice to have someone who will be able to use them at last,’ she said.

As I drove Sarah home later that evening we continued to discuss the arrangements for my forthcoming dances.

‘It now looks as if you are going to have more dance costumes than I do,’ she said, smiling.

‘So it would seem.’

‘And your mother seems to be really enthusiastic about the idea of your dancing.’

‘Yes, as soon as she knew she started to want to help me organise my wardrobe. I don’t remember when she has seemed so positive about the future.’

We arrived at their house and I began to help her to get out of the car.

‘Thanks, Michelle, it has been an enjoyable afternoon and evening and you made an excellent model. In fact I think you make a lovely young woman.’

I blushed and looked away, not sure how to respond to her. She noticed my blushes.

‘Are you still alright with all this?’ she asked, seriously.

‘It would be a bit late for me to be having second thoughts,’ I said, smiling; ‘especially after all the trouble that everyone has taken.’

‘It is just that when I suggested the idea to you two weeks ago, I’d no idea of the extent that Michelle would take over your life.’

‘Nor me,’ I admitted. ‘But Mum seems to be really happy with the change, Helen is more willing to be my friend at work, and of course Joan would never forgive me if I were to back out now after all her hard work.’

‘I suppose so, and it would let Alan down as well,’ she added. ‘But all that's not as important as whether it is the right thing for you.’

‘I seem to be doing alright as Michelle, at least for the time being, so I’ll keep to the plan. Also I get to improve my dancing. So I’d better continue as we planned.’

‘Alright, but when all the demonstrations are over, I want you to know that Rob and I will support you in whatever you decide to do.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘If you want to change back to Michael, we will make sure it happens and that you will still have a job. Equally, if you decide to continue as Michelle for a while that will also be alright, as well.’

‘Thanks Sarah,’ I said, not knowing what to think about what she’d just said to me.

I helped her to her front door, and just as she was about to enter, I came out with something that had been on my mind for a day or two.

‘Sarah, I get the impression that you and Rob trust me more since I became Michelle.’

‘It isn’t a question of our not trusting you as Michael, but you do seem to have more self-confidence and are more mature as a young woman than you were as a young man.’

I sighed, knowing deep down that she was probably right.

After I got home, Mum helped me to try on my two costumes for the next Saturday once again. I was especially pleased with the cream dress, as it seemed to show off my new breasts without giving any indication that they were anything but genuine.

‘So what do you think, Mum,’ I asked as I was standing in front of the full length mirror in the spare room.

‘I think you look truly lovely, Michelle. I’m sure you'll be a credit to everyone who has helped you.’

‘I hope so.’

She began to cry.

‘What is it Mum? What’s the matter?’

‘I’m so proud to have you as my daughter, even if it is only for a few weeks,’ she said sniffing.

I wanted to respond ‘And I’m proud that you see me as your daughter,’ but for some reason was unable to do so. Instead I just murmured my thanks.

‘Why don’t we begin to organise your costumes?’ she asked.

‘Alright’ I replied.

‘I’m afraid that we’re going to need to use the wardrobe in the spare room for your dresses. I suggest that you pack away all of Michael’s clothes in a couple of the smaller suitcases for the time being. We can ask Alan to put them in the loft for us when he comes to collect us on Saturday.’

She seemed so enthused by the idea and so sure of herself that I didn’t have the heart to object.

‘The suitcases won’t be too heavy; if you hold the step ladder for me, I expect I’ll be able to stow them in the loft by myself.’

‘Alright, but change into some jeans first and please take care on the steps; it would be disastrous if you had an accident like your friend.’

Alan and I met up again for another practice session on the Sunday afternoon and evening where we pretty well perfected our Quickstep routine, although we agreed to have a full dress rehearsal on the coming Thursday. We also met up again on the following Tuesday evening at the usual club meeting where we went through the Viennese Waltz with the four other couples who would be dancing with us. They were all fairly experienced with the dance and so everyone felt quite satisfied with the result. In fact Alan and I decided to add an extra fast spin at the end as a final flourish.

‘Wow, you two are really impressive dancing together,’ said Louise to Alan and me after the rehearsal. ‘What else have you got planned for future weeks?’

‘We haven’t really thought very far ahead but we are due to dance the Charleston and American Smooth at the end of October.’

‘Do you have any thoughts about the Charleston, Michelle?’ Alan asked me.

‘How about ‘Black Bottom Stomp’? It’s a Jelly Roll Morton track, which would be ideal. There is a modern recording of it by Wynton Marsalis.’

‘I’ll have a look out for it.’

‘Do you have anything suitable to wear for the Charleston?’ Louise asked me.

‘Yes thanks, Mum has a lovely black beaded flapper dress that will be a lot of fun to dance in.’

‘So what are we going to do for the American Smooth?’ Alan asked me.

(I should perhaps explain that ‘American Smooth’ is a category of ballroom dances rather than an individual dance and can include steps from the Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Tango or Foxtrot, but without many of the usual restrictions traditionally imposed on those dances, with respect to maintaining body contact. The category therefore allows for more elaborate and creative routines, and provides a chance to show off a little with lifts, lady under arm turns, spins, side by side positions, parallel turns, dips, drops and other variations that would never be allowed in traditional ballroom dancing.)

‘Louise, I know that you are going to be responsible for the Latin dances, but would you mind if we danced a Tango in the American Style?’

‘Please go ahead and do whatever you think is best, Michelle. I agreed to cover the Latin dances, but to be honest I am rather dreading the prospect. I'd much prefer to be one of the supporting dancers.’

‘What do you think, Alan?’ I asked.

‘Alright, an American Smooth Tango it is, so long as you are happy to do the choreography and choose the music.’

‘Good, I’ve already had some ideas,’ I replied.

Note: This chapter originally had several hundred additional reads, four or five comments and 40+ kudos when the BC system crashed and they were lost. ;-( Louise

I’m offered more responsibilities at work Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

 
Chapter 17 Progress at work

I allowed myself the small vanity of wearing my dark red dress with the low cut neckline and mum’s pendant into work on Monday morning. It was just low enough to be noticeable but not so low as to cause a riot in the High Street.

‘Very nice, Michelle, your new boobs are just right,’ commented Helen. ‘Don’t you agree Rich?’

Richard looked distinctly embarrassed and muttered his agreement, before getting on with his work. However I did notice him peering down my cleavage at one point later on, when we were supposed to be discussing the details of a new property.

When we were alone later Sarah later whispered to me that I looked very smart and my boobs looked nice but maybe I should avoid creating too much of a distraction at work. She said it in such a nice way that I didn’t feel embarrassed but decided not to repeat the experiment, all the same. In all other respects I continued to do well at work and increasingly found that I was the one dealing with most of the customers who came through the door. One significant development also took place during that second week in October. It began with a suggestion made by Rob on the Wednesday afternoon.

‘Helen, would you be able to drive out to Harpenden tomorrow morning to measure up and take details of that new commission in Overstone Road, as Sarah is now unable to do so?’ he asked.

(Harpenden is a small town about four miles south of Luton, which seemed to be becoming a useful source of new business for us.)

‘Yes, of course, I could drive over first thing, if you like,’ she replied.

‘Sarah and I are planning to be in the office for most of the morning, so maybe you could take Michelle along with you, to show her how it’s done,’ Rob continued.

‘Fine, with two of us it should only take an hour or so.’

‘I should like that,’ I replied pleased to have another opportunity to get out of the office and to undertake a new task.

‘Shall I collect you directly from your mother’s house at 9.30am tomorrow, to save you the bus ride into work?’ Helen asked.

‘Yes, if that will be alright with you, Rob?’

‘Yes, you go ahead, it will make more sense that way.

As a result of Helen’s suggestion I had an extra ninety minutes the following morning and used the opportunity to de-fuzz my legs, arms and armpits, and paint my toenails ready for the weekend. However, Helen arrived ten minutes earlier than she’d originally intended, before I had time to finish putting on my makeup. I called out to Mum to answer the door for me and let her in to my bedroom whilst I hurriedly finished putting on my mascara.

‘Don’t worry, Michelle, we’ve plenty of time, the traffic in town wasn’t as bad as I’d thought,’ said Helen as she came in.

‘I’m almost ready,’ I said as I put the finishing touches to my eyes, brushed my hair and did a final check in the mirror.

I was quite happy with the way I looked so I put my lipstick, mascara and powder compact into my handbag, together with my keys, and some tissues and went to get my coat.

‘Your daughter’s becoming quite an expert at getting herself ready, ‘Helen commented to Mum as we went out the front door together.

‘Yes, I’m very pleased with her progress,’ replied Mum.

During the course of the morning Helen showed me what had to be done when taking down the particulars of any house that was about to go on the market, and what questions needed to be asked of the prospective vendors. We also took a number of digital photographs of each room. As she did so she explained to me what to look out for and how to get the best possible pictures which would make the room seem larger or avoided highlighting any potential problems.

‘There seem to be a number of these houses coming on the market recently,’ said Helen. ‘I suggest you ask Rob if you can deal with the next one on your own.’

‘I should be happy to do so, if they’re willing to trust me,’ I replied.

‘I don’t see why not. We all seem to have got busier over the last few weeks, especially since Sarah has been out of action.’

It occurred to me as we drove back to Dunstable that not once during the course of the morning had Helen made any reference to my past identity. As with Mum, it was almost as if Michael had never existed. She was simply showing her junior colleague, how to do the job.

Helen and I arrived back at the office at about midday, to find Rob and Sarah both looking quite pleased with themselves.

‘Michelle, the Johnson’s have made an offer on that house in Houghton Regis, thanks to your good work last week,’ he said as I entered. ‘As you know they’ve already sold their existing house, so, it looks as if you’ve made your first house sale - congratulations!’

‘That’s wonderful,’ I said, feeling really pleased with my day.

‘May we both have a word with you in the back office?’ he continued.

I followed them in and closed the door.

‘I’ve been in touch with the vendors and they have accepted the offer. The Johnsons will be coming in to our office on Monday morning to sign the relevant forms and let us know who will be handling the legal aspects of the sale for them.’

He now began to look a little awkward.

‘Under normal circumstances Sarah and I would have asked you to deal with them and then to liaise with the solicitors for both the buyers and sellers to ensure that the sale goes through without a hitch,’

‘But not on this occasion?’ I said, feeling a little disappointed not to be given yet another responsibility.

‘Well, we haven’t decided as yet,’ said Rob.

I looked at him, puzzled.

‘It usually takes about four to five weeks for a sale to go through where there is no mortgage required, which could take you beyond your promise to remain as Michelle. There are also sometimes hold ups and in a few cases the process can take two months or more. What would happen if you’d started dealing with the matter as Michelle, and then there proved to be a delay?’ asked Sarah.

‘It would be embarrassing for all concerned,’ added Rob.

‘If you were willing to trust me to take on the job I would have to continue as I was until everything was satisfactorily completed,’ I said.

‘Are you sure about that?’ said Sarah.

I was about to answer but Rob spoke first.

‘Before you say anything more, let me put to you a suggestion from Sarah. One reason why I sent you both out this morning was that we needed to talk together about the business and also sound out the opinion of Richard. As you know, our business seems to have picked up quite well over the last few weeks, which is very good news, but it has coincided with the time when Sarah has been confined to the office because of her accident. We are going to need some extra help until the end of the year, but we are not in a position to make a permanent appointment. Sarah has suggested that we should offer you a temporary promotion for three months, as a trainee negotiator and offer the two weekend staff additional hours of work to take on some of your clerical duties. We would backdate the promotion to 1st October and pay you at the higher rate until the end of December. By that time Sarah should be fully fit once again.’

‘You are quite young for such a promotion, but we think that you have shown yourself capable of doing the job, and Richard agrees,’ added Sarah. ‘But it would be on the understanding that ‘Michelle’ is available until the end of the year.’

‘So what do you think?’ asked Rob.

‘I’m not sure. I would like the work and the extra responsibility but it would almost double the amount of time I was remaining as Michelle.’

‘It would also mean that you get out of the office much more,’ added Sarah.

‘I’ll need a little time to think about it and perhaps talk to Mum, as well.’

‘Yes of course. The Johnsons are not due to come in until Monday afternoon, so we have until Monday morning to decide what to do. See how you feel after Saturday’s demonstration before making up your mind?’ suggested Sarah.

There was no question that my life had become somewhat more interesting and eventful since the advent of Michelle just over two weeks ago but I didn’t know what to think about Rob and Sarah’s offer. I didn’t feel ready to discuss it with Helen until I’d had time to think it through and so I was relieved to find that she had left for her lunch by the time I emerged from the office. I delayed going for my own lunch break until she had returned, and by the time I got back the office was again quite busy and so we had no time to talk.

As we were closing for the evening Helen came up to me.

‘I’m having a day off tomorrow, shopping in London with my sister so I won’t be able to wish you good luck, but I’ll see you dancing on Saturday afternoon. I am meeting up with Richard tonight who will show me how to operate a second video camera.’

‘Oh yes, I remember,’ I replied.

‘I doubt if I’ll be much good but he thinks I should be able to get some reasonable shots which he can mix in with his own to create a better video.’

‘I hope you have a good time then, both tonight and tomorrow,’ I replied.

I wasn’t jealous of Helen, who’d been a good friend to me over the last two weeks. I was, however, surprised to discover that I felt just a touch of envy because she could go out clothes shopping with her sister and had plenty of boyfriends. I was also slightly sad that Richard had thought nothing about asking her out, but would never do so to me.

During the ten days since Mum had known me as Michelle, she was true to her word and treated me as if I were her daughter, only ever referring to me by my new name and acting as if she’d never had a son. At first this seemed a little strange, but I gradually got used to the idea. In some respects, I found that my relationship with her had become closer as a result of the change and so I was happy enough to go along with the fiction. It wasn’t that we hadn’t got on well together before so much as we seemed better able to understand and relate to one another as mother and daughter. I wasn’t sure whether it was me or Mum who had most altered or perhaps a combination of the two of us. She often made helpful suggestions about the clothes that I wore for work or how I might deal with my hair.

Mum seemed more than willing to take over the responsibility for my costumes and grooming at the forthcoming demonstrations and Sarah was equally happy to leave the matter in her hands. Mum made sure that the dresses were clean and packed so that they would not become creased. On Thursday evening she also helped me to wash and style my hair ready for the dress rehearsal on Friday evening and the performance on Saturday. I had intended to mention the offer of a temporary promotion to the end of December to her, but in the end decided that my main preoccupation should be the dancing, and that discussion of my future plans could wait until later, after I’d had more time to consider the implications of the offer. I’d been having a great time as Michelle, but I was still unsure whether it would be right for me to remain living as a girl once I was no longer required to do so for my dancing.

Next time: Our second demonstration dance

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated.Louise

The reason why this chapter has so fewer reads, kudos and comments compared to the other chapters of the story is that the original posting was lost when the BigCloset servers crashed.

Our second demonstration dance Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright© 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Our dress rehearsal on Friday evening went according to plan. Mum and David both came along and Mum helped me to put on the long cream dress and make the finishing touches to my hair. We then performed our Viennese Waltz, this time incorporating the spin that we intended to tack on to the end of the dance. Executing a fast quadruple spin without getting giddy was no easy task, especially whilst wearing somewhat higher heels than I’d grown used to at work, but I’d always been taught to dance on the balls of my feet and was getting used to the higher heels. Mum and David were enthusiastic with our efforts although they also made a couple of last minute suggestions. I then did a quick change into the purple and gold dress for the Quickstep, which also went to plan. Once again there was a mixture of congratulation coupled with a couple of minor suggestions from our audience.

‘OK. I think we’re all set for tomorrow,’ announced Alan after we’d performed it for a second time.

Then, turning to my mother, he said: ‘David and I were wondering whether you and your daughter would like to come out for a meal after the demonstration tomorrow evening, Mrs Williams. I haven’t thanked you properly for giving me that suit belonging to your late husband.’

‘I’m sure that we would both love to go,’ said Mum, without even consulting me, ‘and do please call me Jean.’

There was a perceptible difference in the way that Alan and I were received for our second demonstration, compared to the first. Two weeks before there had been a degree of doubt about the wisdom of our dancing together, and of my role in particular, but now we’d proved ourselves in one successful demonstration and this had been confirmed during a couple of subsequent rehearsals. We were therefore accepted as the principal representatives of the society and accorded respect as such.

I’d arrived at the venue, together with Mum, an hour before Alan and David, as it would inevitably take me longer to get ready. I was whisked off to the ladies’ changing room where Joan proceeded to remove my breast forms and check that all was well, before carefully re-attaching them. She also inspected my hair, nails and earlobes and declared herself happy with them.

‘Congratulations, Michelle, my efforts haven’t been in vain,’ she said.

‘Thanks in part to Mum.’ I said.

‘Would it be safe for us to replace those studs with proper earrings?’ asked Mum. ‘I’ve brought along some crystal drops just in case.’

(As a rule dancers don’t wear a lot of jewellery as it can get in the way, but nice earrings were the one exception.)

‘I’ll put them in for you if you wish,’ replied Joan. ‘But once I have done so it may be wise to leave them in place for a few more days just to make sure.’

‘Go ahead then,’ I replied. ‘Crystal drop earrings should look alright with both of my dresses today and won’t look out of place when I go into work next week.’

Once my new earrings were successfully in place, and she had sprayed on some antiseptic Joan was happy to leave me in Mum’s capable hands to finish my hair and makeup and get dressed whilst she helped some of the other lady dancers to get ready. Mum brushed my hair up and back to form a neat pony tail held by a band, and then proceeded to thread it through a sock with the toes cut off and rolled up to create a soft doughnut shape. Once this was in place. Mum spread my hair around it and pinned it in to place to create a tidy bun that would keep my hair out of my face whilst dancing and not be a distraction either to me or the audience. She finished it off by inserting a few hairpins with crystal tips that would sparkle in the light to match my earrings and the embroidery on the bodice of my dress.

Mum put somewhat more makeup on me than I was used to wearing for work, but I realised that it would be necessary because of the strong lights. Then she helped me to put on the long cream dress and shoes and attach the arm and wrist bands for the four floats.

‘How are the shoes, Michelle?’ she asked.

‘OK, I feel much more confident wearing high heels these days.’

‘Good, now remember everything I have told you.’

Sarah arrived ten minutes before we were scheduled to start, just to check that all was well.

‘Wow, Michelle, you look so lovely in that dress. I’m so glad that we enlisted your mother’s help.’

‘Me too,’ I said, smiling and then made my way with the other ladies to where our partners were waiting for us.

There is not a lot more I can say about our Viennese Waltz that I have not already said. We waited for the plaintive sound of the trumpet solo at the start of ’The Godfather’ to begin our waltz. We danced well – in fact everybody danced well - and the fast pivot turns executed by Alan and I at the end secured us all a standing ovation. But unfortunately I wasn’t able to listen to all the compliments forthcoming for as soon as the applause had died down and I’d regained my breath I was whisked off by Mum to change my dress and get ready for our solo Quickstep. Alan, on the other hand, could hang around for all the congratulations of his colleagues and the audience as he had no need to change. In this respect there were decided advantages to being a guy although I had to admit that getting myself ready was part of the fun.

‘You did very well with that Viennese Waltz, Michelle, it was a real credit to me and your father,’ said Mum smiling as she helped me out of the cream dress and put on the purple one. ‘However, it is the Quickstep which really shows a true dancer.’

‘I can only do my best, Mum,’ I replied.

‘Yes of course, dear, but you’re a good dancer and you also have a good partner so I’m sure you will both do well.’

Twenty minutes later I joined Alan backstage whilst we waited for our solo dance to be announced.

‘Michelle, you look amazing and dance wonderfully,’ he said.

‘Thank you,’ I said colouring slightly, but also feeling as if the compliment had been earned. ‘Let’s hope this next one lives up to the standard we’ve set so far.’

This time it was Rob who did the announcing: ‘Now we come to the solo demonstration – with Luton’s answer to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers – it’s Alan Page and Michelle Williams.’

We stepped out on to the dance floor to the enthusiastic applause of the audience, and took our places. Over the years I’ve admired the dancing of Gene Kelly and Rita Hayworth, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey and John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John but, as far as I was concerned, none of them could ever match Astaire and Rogers. Three weeks earlier the idea that I might one day dance in either of their roles would have seen quite ridiculous to me, especially that of Ginger Rogers who had always been my true heroine. Yet here I was about to go and take her part. The orchestral intro began and we started our routine. The liquid voice of Nat King Cole spread across the dance floor.

‘There may be trouble ahead …’

The remainder of the dance was obscured by the sheer pleasure of immersing ourselves in the music and that warm baritone voice. I can honestly say that I’d no idea how well we’d danced until the enthusiastic applause brought me back to earth and I received a hug and kiss from my partner who was clearly delighted with us both.

As soon as Alan led me off the floor, Mum, David, Sarah Rob, Louise and just about everyone else that I knew crowded round to offer us their congratulations. This time I did not have to rush away to get changed, but could bask in the good wishes and congratulations of both our friends and those we’d never seen before.

‘You two were spectacular,’ said a middle aged guy, that I didn’t recognise, ‘especially you, young lady.’

We both thanked him. He then turned to Alan.

‘I don’t suppose you would be interested in giving another demonstration like that to our dance society in Bristol?’

(He didn’t exactly say that he didn’t want to trouble my pretty little head with business matters, but I had the impression that he probably thought as much.)

‘Are you talking about all four couples or just the two of us?’ asked Alan.

‘Just you two of you, if you could adapt the Viennese Waltz to become a solo partner piece.’

‘Our fee would be £500 for an afternoon’s demonstration,’ Alan continued, without even consulting me.

The guy didn’t go white or choke as I’d half expected.

‘Plus expenses,’ added Alan as an afterthought.

‘Of course, He replied. ‘But I’ll need to discuss possible dates with my committee and then come back to you.’

He then took Alan’s mobile number before leaving us.

I was just a tiny bit put out that neither of them had bothered to consult me on this matter.

‘I expect that’s the last you will hear from him,’ I said, to lessen his enthusiasm.

‘I’m not so sure. We may as well earn ourselves some money for the time we've taken in practice,’ said Alan.

‘Alright but if he does ring back remember that I’ll only have two Saturdays free between now and the date I’ve completed my set of dances.’

I hadn’t said anything about Sarah’s offer of a promotion, with the implication of an extended period living as Michelle, as I’d still not made up my mind what to do about it. In any event, I wanted to discuss it with Mum first.

Alan left me to find David and after acknowledging a few enthusiastic comments from strangers and even signing an autograph for a thirteen year old budding girl dancer, who told me that I was ‘awesome’, I looked around for someone that I knew to talk to. I noticed that Mum, Helen and Sarah were talking to one another whilst sitting at a table, and so I went over to join them.

‘Oh Michelle, I’m so envious of you to be able to dance like that,’ said Helen as I approached. ‘You danced so beautifully.’

I coloured and thanked her.

‘I’d no idea that she would be so good. That Quickstep was faultless,’ added Sarah, almost in a state of shock.

Mum nodded her head, knowingly.

‘It is partly a matter of her having the right partner, but there is no question that she has real talent. I don’t think I have ever felt so proud of my child as I did this afternoon,’ she announced.

All of this congratulation was beginning to get embarrassing for me, so I smiled and left them to continue their conversation, hoping that I might have a word with Richard, who I felt sure would not be quite so gushing. I also wanted to see whether he had videoed us successfully. I found him but he seemed to be deep in conversation with some other guy that I’d never seen before. I therefore made my way back to the ladies’ changing room where I changed into some more normal clothes. I also removed my stage makeup, replacing it with the cosmetics that I wore to work. However, Mum had done such a good job with the sock bun in my hair that I decided to leave it in place.

Next time: Mum has an idea for a future costume for me

As usual, thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated.Louise

Our second demonstration dance Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright© 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Alan and his partner treated Mum and me to an early dinner at a Brasserie near to the town centre in Luton as a thank you for the clothes she had given to Alan. On this occasion our joint performance was subjected to a slightly more considered examination by Mum and David now that the initial euphoria had died down. Nevertheless, all concerned agreed that we’d done pretty well in both dances. So far, the two demonstration sessions had been a credit to all concerned, if only we could maintain the standard. By the time we got to the coffee at the end of the meal we were beginning to look forward to the third session scheduled for 24th October.

‘So what have you two got planned for the Tango?’ asked Mum.

‘I think it’s time we did something a little more contemporary. How would you feel about ‘Ain't no other man’ by Christina Aguilera?’ I asked Alan. ‘It’s a bit of a mixture of styles with elements of pop, R&B, funk and jazz but with 129 beats per minute and a clear and consistent dance rhythm it should be ideal for an American Tango.’

‘How long does it last?’ asked David.

‘Just under three and three-quarter minutes,’ I replied.

‘It’s the right length but sounds a little raw for my taste, but you two are the dancers so you must decide,’ said Mum.

‘I’ll trust your judgment, Michelle, so please go ahead and prepare the choreography,’ said Alan.

I smiled.

‘I’ve already done so; we can have a run through tomorrow afternoon if you’re free.’

Alan looked at David to check that he didn’t object and then agreed to go ahead.

‘Have you had a chance to listen to ‘Black Bottom Stomp,’ for the Charleston?’ I asked.

‘Yes, and there is nothing contemporary about that, it takes you straight back to the 1920s, but I suppose it would be good for the Charleston.’

‘It is four minutes and twenty seconds long so I suggest we incorporate both a group dance with the others and a one minute solo partner piece for ourselves in both open and closed positions.’

(The open position is when the couple are dancing side by side, perhaps holding hands, and the closed position is when they are dancing face-to face.)

‘Are you planning to include a tap-routine?’ he asked.

‘Are you able to tap-dance?’

‘A little but not well enough for a demonstration, I’m afraid.’

‘In that case we had better not do so,’ I said.

‘You’re the boss, but I don’t see why you shouldn’t incorporate a solo tap routine for yourself.’

‘I’m not sure, I’ll think about it,’ I replied.

‘Alright, just work out what you want us all to do and we’ll run through it with the others on Tuesday evening.’

It was at this point that Richard and Helen arrived, having by chance chosen the same restaurant as us. I felt a twinge of envy at who she was with when I noticed them come through the door. Helen saw us, smiled, waved, and came over to our table for a few words whilst her partner confirmed their reservation.

‘Hi again, everyone, are you having a post-mortem?’ she asked.

‘Yes, and planning our next couple of dances,’ I replied.

‘We’ve just been looking at the two videos that we took and between us we have some excellent shots ready to edit together and put up on You Tube.’

Richard joined us, together with the waiter, who was planning to show them to their table.

‘Hi Michelle, Alan; I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to congratulate you both after your dances earlier, but I was button-holed by some guy wanting to know all about our filming of the dances. He also wanted to know when you two would be dancing again so that he can bring some others to see you.’

‘What was that all about?’ asked Alan.

‘I’ve no idea but I eventually managed to pass him on to Rob.’

The waiter coughed politely as if to say that he didn’t have all evening to wait for them. So they turned to follow him to their table, but one further thought occurred to Richard, as he was leaving.

‘By the way, Michelle; congratulations on your acting promotion.’

‘Yes, well done, I was really pleased for you when Richard told me,’ added Helen.

I smiled and thanked them both, but wished he hadn’t said it.

‘Acting promotion? What acting promotion is that?’ asked Mum.

‘Rob and Sarah have asked me if I would be willing to take on some of her duties whilst her leg is in plaster, in return for a temporary pay rise. However, I haven’t decided whether to accept yet.’

‘Why not?’

‘It would mean that I’d have to remain as Michelle until the end of this year.’

‘But that’s wonderful news,’ said Alan. ‘Then you would be able to take over the four Latin American demonstrations from Louise as well.’

‘I couldn’t do that; she has already agreed to do them.’

‘Alan and I were talking to Louise about her forthcoming demonstrations earlier this afternoon. I think she may be beginning to get cold feet about taking the lead, especially as you two have set such a high standard. I think she would prefer to be one of the supporting couples,’ said David.

‘And it would also give us some more possible dates for that demonstration in Bristol,’ added Alan.

‘If you haven’t frightened them off with the exorbitant fees,’ I said.

‘I don’t think five hundred pounds is exorbitant; if they want good quality dancers they should be prepared to pay for them.’

There was a brief lull in the conversation, but then Mum decided to contribute.

‘Well of course it’s up to you to decide, Michelle, but personally I think you would be foolish not to take full advantage of this opportunity.’

With three of them against me, and myself unresolved about the matter in the first place, it wasn’t too long before I’d promised to accept the offer of an acting promotion at work, and also to speak to Louise to see how she would feel about my taking over the lead from her in those demonstrations scheduled for late November and early December. I also agreed that Alan could go ahead and offer our services as visiting dancers on any free Saturday between now and Christmas, so long as Mum would also be able to come with me to help me get myself ready.

Alan and David gave the two of us a lift home and so we were in by nine thirty and had carefully packed away my costumes.

Mum turned to me and said: ‘We’ll soon have to start thinking about your costumes for next time, Michelle.’

‘I was wondering if I might wear your flapper dress for The Charleston, the one with the beadwork, if that is alright?’

‘Yes, of course, it would be ideal, and you will need the shoes as well.’

‘Yes please since high heels were unknown in the early 1920s.’

‘Also you wouldn’t be able to perform a solo tap routine in the midst of the dance, if you are wearing heels.’

‘I was planning to skip that as Alan is not a very experienced tap dancer.’

‘You could give him a few fairly simple steps to begin with and then respond with a more complex demonstration.’

‘Won’t that look a bit like me showing off?’ I asked

‘Not at all, you are merely showing to the audience that the Charleston can be danced solo or by couples in the open and the closed positions, and also that tap can be an element in the dance.’

‘I’ll work out a couple of possible alternatives and see what Alan thinks about it tomorrow.’

‘By the way, I think that I may also have exactly the right dress for your Tango.’

‘Which one is that?’ I asked.

‘I can’t show it to you it at present, but I do know where to find it. I was disappointed to find that one of my favourite dresses was missing when we got the trunk down from the loft, but I now remember that I’d put it away in a separate holdall as it needed some attention. I’m sure it is still up in the loft. Would Alan mind getting it for us tomorrow when he comes to collect you for your practice?’

‘I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, but I’m equally sure that I would be capable of retrieving a bag from the loft without Alan’s help.’

‘Alright, dear, but change into some jeans first and please take care on the ladder.’

Ten minutes later I was up in the loft with a flashlight following her instructions. Soon afterwards I emerged with a pink holdall.

‘Is this the one?’ I asked.

‘Yes I think so, let me have a look inside.’

I handed it down to her and she had a quick look inside before confirming that it was the one she was looking for and that I might now come down, close the loft door and pack away the steps.

‘Aren’t you going to show me?’ I asked as she had zipped up again.

‘No the dress will need to be checked over, aired and ironed before you see it so you’ll have to wait for a while. I’ll have both of the dresses ready for you to try on by Monday evening.’

‘Alright then, I’ll look forward to seeing them.’

Having spent most of my day looking quite glamorous, I now felt a little bit scruffy wearing jeans and a pink sweatshirt given to me by Sonia. I therefore changed back into the dress that I’d been wearing.

‘If you are going to remain as Michelle for an extra six weeks then you are going to need some more clothes, you won’t only be able to manage with those you have borrowed.’

‘I suppose so. I have nearly a thousand pounds in my deposit account, as I’ll be earning some more money over the next few weeks, perhaps I could dip into that and get myself some clothes.’

‘Alright and maybe I could get you something nice as an early Christmas present, as well.’

‘But Christmas is ten weeks away!’ I said.

‘Yes, but you know I like to be organised in plenty of time.’

‘I’m likely to be out of the office much more from now onwards and so we could meet up in Luton and do some shopping together during my lunch breaks or after I finish work sometime, if you like,’ I suggested.

‘I knew that I was going to enjoy having a daughter,’ said Mum, smiling.

I smiled back, but I was beginning to wonder about the future. I had to admit that I was enjoying myself as Michelle, especially for the opportunities it was giving me both to improve my dancing and also to take on new responsibilities at work. I was also pleased that Mum was so positive about it, but how easy was it going to be to extricate myself at the end of the year?

Alan and I had our first Tango practice session the following day and, as I expected, we didn’t do at all badly. In its original form the Argentine Tango was supposed to portray the love-hate relationship between a prostitute and her pimp and was filled with aggressive and suggestive moves. However, over the years a simpler, less vulgar, form was developed for popular consumption. The American style, in particular, became extremely popular and influenced many famous dancers of the stage and screen. It was this ‘toned down’ version we were planning to dance. Whether anyone would go for the more authentic Argentinian version later in the series remained to be seen, as the four ‘Latin dances’ for the last two sessions had not yet been decided.

Alan was not a particularly imaginative choreographer, but he was good at picking up new dances quickly and offering suggestions as to how they might be improved, so between us we made a good team. Thus after ninety minutes of practice we were both satisfied with our progress. We then decided to do a quick run through of my ideas for the Charleston before meeting up with the other couples on Tuesday.

‘Mum thinks that we ought to include a brief tap routine in the Charleston. If I give you a fairly simple intro incorporating a few basic steps, how would you feel if I then responded with a flourish?’

‘Great idea, let’s go for it.’

I showed him what I had in mind and we agreed to incorporate it in our planned routine. We also agreed to have one further session with the two of us on the Thursday as he and David were planning to be away the following weekend.

Next time: Additional duties

I shall be overseas next week, returning on 9th March. I will post the next chapter as soon as I can after my return.
Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated.Louise

New responsibilities at work Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright© 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 20 New duties

Sarah seemed to be happy but not particularly surprised when I announced on Monday morning that I was willing to accept the additional responsibilities offered, and straightaway asked me to deal with the Johnsons when they came in that afternoon. Rob, had had to go out to meet a client first thing and so she told him later. By this time the others were all out of the office so he asked to have a word with me in the back office whilst Sarah dealt with anyone who came in to the shop.

‘I’m glad that you’ve accepted our offer, Michelle. I believe that Sarah has mentioned, we would like you to take over as liaison between the vendors and purchasers for the Houghton Regis sale.’

‘Yes, I’m looking forward to it and will be seeing the purchasers when they come in later today.’

‘You will also have to deal with any issues raised by the vendors’ legal department.

‘I know, I understand from Helen that the best way is to get on friendly terms with their secretaries, that way you will tend to get things done more quickly,’ I replied.

‘I hope you don’t mind remaining as Michelle whilst it is all happening. The vendors are important clients who could give us more business which might keep us going during the recession. I want to give them the impression that we are an efficient company with a ‘professional’ staff.

‘So you think that Michelle is likely to be more ‘professional’ at her job than Michael was at his?’ I asked, teasing a little.

He looked a little embarrassed.

‘Well you said it, not me. I’m sure that Mike would have grown into the job in time, but somehow Michelle seems more ready to take on additional responsibilities. The main thing though is that I wouldn’t want them dealing with Michelle one week and then Michael the next.’

‘I understand, and you don’t need to worry Rob. It has been my decision to remain as Michelle; nobody has been pressuring me and it isn’t only because of work. I feel that Alan and I have done quite well so far with the demonstrations. I’ve had a long talk with Louise who would be more than happy for me to take over responsibility for her dances as well, so I would need to remain as a girl until early December, in any event.’

He smiled.

‘You and Alan haven’t just done ‘quite well’, you have both been brilliant and make an excellent partnership, so I’m pleased to hear that you are now offering to take over the remaining dances. I had wondered whether Sarah had strong-armed Louise into taking them over in the first place,’ he replied.

‘As she did with me,’ I replied smiling. ‘But please don’t worry. Of course I am sorry about Sarah’s accident but in the event I’m quite happy with the way things have worked out for me. In fact my decision to continue may even give Alan and I a chance to earn ourselves a little extra money before Christmas, if the Bristol group decide they want us to repeat our demonstration for them.’

‘What you do at weekends is up to you, but I think that you should also begin getting out of the office a little more to see how things are done. To begin with this will probably involve you going out with myself, Richard or Helen until we can send you out on your own.

‘What about my existing clerical duties?’

Sarah will do some of them as she is going to be tied to the office for the next few weeks. We can also leave some tasks for the weekend staff, but I hope we will all muck in and do whatever needs to be done.’

‘Yes, of course. I’ll be happy to do so.’

‘Sarah, Helen and I are all going to be in the office tomorrow, so how would you feel about going out with Richard for the day? He has to survey a house and some farm buildings near Leighton Buzzard and could do with an assistant to hold the tape and take notes. It will give you more of an idea of what he does.’

‘I would enjoy that very much.’

‘You may need to dress in a trouser suit and some sensible shoes, if you have some.’

‘I’m sure I can borrow one, and I keep a pair of flat heels at work in case I ever need to drive the car,’ I replied.

I told Mum about the latest developments at work over dinner that evening, and she offered to loan me her dark grey trouser suit which she said would be equally suitable for a girl my age to wear to work.

‘So who is this Richard?’ she asked.

‘He’s the guy you saw with my friend Helen on Saturday, the one who made a video of us dancing. He’s a qualified surveyor.’

‘Oh yes, he didn’t say much.’

‘I suppose not, but he is an excellent cameraman.’

‘I’m pleased that you’re being given more opportunities and responsibilities.

‘Yes; me too.’

‘They must think highly of you, after all you are still quite young to be representing the company.’

‘I guess so,’ I replied, conscious that Helen had been twenty-one before she’d been given such responsibilities, but I suppose Sarah’s accident had created an unexpected opening for me, albeit a temporary one.

Mum now seemed anxious to move on to another subject.

‘As we’ve finished dinner we can sort out your costumes for the next demonstration, if you like, Michelle.’

‘Alright,’ I said ‘I was wondering if you were planning to do so.’

‘You will find my black flapper-style dress hanging in your wardrobe. Why don’t you put it on and I’ll go and get the other accessories?’

It was a three-quarter length, sleeveless dress and so it was just as well that I now defuzzed my arms and armpits as a matter of course. The dress had a tassled hem, and 1920's art deco style beadwork, front and back. It had rather a low neck and I wouldn’t have been able to wear it without my latest breast forms, which I was now quite used to wearing. I put on the dress together with Mum’s black tap shoes, and she arrived with a matching headpiece with a feather, a feather boa and a long black bead necklace, which I also put on. I looked at myself in the mirror and felt like a character attending one of the The Great Gatsby’s famous parties. I couldn’t wait to show off the outfit to Alan and the other dancers.

‘The dress comes with a pair of elbow length black gloves, but I doubt if you would want to wear them when you’re dancing.’

‘I suppose I could start off with them, and then get Alan to pull them off for me during the course of the dance,’ I said half in jest.

‘You’re supposed to be dancing the Charleston, not doing a striptease,’ said Mum, fairly primly.

‘Alright, but do you mind if I wear this dress and the accessories to the rehearsal tomorrow night so I can show the others what I have in mind?’

‘Yes, go ahead but make sure it doesn’t get dirty as it is the devil to clean with all that beadwork.’

‘So that is my costume for the Charleston sorted, what do you have in mind for the Tango?’ I asked.

‘Come through to my bedroom, I’ve something to show you.’

Mum opened her wardrobe and took out a dress which she hung on the door so that I could inspect it. I’d not seen it before, or at least I’d only ever seen it in the photograph that Mum showed to me on the first occasion she had met me as Michelle. It was the full length deep carmine red dress which she’d worn when she won her first championship. It was backless, but with a halter-style neck and the front decorated with silver and rhinestones to represent a bird’s feathers. It also came with a matching net underskirt, and two matching floats attached to rhinestone armbands and two rhinestone bracelets. (It is the dress that I’m wearing in the picture attached to this story.)

‘This used to be my favourite dress and has many happy memories for me. I think it should be ideal for you when you dance the Tango.’

‘Wow, Mum, it looks really gorgeous,’ I said.

‘Yes it does and moves well whilst you are dancing as well. Would you like to try it on?’

‘Are you sure that you want me to wear it?’ I asked.

‘Of course I am. Once I stopped dancing for a while when I was pregnant with you I began to put on some weight in my hips and was never able to wear it again. I was intending to alter it but never got round to doing so. I think it should be alright for you to wear, though.’

‘Shall we see whether or not it fits me?’

‘As it is backless you won’t be able to wear a bra but there are bra cups sewn in to the bodice which will keep your boobs under control whilst you are dancing.’

It no longer seemed odd to be discussing my boobs with Mum.

‘Alright,’ I said removing my bra and stepping in to the dress.

‘It might have been made for you and seems apart from the fastening at the back which requires a little attention,’ said Mum. ‘I’ll have to use a safety pin for now but I can easily fix that for you.'

I looked at myself in the full-length mirror but didn’t say anything.

‘I always found the dress was good to dance in, and never hampered my movement in any way,’ she continued. ‘So what do you think?’

‘I think the dress is lovely but the colour is rather bright. Are you sure that it looks alright on me?

‘Yes of course I’m sure. It is called American Rose,’ she replied. ‘If you are going to wear the dress we will have to get you some lipstick and nail varnish to match.’

‘What about shoes?’ I asked.

‘I used to wear this dress with a pair of black high heeled dance shoes,’ she replied.

‘In that case I’ll do the same.’

I retrieved a pair from my room and put them on.

‘What do you think?’

‘They look great. There are some rhinestone grips to wear in your hair and a red ribbon to match the dress.’

She made a few final adjustments and then I got up and again walked over to the full-length mirror.

‘I think you should look pretty eye-catching dancing the Tango in that, what do you think?’ she asked.

‘Oh Mum, I should love to be able to wear it.’

‘Good, I would love you to wear it as well,’ she said smiling. ‘So that is your two costumes for the next demonstration decided.

‘Fine, I’ll take your flapper dress to a rehearsal, but I intend to keep this one a secret until the day of the demonstration and surprise everyone.’

‘Maybe you had better tell Sarah what you are planning.’

‘Alright but it will be a surprise to all of the other dancers.’

If I’d learned one thing during the two and a half weeks that I’d been living as Michelle full-time, it was how important the right outfit and grooming were to how a woman feels about herself, whether at home, at work or when she was in some social situation. As Michael, so long as I was wearing clothes that were clean and reasonably smart, that was all that I thought about the matter, but things were somewhat more complicated for Michelle. I now gave thought to what clothes were going to be appropriate in terms of look, style, and practicality. I was now more conscious of how I looked and regularly glanced in the mirror to make sure that my hair was tidy and to check whether my makeup needed refreshing. In some respects this was a bit of a chore, but was more than compensated for by the pleasure one felt at looking good. This was equally true on the dance floor, at work and at home.

Next time: Working with Richard.

I am now back from my travels and so I will endeavour to resume weekly postings at weekends. Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated.Louise

Working with Richard Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright© 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 21 Working with Richard

Apart from my brief venture into our loft, the following day was the first time in a fortnight that I’d worn a pair of trousers rather than a skirt or a dress. There was no doubt that I was going in to work as Michelle, though, since I was wearing the pale pink silk blouse and still retained the crystal drop earrings from the previous weekend. I also had to wear the pink lingerie set that Mum had bought for me recently as they were the only clean underclothes I had left. This set included a suspender belt and came with a pair of stockings, which was just as well as I had also run out of tights and didn’t wish to go into work wearing a pair of socks if I could avoid it. Mum was going to do some laundry that day and so I would probably be alright for the remainder of the week, but this reminded me that now Michelle was going to be around for the next two and a half months I was going to need some more clothes. I therefore promised myself to take some money from my savings account and treat myself to some new sets of underwear and pairs of tights at the first available opportunity.

I made the journey into work wearing my heels, as usual, intending to change into my flats when I needed to go out with Richard. I also took in Mum’s flapper-style dress and accessories with me together my tap shoes. I was planning to meet up with Alan immediately after work for a quick practice session before we unveiled our plans to the other dancers. I suppose I could have danced the Charleston wearing the trouser suit but I was keen to show the others the effect I hoped to achieve.

‘I see you are wearing stockings and suspenders today – very sexy,’ whispered Helen to me as I was changing my shoes.

‘It was all I had left that was clean,’ I said blushing slightly.

‘Oh, I assumed they were for Richard’s benefit,’ she replied, with a wicked grin, but then noticed I was getting embarrassed.

‘Sorry; I was only teasing,’ she said.

‘But how did you know?’ I asked.

‘How did I know what? That you were wearing stockings or that you quite like the look of our surveyor?’

‘The former, of course, since the latter isn’t even true,’ I said, continuing to blush.

‘The rubber discs that hold up your stockings make a slight protrusion mark under your trousers which is visible when you bend over or sit down,’ she replied.

It occurred to me that girls were much more observant about such things than men.

Richard and I left the office together at ten o’clock and spent most of the remainder of the morning beyond Leighton Buzzard where he had to survey some farm buildings. He was more business-like and not so chatty as Helen during the twenty-five minute car journey but he answered all my questions about what he did. When we got to the farm he clearly explained to me what he wanted me to do, and why, so I had no difficulty following his instructions. In fact we worked well together and had completed all the survey work shortly before one o’clock.

‘We’ve finished sooner than I’d expected but it’s going to take us some time to drive back to the office; how would you fancy having some lunch at a local pub first?’ he asked.

‘Alright, that would be fine by me,’ I replied, even though it would mean that I would have to defer my planned lingerie shopping expedition for a day or so.

He drove us to ‘The Grand Union at the Three Locks’ at Stoke Hammond nearby. As its name suggested it was a refurbished canal-side inn, somewhat more expensive than I would normally wish to pay for my lunch during the week.

‘What would you like to eat, Michelle?’ he asked. ‘I’ll treat you.’

‘Thanks, but I can pay for my own lunch,’ I said and went ahead and ordered and paid for a toasted sandwich.

‘Well at least let me buy you a drink to thank you for your help this morning.’

‘Alright then, I’ll have an orange juice please.’

I retired to the ‘Ladies’ to check on my hair and makeup whilst he waited for our orders to be prepared. I emerged just as he was carrying them over to a table near to the window.

‘Thanks, Richard,’ I said with a smile as I sat down.

‘Thank you for your help this morning.’

I was about to reply that it was part of my job, but stopped myself from doing so as this might sound ungracious. I therefore responded with a smile and a nod. Then there was an awkward silence where neither of us knew what to say next.

‘Come on, say something, it’s the guy’s job to initiate the conversation, after all,’ I thought to myself, but apparently to no avail.

The silence was beginning to get embarrassing.

‘To be honest, I was a little surprised that you are willing to be seen out with me in public,’ I offered, and then wished I hadn’t said it.

He looked a little awkward.

‘Maybe for the first few days I wasn’t sure what to make of ‘Michelle’, I suppose I thought of you as a guy pretending to be a girl,’ he replied.

‘But not now?’ I asked.

‘No, not after I saw you dancing with Alan for the first time and then you had your makeover. I started to see you in a different light. Then last Saturday’s performance was wonderful. You really are a great dancer.’

He sounded as if he meant it.

‘Thank you,’ I replied beginning to colour.

‘But I just wonder how I will feel about you once you re-appear at work as Mike,’ he continued.

‘Me too!’ I said, blushing.

‘That’s why I was pleased when you were offered a contract until the end of the year.’

‘Yes it puts off that awkward day,’ I replied.

There was another awkward silence.

‘Have you ever been clubbing, Michelle?’

‘No, I’m afraid not, it’s quite a different kind of dancing to ballroom.’

‘I know, but you might find that you enjoyed it all the same. I could take you some time if you were interested.’

I looked up, quite surprised.

‘I don’t think Helen would be too impressed with me if I went clubbing with her boyfriend.’

He smiled.

‘You have the wrong idea, Helen and I have been friends for several years and go out together from time to time, but we have never been what you might call “an item,” as you seem to believe.’

‘Oh! I assumed you were as you had a meal together last Saturday evening.’

He laughed.

‘We spent most of the evening discussing you and your dancing. In fact it was Helen who suggested to me that I should offer to take you clubbing as a means of fending off any unwelcome attention from potential male admirers – assuming of course that such attentions would be unwelcome.’

I blushed as I realised my mistake. In some ways it came as a relief to find that my two workmates had not been going out together, but in other respects it put my own feelings into a quandary.

‘Well, what do you think?’ he asked.

‘I don’t know, Richard, I’m not sure I’m ready to go out on a date as Michelle.’

‘I’m only offering to take you dancing, that’s all.’

I blushed again.

‘Alright, on the understanding that we are just going out dancing as two friends, I should be happy to go with you,’ I replied.

‘Helen has her eyes set on some guy she has met recently. I could suggest that we go as a foursome, if that would be easier for you.’

‘Alright then, if it suits you as well.’

‘Are you doing anything this coming Saturday night?’

‘No I don’t think so.’

‘Then would you like to go to the Diamond Nightclub in Cheapside?’

‘ I’ll look forward to it,’ I replied smiling

He looked happy as well.

‘I’ll pick you up at 10.00pm at your place.’

‘Alright then,’ I said and gave him my home address.

As we drove back to the office after lunch I began to wonder just what I’d let myself in for? What was Mum going to say when a guy turned up at the door wanting to take me out, and what would I wear?

I hoped to have a quiet private talk with Helen during the course of the afternoon and ask her advice but didn’t get any chance to do so. It wasn’t until work was over and I’d changed into the flapper-style outfit that we got a chance to speak.

‘Michelle you look wonderful in that dress, I can’t wait to see your final performance,’ she said as she was just packing up to leave.

‘Thanks, I don’t suppose you would you be free for lunch tomorrow?’ I asked ‘There’s something I would like to discuss with you.’

‘Yes, of course, I’m going to be in the office for most of the day. I understand we’re all going clubbing on Saturday, and I’ll want to hear how you got on with Richard this morning.’

The practice session for the Charleston went really well. The other dancers involved were all happy with my plans and several of the ladies admired my outfit. The three other couples were able to leave a space centre stage to enable Alan and I to perform our one-minute solo insert to the dance. Alan had clearly been practicing his tap dancing and he was able to provide a respectable intro to my more ambitious routine. This went equally well and I got a round of applause from the other dancers and one or two spectators after we had finished. Alan also asked my plans for the Tango, but I told him that I was still working on them. We had a full ten days left before the performance and so he wasn’t too anxious.

Sarah was sitting at the edge of the hall, looking a little glum, no doubt sorry for what she was missing as a result of her accident. I therefore went over to talk with her.

‘Hi Sarah, what did you think?’

‘It was great. I’d really no idea that you were going to turn into such a good dancer.’

‘Thanks, I’ve never really had the chance to show off before. But I’m no better dancer than you were, or indeed will be again as soon as your leg is healed.’

‘Perhaps,’ she replied sounding unconvinced, ‘but that is still likely to be some time yet,’ she replied sadly.

‘Is there any news about when your leg can come out of plaster?’ I asked.

‘I asked them during my last appointment. Unfortunately it will not be until the beginning of December before the cast comes off. Then there will be the need for physiotherapy. With luck and determination, I might be back on the dance floor in time for the New Year’s Eve Ball.’

‘I am sorry, if I can help in any way please let me know.’

‘You are already helping a lot, and doing a great job.’

I arrived home at ten thirty. Mum was more interested in hearing how the dancing practice session had gone before she went to bed so there was no need for me to discuss my day at work. This was just as well as I was still not sure what I thought about it. In fact I spent an hour or more going through the events of the last few weeks in my mind trying to work out what I felt about it all before eventually falling asleep.

Next time:

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated.Louise

’You can’t be two people at once !’ Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 22 Who am I?

‘I understand that you thought Richard and I were having a fling together,’ said Helen, as we walked down the High Street towards our chosen café the following lunch time.

‘Sorry if I jumped to the wrong conclusion when he took you out for a meal last Saturday night’

‘That must have put your nose out of joint,’ she said chuckling.

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well you do look doe-eyed at him at times, Michelle.’

‘I think you’re imagining things.’

‘Am I? Alright, I’ll take your word for it,’ she said sounding unconvinced. ‘Let’s get ourselves something to eat and then you can tell me how you got on together yesterday morning.’

We each purchased a bowl of soup and a roll and took it over to a corner table.

‘So what was it that you needed to talk to me about, young lady?’ Helen asked.

‘As you know, Richard has offered to take me clubbing next Saturday along with you and this guy that you fancy.’

‘His name is Joe, and I wouldn’t say that I fancy him so much as I’m prepared to give him a test drive,’ Helen interrupted.

‘OK, but although I agreed to go with Richard, I’m now beginning to wonder whether it was such a good idea.’

‘Why ever not? I thought you wanted to learn about disco and EDM.’

‘EDM?’ I said, puzzled.

‘Electronic dance music, of course, I thought you were the expert in these things.’

‘If it were only about the dancing there would be no problem. That’s the good thing about being Alan’s partner; he’s a great dancer but at the end of the day I know there will be no complications’

‘But you think there might be complications’ with Richard?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘But you suspect so?’

I avoided responding directly.

‘But that isn’t the only thing. What is my mother going to say when he turns up at our place on Saturday expecting to take me out clubbing? In any event, I’ve never been clubbing before and wouldn’t know what to do or what to wear.’

‘Hmm, it seems to me that there are several different issues tied up here. Let’s try to unravel them.’

‘Alright.’

‘First of all, Richard is offering to take you dancing in a night club – that is all. Whether anything else happens between the pair of you afterwards is up to you both to decide; so don’t worry about it. He knows exactly who you are and who you were so you will hardly be deceiving him.’

‘But you are now talking as if Mike is entirely in the past. We will have to work together next year.’

She shrugged.

‘That will be up to you to decide in due course; you never know but you might come to realise that you are better off as a girl.’

I didn’t respond, being unwilling to venture any further into that realm. Helen therefore continued talking.

‘As to your mother, I thought you said to me that she was enjoying having a daughter around, especially one who goes dancing.’

‘Yes, she is.’

‘Well eighteen year old daughters tend to have boyfriends and go out dancing with them. It is a fact of life.’

‘I suppose so.’

‘Now turning to the most important question, we have to decide what you are going to wear on Saturday night. It can get quite hot in these clubs so you are going to want to wear a dress that is fairly skimpy. Do you have anything that fits that description?’

‘Not really, Mum’s dance costumes are all designed for ballroom dancing and the clothes given to me by Louise would not fit the bill.’

‘I expect I’ll be able to loan you something of mine.’

‘I can’t keep borrowing other people’s clothes all the time.’

‘In that case, why don’t we go out shopping together for something for you on Saturday morning? It needn’t cost you a fortune.’

‘I’m not sure, Helen,’ I said, although I was quite sure in my own mind.

It was as if she hadn’t heard my doubts, or else was choosing to ignore them.

‘I know! My parents are going to be away for the weekend and I’ll be on my own in the house. Why don’t you spend Friday night staying in my sister’s former bedroom? We can have a girly time going out shopping together on Saturday morning and then have fun getting ourselves ready to go out. The two guys can pick us up at my place and then you wouldn’t need to explain anything to your mother.’

‘I’d have to tell her where I was going, otherwise she would worry.’

‘But you’re a big girl now, Michelle, surely it is up to you to decide.’

I sighed.

‘I know, but Mum has suffered from depression ever since my father died and I wouldn’t want to upset or worry her if I can avoid it. I must admit though she has been a lot better recently.’

‘Do you need to tell her who you are going out with?’

‘I suppose I could just say that I was going out dancing with a few friends from work.’

‘So that is settled then?’

There seemed to be no point in arguing further.

‘Let me put the suggestion to Mum this evening and see how she reacts. I’ll let you know tomorrow.’

‘Look Michelle, you can’t be two people at once. Either you go back to being a stammering slightly nerdy guy named Mike, or you embrace life as a confident and attractive young woman named Michelle. Take you pick!’

‘Well if you put it like that …’

But she didn’t give me a chance to continue my answer.

‘Talk to your mother, if you need to, but you will soon need to decide who you really are.’

She now sounded quite serious.

‘I guess so.’

‘I shall be out of the office all morning so can you text me?’

‘Alright then.’

‘Good! So now you can tell me how you got on with Richard yesterday.’

During the course of the afternoon at work I thought about Helen’s comment concerning my embracing life as a confident and attractive young woman named Michelle. It put me in mind of some lines of verse that I remembered from somewhere.

It is not wise to try to add,
What you’ve got to what you’ve had.
It is never wise to try to share
Who you are, with who you were.

In many respects Helen was right. I had agreed to remain as Michelle until the end of the year for various reasons, but the overriding one was that I enjoyed doing so. In that case why shouldn’t I accept that fact and take full advantage of all the fun involved?

I needed to go out to the bank on work business during the course of the afternoon, and whilst I was there I withdrew two hundred and fifty pounds from my savings account, using the cash dispenser and Mike's bank card. This would delay my purchase of a second hand car, but if I was going to take full advantage of my time as Michelle over the coming weekend I would need some money.

Mum and I usually arranged to meet at the Asda Superstore near to where we lived, after work on one evening each week. We would have something to eat in the cafeteria before doing the weekly shopping for groceries and other items and then take a taxi home. I was not scheduled to have another practice session with Alan until the Thursday evening and so Mum and I had arranged to meet on Wednesday.

‘Whilst we are here, I’d like to get myself a few more sets of bras and panties so there will no longer be any danger of me ever running short again,’ I suggested.

‘Yes of course, dear, and it may be as well to get yourself a few extra pairs of tights, as well.’

We made our way over to the underwear counter and spent a few minutes choosing five sets of each and neither of us appeared to be awkward or embarrassed by the matter.

‘By the way I’ve fixed the fastening on that red dress this afternoon; shall we see if we can find you a lipstick and some nail varnish to match?’ suggested Mum.

‘How will you be sure to get the colour just right?’ I asked.

‘I’ve brought the hair ribbon with me so we can check.’

We made our way over to the cosmetics counter and spent a further ten minutes deciding on the closest match, before paying for our various purchases and taking a taxi home.

‘Would you like to try on that dress again, now that it is fixed and we have the right cosmetics?’ asked Mum once we’d finished stowing away the groceries.

I was hoping that she would make that suggestion.

‘Yes please, so we can get an idea of the overall effect.’

‘First of all I want you to remove the makeup you’re wearing, including your existing nail polish, so we can start with a clear canvas. When you have finished come through to my bedroom.’

I changed out of my work clothes and put on a housecoat, removed all trace of makeup and tied back my hair. I also took out my earrings as I was now quite sure that the holes had healed. When I came to her bedroom she invited me to sit down at the dressing table. She drew up a second stool.

‘I’ll do your nails first of all, so I can fix your hair and makeup whilst they are drying.’

She filed my nails into shape and then buffed the surface with an emery board before applying a clear base coat. Whilst this was drying she began to apply foundation to my face. Next came two coats of the bright red nail varnish which she expertly applied. In this respect she was equally competent as Joan had been. Mum had helped me with my makeup once or twice before but this was the first time that she’d done my nails for me.

‘That feels nice, I could get used to being pampered like this,’ I said.

Mum smiled.

‘I am happy to help my daughter look her best. Women who only have sons do miss out on some pleasures in later life.’

For some reason I now felt closer to her than I’d ever done before.

‘Mum?’

‘Yes dear?’

‘I’ve been invited to go clubbing on Saturday night with a couple of people from work. Helen has also invited me to spend Friday night and Saturday with her so we can get ready to go out together.’

‘That’s nice dear. When do you expect to be home on Saturday?’

‘It is a night club so I won’t expect to be home until the early hours of the morning on Sunday, long after you have gone to bed.’

‘Well, remember your key and be sure to take care of yourself, won’t you.’

‘Of course.’

‘I assume there will be some young men going as well.’

‘It is a dance, Mum.’

‘Yes, of course. All I would say is to take care and be honest.’

‘What do you mean by that, Mum?’

‘Be honest with yourself and to whoever you are out with.’

‘I will, Mum.’

She then returned to the issue in hand.

‘I’ll just do your face now. Once your nails are dry, we’ll dip your fingertips into ice cold water for a while to harden the nail varnish, then you can put on the dress and we’ll see how you look in that outfit.’

As soon as my nails were dry I sent a quick text message to Helen, whilst Mum was doing my hair for me.

‘Have decided to take your advice and embrace life as Michelle. I’d like to stay on Friday if the offer is still open.’

A few minutes later came the response.

‘Great news, now make sure you stick to that decision! I’m looking forward to our weekend.’

Half an hour later Mum helped me get into the red dress, fixed my hair, complete with the red ribbon and diamonte hair grips, found me a new pair of matching earrings to wear and finished my makeup. I then stood up and put on my black dance shoes.

‘Well, what do you think?’ I asked.

Mum didn’t answer at first but I could see a tear forming in the corner of her eye.

‘Whatever is the matter, Mum?’ I asked.

‘You look so lovely, Michelle. I do enjoy having you as my daughter, but it is not fair on you. I have no right to encourage you in this way. Only you have the right to decide for yourself how you want to live your life.’

I walked over to her and hugged her.

‘Mum you are not encouraging me to do anything against my will. I voluntarily decided to stay as Michelle until the end of the year, and now I’ve made that decision I intend to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded.’

‘But we all talked you into it.’

‘Not really; I didn’t take that much persuading. Perhaps I was little anxious about how you would feel about having Michelle around for three months but if anything it seems to have brought us closer together.’

‘I am so pleased that I’ve had this opportunity to get to know Michelle.’

I smiled.

‘Good, now tell me what you really think about this outfit.’

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated.Louise

Waiting for the weekend Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 23 Thursday and Friday

Having now accepted to myself that I would be going clubbing with Richard on Saturday night, I was anxious to get the next couple of days at work over with as soon as possible. My weekend would begin when I went home with Helen on Friday evening and I was looking forward to the two of us spending the following day together getting ourselves ready to go out.

Both Rob and Richard were out of the office for the whole day on Thursday and Helen had a number of appointments to show clients round houses during the morning. Thus only Sarah and I were in the office and we were both kept fairly busy. I now had my own desk diary, and so having first checked that Helen was likely to be in the office the following morning, I arranged for me to show another couple around a number of our properties in Luton before I came in to the office. I also asked Sarah whether I might therefore take the office pool car home with me after work so that I’d be able to meet them and then drive them on a second address. She agreed, which was also useful as it would also be available to me when I met Alan for a practice session at the Dance Studio that evening. Thus when he rang during the morning to confirm the arrangements I told him that I had no need for a lift.

‘That’s fine then, Michelle, I’ll see you there. By the way there are two dates to mark in your diary - 15th November and 13th December. We are going to be giving a couple of demonstrations and master classes in Bristol.’

‘So you didn’t frighten them off with the fees, after all,’ I commented.

‘Apparently not; we will each receive two hundred and fifty pounds for each session, plus our reasonable expenses.’

‘Wow!’ I said, a little surprised that they’d agreed to such a sum.

He was about to go into more detail but I noticed the Johnsons, currently my favourite clients, coming through the door.

‘Can I call you back later, Alan, things are a little hectic here at present?’ I said.

‘Don’t worry, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you this evening.’

‘We didn’t want to interrupt you dear,’ said Mrs Johnson as I put down the phone and gave them both a broad smile.

‘No problem, it was just my dance partner, I’m sure he can wait. Now what can I do for you both?’

There turned out to be no great problem regarding the Johnsons, just a couple of questions prior to the exchange of contracts that I was easily able to answer. In fact all seemed to be going well with their house purchase and we seemed likely to earn our fee and also perhaps other commissions to sell houses for the same vendors.

Things did quieten down a little after 11.00am so I used the opportunity to make Sarah and myself a mug of coffee.

‘I do like your nails, Michelle,’ she said as I handed it to her. ’They look very smart.’

‘Thanks, but do you think they may be a little too bright for work?’ I replied inspecting them.

I had been regularly wearing nail varnish but usually with fairly subdued colours as I was conscious of Sarah’s previous guidance as to what was appropriate dress for work.

‘No, of course not, that colour looks good on you. You shouldn’t be afraid of wearing strong colours if they suit you.’

‘Thanks. Actually I’m planning to wear a dress of this colour for one of the next demonstration dances. It belongs to Mum but you never saw it when you came round to our place. She had forgotten that it needed to be repaired, but she has done so now.’

‘What do you think?’ I asked as I showed her a picture that Mum had taken of me the previous night, on my mobile phone.

‘Wow, Michelle, you look so lovely. You really will be the ‘Queen of the Dance’ at the coming demonstration,’ she commented, wistfully.

I coloured slightly and thanked her. Her comment struck me as she had been the acknowledged local ‘Queen of the Dance’ for some time past. Perhaps she was beginning to realise that she would have to give way to a younger woman? I had always admired Sarah as a dancer and liked her as my boss. It was sad that it seemed to be me who had taken her place, and also in such circumstances.

‘Sarah, it now looks as if Alan and I are going to be earning some extra money from giving dance demonstrations in a week or two. I think I should therefore pay you the cost of the breast forms that I’m wearing.’

‘No that’s alright; I’ve already discussed it with Rob. When we get the bill from Joan we will treat it as a legitimate business expense – after all they are necessary for you to fulfil your new role at work.’

‘You might have a difficult time explaining why this should be so to a tax inspector,’ I replied laughing.

‘In that case I hope we are never called on to do so,’ she replied.

At that point the office phone rang and so we both resumed our normal work.

Helen came in to work after lunch and announced that she’d also succeeded in negotiating a sale, which put us all in a good mood.

‘I can see you’ve already started embracing life as Michelle, I do like your flashy nails,’ she said during a quiet moment. ‘I am sure Richard will approve when he sees them.’

I coloured a little and attempted to change the subject.

‘Mum did them for me,’ I replied.

‘So have you told her about the coming weekend?’

‘Mostly, and she guessed the rest.’

‘How did she react?’

‘Remarkably well, in the circumstances. She appeared to take the news quite calmly and just told me to take care.’

‘So are you now willing to acknowledge your femininity and enjoy a girly weekend with me?’

‘I guess so!’ I replied, examining my nails and smiling.

‘Good! Bring an overnight case into work with you tomorrow, and we’ll go home together after work.’

‘Alright, but I still don’t know what I’m going to wear on Saturday night.’

‘I’ve had an idea, which I’ll tell you about tomorrow evening, and if it doesn’t work out we will still be able to go into Luton on Saturday morning to find your something.’

My evening practice session with Alan went pretty well and we ran through my plans for the American Smooth Tango, and had one further go at the tap routine in the Charleston, during which we added a few more steps for Alan as he had been practising hard. This was going to be our last opportunity to deal with any major issues before the next demonstration as, for various reasons, we were both going to be occupied over the coming weekend and for several days during the coming week. After this session we would only have a brief opportunity to go through both dances the following Tuesday. However, by the end of the evening we were happy with the way things had gone.

‘Are we going to need a dress rehearsal?’ Alan asked.

‘I don’t think that we’ll have the time,’ I replied. ‘I assume that you will be wearing my father’s suit for both the dances.’

‘Yes. I’ve seen the dress you will be wearing for the Charleston. Have you decided what to wear for the Tango yet?’

‘Yes, I’m going to be wearing another of Mum’s dresses.’

I showed him the picture of me.

‘What do you think?’

‘Wow, that really looks great. Exactly right for a tango.’

Alan also told me the details that he’d agreed about our forthcoming demonstration sessions in Bristol. In spite of my being a little bit miffed about the assumption of my not being capable of discussing business matters, I was actually quite happy to leave such negotiations to him. After all, he was always willing to leave the details of the dance content to me.

‘The two sessions will use the same music and choreography that we have already worked out for our solo demonstrations of the Foxtrot and the Quickstep so they shouldn’t create a lot of additional work for us although we may need a practice session beforehand. After each demonstration we have been asked to conduct a one hour master class for some of their members. You will coach the ladies and I will do so for the gents.’

‘That sounds alright to me,’ I replied knowing that I have conducted several such classes in the past.

‘In some respects is a pity you’re only available until the end of the year as I suspect they may have been interested in a few more sessions early next year,’ he continued.

I shrugged my shoulders, but didn’t say anything in reply, not wishing to think about the New Year.

‘I’ve already mentioned the fee. In addition there will be one hundred pounds per session to cover our expenses. I think that fifty of that should cover the cost of David’s petrol if he drives us. The remainder can be yours to cover the cost of any hairdos and makeup, you need.’

‘Thank you. So far people have been very generous, but if we are going to earn some money from our efforts then it is only right for me to pay the correct fees. It is surprising how much makeup costs and I may also need to have my hair extensions renewed by that time and I can’t keep expecting Joan to do them for nothing.’

Friday turned out to be an excellent day for me at work. During the course of the morning I negotiated my second ever house sale, although I hadn’t particularly expected to do so. The couple I was showing round had obviously been looking for some time and knew what was available and at what price. They had been just checking up on a few points before making an offer. By the time I had finished showing them round I was surprised that they made a very sensible offer directly to me, which I knew the vendors would be willing to accept. I telephoned Sarah in the office, who was delighted. She promised to contact the vendors and have an answer by the time we all got back to the office. An hour later their offer had been accepted and I began to fill in the necessary paperwork.

‘Congratulations Michelle, that’s our fifth house sale this week, and there are a number of promising enquiries; things are definitely improving.’

‘Thanks,’ I said. ‘I wasn’t really expecting a decision straight away. I suppose I was just lucky.’

‘Two house sales in as many weeks, that is more than I was able to achieve when I started,’ commented Helen.

‘Thanks, but the second one was just good luck.’

‘By the way have you brought your stuff for the weekend in to work?’

‘Yes, I borrowed a weekend case from Mum. I’ve packed a nightdress, some makeup and a change of clothes for tomorrow, but I’ve still no idea as to what I’m going to be wearing on Saturday night.

‘Don’t worry, everything is in hand,’ she replied.

Richard arrived back in the office at about four thirty. It was the first occasion I’d had a chance to talk to him about anything other than work matters since he had asked me out.

‘I understand from Helen that I’m now going to be picking you up from her house on Saturday night, Michelle,’ said Rich to me as we were all packing up to leave on Friday afternoon.

‘Yes please, but I could do with a lift back to my own home afterwards, if you don’t mind,’ I replied.

(After all I had no wish to play gooseberry between Helen and her Joe, if things worked out well between them during the course of the evening.)

‘Yes of course, I’m looking forward to tomorrow night.’

He looked as if he meant it.

‘Me too,’ I replied, smiling.

Helen looked on as if she was satisfied that her plans were coming to fruition.

Next time: My Saturday with Helen

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated.Louise

Girly preparations Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 24 My Weekend with Helen

Helen lived with her parents in a three-bedroomed semi-detached house in a 1970s development about a twenty minute walk from our work. Her elder sister was now living in Croydon and her parents had gone to visit her for a few days.

‘Mum prepared something for us to eat before she left, it will just be a question of our heating it through later,’ she said.

‘That’s fine by me.’

‘You can use my sister’s former bedroom tonight; it’ll have everything you need to get yourself ready tomorrow night. Just put your case inside the door for now and come through to my bedroom as I’ve had an idea about what you can wear tomorrow night.’

I did as she instructed and joined Helen in her bedroom. Both rooms seemed so much more comfortable and welcoming than my own bedroom at home, with their carefully co-ordinated colour schemes, soft pastel furnishings and thoughtful arrangement of mirrors and lighting.

‘It was your fancy red nail polish that gave me the idea,’ she announced as I entered. ‘You will no doubt discover that a girl can sometimes get carried away and buy something that looks great in the shop but as soon as she gets it home it turns out to have been a mistake.’

She reached in to her wardrobe and pulled out a bright red mini-dress with a halter top. It was the same colour as the one I was planning to wear next weekend to dance the tango.

‘This dress was one of my mistakes; it looks great but doesn’t really suit my colouring. But I have a feeling it will look just right on you though.’

‘Helen, I can’t keep borrowing other people’s clothes all the time. I was prepared to find something for myself tomorrow and had taken out some money from my savings account for that purpose.’

‘At least try it on. It has only been worn once and then for only half an hour or so. If it fits you and you like it, you are welcome to buy it from me for £25.00 which is less than half of what I paid for it.’

I had to admit to myself that it did look nice.

‘I suppose I could try it on,’ I offered.

‘Good, take off your existing dress, and also your bra as you are going to need a strapless one. I’ll loan you one of mine for now and you could buy yourself one tomorrow.’

I did as she asked and Helen handed me a bra from her drawer.

‘How are your boobs these days?’ she asked.

‘They’re fine thanks, most of the time I forget that they are not the real thing. I’ll leave them in place for the time being but I plan to remove and re-affix them in time for next weekend.’

Helen helped me into the dress which was rather skimpy and quite different from anything that Mum or Louise had loaned to me, but it fitted me alright and felt nice to wear. Upon inspection in Helen’s full-length mirror there was no doubt that the colour suited me.

‘Well, what do you think?’ she asked.

‘I don’t know; I like the colour but it is rather short. I would feel quite exposed. What do you think?’ I asked.

‘I think you look really great wearing it,’ she replied smiling. ‘You look sexy but without appearing trashy. If you do decide to wear it I can see that I’ll have to keep a close eye on Joe.’

‘But don’t you think there is a danger that I might give myself away if I wore this tomorrow night?’ I asked.

‘Maybe we will need to undertake a little taping to ensure that there are no visible bulges down below, or perhaps you could get yourself some control briefs; but I think your boobs should be alright,’ she replied.

‘I suppose it does look nice,’ I commented as I gradually got used to the sight of myself in the mirror.

‘It looks great on you, but on me it made me look as if I was suffering from some skin complaint. My sister commented that I looked like a raspberry with legs,’ she said laughing.

‘In that case I’ll accept your offer, on condition that you help me to get ready tomorrow,’ I said, handing over the £25.00 for the dress.

‘It’s a deal, but that doesn’t excuse you from coming shopping with me in Luton tomorrow morning as there are a couple of things I will need. Also I’ve had a few ideas as to how you might spend the money that you’ve just saved yourself.’

Helen’s telephone rang at that point and so we never did get to discuss her plans.

Now that I’d finally made up my mind to embrace life as Michelle, at least for the next ten weeks, Helen was clearly determined to make sure that there would be no backsliding on my part. Over dinner we discussed our beauty regimes for later that evening and the following day.

‘I’m going to need to defuzz my arms legs and armpits this evening, ready for tomorrow night, how about you Michelle?’ she asked.

‘I did mine last Friday and so I suppose it is time to do them again.’

(Fortunately I only ever needed to shave my chin every third or fourth day, although I had been doing so a lot more often since the advent of Michelle, just to be sure.)

‘Whilst we are at it we can also paint one another’s toenails, as well,’ suggested Helen.

Mine were already done but the colour would need to be changed as I planned in dancing in a pair of open-toed heels the following night. Fortunately I’d brought with me both the lipstick and nail varnish that I bought with Mum. Helen had noticed they would match my new dress.

‘What else will I need for my makeup tomorrow night?’ I asked as I fished out the bottle of nail varnish from my bag.

‘Don't overdo things, you will only need a small amount of foundation and concealer and put on a light blush.’

‘What about my eyes?’

‘You can use a little eye shadow, mascara and eyeliner, if you wish. Choose something a little subdued; a smokey eye would suit you and draw attention to your eyes.’

We also both washed our hair and then helped one another to style it ready for the following day.

‘These hair extensions are fine for work or when you are ballroom dancing, but I think your hair could really do with a little more length and body when we go out clubbing tomorrow night,’ she said as she curled my hair using a pair of tongs. ‘Why not use some of the money you saved to buy yourself some clip in hair pieces tomorrow? I could show you how to put them in.’

‘Are you sure they would not fall out during the course of the evening?’ I asked.

‘Not if you put them in properly in the first place.’

‘In the case I’ll let you decide, you are my mentor, after all,’ I replied.

Over the next hour, whilst our hair was drying, Helen chatted to me as if I always had been Michelle and I always would be. There was absolutely no reference or acknowledgment of any other life. We gossiped about her former boyfriends and our colleagues at work.

‘Rich is a great guy, but he’s a little too serious for his own good. You’re going to need to bring him out of his shell, tomorrow night.’

‘But I’ve never been clubbing before, I don’t even know what to do,’ I complained.

‘Michelle, you are the acknowledged Dancing Queen even Sarah says so, and she should know.

‘But that is for ballroom dancing, where there are strict rules about how to dance. Club dancing is entirely different, as far as I can see there are no rules.’

‘I know and that’s the attraction for people like me.’

‘But what will I do? I’ve never been to a nightclub before.’

‘Begin by sitting down, sipping your drink, making small talk and enjoying the music. Keep an eye on what other people are doing, and don’t leave it too long before you get up and start to dance. Don’t wait to be asked, Rich is your escort, he has asked you out, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t suggest to him that you should both get up and dance, If you sit around for too long some other guy might try his luck.’

‘But I won’t know any dance steps. I’d be frightened of showing us both up.’

‘Believe me Rich won’t be making a detailed critique of your style. He'll probably just be pleased to be dancing with such an attractive girl. He’ll be far more worried about how his own dancing looks to you.’

‘But what will other people think about me?’

‘Who cares? If there are any bystanders who seem to be judging you, it is because they're too nervous to try it themselves.’

‘I suppose so,’ I said sounding unconvinced.

‘Try and move to the rhythm and blend in to the crowd: that way you won't feel insecure since nobody will be able to recognize that you're just practicing. Don't be too vigorous and always be aware of your surroundings.’

‘I am not sure I will be able to blend in with the crowd in that dress you want me to wear.’

‘There will be more eye-catching costumes than that one on show. As far as your dancing is concerned try to be low key to begin with. You can demonstrate how good you are, and get invited to dance on the podium another time, once you’ve had a little more practice. It's okay to dance in a simple, repetitive way and just enjoy your friends' company.

‘Don't worry I won’t try any crazy moves. I’ll just blend in and be a bit boring and unoriginal.’

‘If you like we can practice a few basic moves tonight.’

‘Yes please.’

‘I assume you’ll be dancing in heels tomorrow night.’

‘Yes, I’m now quite used to wearing them and dancing in them.’

In that case put them on whilst I find us some suitable music.’

She docked her iPod into two speakers in her bedroom and began to play music with an insistent beat.

‘This is known as house music; there are various types of electronic music, each one has its own beat. You will soon get to recognise them.’

I felt as if I’d missed out on a whole area of my education as a teenager.

‘Begin by moving your arms back and forth in time to the beat. Now bounce up and down on your knees. Rotate your body a bit in time with your knee movements as if you're skiing. Keep your torso fairly loose and relaxed.’

I followed her instructions: it wasn’t too complicated; it was nothing like some of the moves I’d been used to.

‘Try relaxing your arms a bit and let them swing up and down with your knee bends and torso rotations.’

Once I’d got the hang of it I started to enjoy myself.

‘Don't just limply swing your arms, get your shoulders into it.’

It seemed odd to be following the same kinds of instructions that I would give to novice ballroom dancers.

‘Good, that’s right. Now take steps side to side, or back and forth, mix up your arm movements and nod your head. You’ll be able to add some more fancy moves and sequences later if you want to.’

‘Don’t we get to move around the floor?’ I asked.

‘You can move a little and exchange places with your partner if you like, but it is considered bad manners to go wandering round the floor or to invade other people’s dance space during any particular track. You and your partner find yourself a piece of the dance floor and then stick to it.‘

Over the next hour or so we tried several different musical styles: house, garage, elektro, hard core giving each one a few minutes practice. They all had their own distinctive style and beat but none of them was inherently complicated.

‘I’ll never be able to remember all of these by tomorrow night,’ I commented.

‘Don’t worry, just start to move your body to the sound of the music and you will get further ideas for appropriate hand or leg movements from the other dancers on the floor or from your partner.’

I followed her lead.

‘See, Michelle, with just a half an hour of practice you are already as good as the majority of dancers. You really do have a good sense of rhythm.’

‘This is fun,’ I said. ‘I really could get to enjoy this.’

Next time: Girly preparations II:
Shopping and the arrival of our escorts

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated. Louise

Girly preparations part II. shopping and the arrival of our escorts Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 25 Girly preparations

Helen and I eventually finished our practice session at about eleven o’clock and had a quick cup of tea together before making our way to our respective bedrooms.

‘Thanks for everything, Helen, I’ve enjoyed myself tonight,’ I said as I was about to retire.

‘That’s alright, young lady; it’s been fun, hasn’t it? I trust you are looking forward to tomorrow night as well.’

‘Yes, so long as I pass ok as a girl dancer.’

‘You know perfectly well that you will pass ok as a girl,’ she scoffed. ‘It’s also clear that you are a natural dancer. So as long as you only copy the girls dancing and don’t try to dance like a bloke, I don’t see what there is for you to worry about.’

I smiled at the idea of me ‘dancing like a bloke,’ whilst simultaneously wearing high heels and a short dress.

‘I suppose it is my being out in a social situation with people who are unaware of my true sex that makes me a little anxious.’

‘I am sure that Rich will keep an eye on you and make sure that you come to no harm. It’ll be up to you to encourage him if you want to take it any further.’

I made no reply, other than blushing, before going to my room.

The bedroom I was occupying was decorated in pink and filled with uncompromising girly furnishings which accorded with and made me feel quite relaxed about my new identity. There was no doubt that I was enjoying my life as Michelle, even though it now took me more than half an hour to get myself ready to go to bed in terms of removing my makeup, moisturising my face and hands, and tying up my hair. It usually took twice as long to get myself ready in the morning but I didn’t mind because the results were worth the trouble. I then climbed into her floral pink sheets and fluffy pillows, and fell asleep dreaming of electro dancing.

As usual, I woke at about 7.30am on Saturday morning needing to go to the toilet. There was no sound from Helen’s bedroom and so I returned to my room and sat in front of the dressing table for a while to think about my situation. It had been a week since I’d allowed myself to be talked in to continue living as a girl until the end of the year, and already I was sure that I’d made the right decision. As Michelle, I was more confident than Michael and I didn’t stammer. I also had more friends and a closer relationship with my mother. Michelle also got to do more interesting things at work, wore nicer clothes and appeared to be able to earn more money. Above all, she was able to demonstrate her expertise as a ballroom dancer; a competence that Michael had barely been aware of as a young man. Since the first occasion I’d put on a dress, no-one had challenged me in the street or at work. Maybe I had received a few odd looks at the dancing club on the first occasion I’d turned up, but these had been quickly overcome and I was now accepted as one of the best dancers. So what was there for me to regret?

Yet the beginnings of a regret began to insinuate itself in my brain: ’if only I’d been born a girl, like Helen, how different my life would have been, how much happier I might have been.’ I attempted to squash that thought straight away, before it did any damage. I was a young man, albeit not a particularly confident or well-developed one; and that was an end of the matter. I had to accept that fact. All the same, I had been presented with this opportunity to live and work as a girl for three months, and there was no reason why I shouldn’t take full advantage of all the fun offered to me during this period.

Having satisfied myself on that matter I began to look forward to my day ahead and especially my date to go clubbing with Richard. What would it be like? How would I feel? Would anyone from my past life recognise me and, if so, what would they think? I could not possibly answer, and would just have to wait and see and take things as they came. But this served only to create yet another anxiety: ’what am I going to do and what will life be like for me once these three months are over? Had I sacrificed any credibility I might once have had as a young man?’ I simply didn’t know the answer, but the New Year was ten weeks away and for the time being I was determined to make the most of my new life as Michelle.

I therefore got up, showered, dressed, carefully put on some makeup and fixed my hair. By the time I’d finished Helen had emerged from her slumbers, showered and was preparing some breakfast for us.

There is not a lot to be said about our shopping trip later that day, except that it was great fun. We took the bus into Luton as there was a greater range of shops to choose from compared to Dunstable, and we headed straight for ‘the Mall’ shopping centre. Helen tried on and bought herself a sparkly black and silver dress in ‘Monsoon,’ which was almost as revealing as the one she’d sold to me. She also bought a pair of black almond-toe five inch heels with an ankle strap, in ‘Next.’ I bought myself a strapless bra in ‘Debenhams’ together with a pair of control pants to make sure there would be no visible bulges when I was dancing in my new dress. As I was queuing to pay for my bra I found myself standing in front of a girl who used to be in my class at school and with whom I’d danced on a few occasions as a young teenager. I turned and we smiled weakly and acknowledged one another. She looked as if she was frantically racking her brains trying to think where we’d met previously. Fortunately I was called forward to the next till, and she was called to another one and so there was no need for any embarrassing explanations.

As we were about to leave the shop Helen pointed out a set of twelve clip-in, shoulder length natural hair extensions, in my colour. They cost almost forty pounds.

‘I think you should go ahead and get them, they’ll do wonders to boost your confidence, tonight,’ she said.

‘But it says here that they are only guaranteed to last for three months?’ I said, reading the label.

‘Well that should be just right for you then!’ she responded.

I couldn’t very well argue with that

‘In any event, if you take as much care of them as you would your own hair they will last you at least twice as long.’

‘But I wouldn’t know how to put them in!’

‘We’ll have plenty of time after lunch. I’ll show you how to do it.’

‘I had saved myself some money through not having to buy a new dress, so why not?’ I asked myself.

‘Alright then,’ I said with a smile and went ahead and made my purchase.

We had some lunch in a café in town before returning to Helen’s house at 3.00pm. I quickly rang Mum at home, just to check that she was alright and assure her I was fine. I told her about our shopping trip. She sounded happy herself and wanted to know what I’d bought.

‘I’ve bought an almost brand new red dress from my friend Helen to go dancing in tonight, but I needed a strapless bra and some knickers to go with it: I expect they’ll be useful for me to wear with some of your dance costumes,’ I said.

‘Is that all you have got yourself?’

‘No I did get myself some hair extensions.’

‘Well a girl needs a little bit of extravagance from time to time.’

As promised, Helen demonstrated to me how to clip in my new hair extensions, doing the first couple for me and then leaving me to finish the remainder. Afterwards she explained how to brush and style my somewhat bulkier head of hair. I’d enjoyed having longer hair ever since Joyce had first sewn in a set, but these added even more body and length and felt great.

‘Is there any danger of them coming out when we dance?’ I queried.

‘I don’t think so, but if you like we can have another practice session before tea, just to make sure.’

Joe was the first of our two escorts to arrive on Saturday evening and Helen entertained him for a few minutes whilst I made the finishing touches to my hair and makeup in her sister’s bedroom. I then came downstairs ready to be introduced.

‘This is Michelle, my friend from work,’ said Helen as I entered the room.

I smiled shyly.

‘Wow you look really hot in that dress,’ was his spontaneous reaction.

If anything I felt quite the opposite as it was quite alarmingly short and with a low neckline. I’d also been advised against wearing any tights. But I knew he wasn’t talking about my temperature and so I blushed and murmured my thanks whilst averting my gaze. I was not sure whether to be pleased by his comment or a little put out by his lack of gallantry towards his own escort, who looked pretty good herself in her new black and silver dress.

‘Michelle already has a dance partner for tonight so you can just put your eyeballs back in their sockets,’ commented Helen.

I suspected that she was not lacking in confidence and when the time came was quite capable of dealing with guys by herself without any concern on my part.

‘Sorry Babes,’ said Joe. It was an unconscious reaction on my part, you both look great,’ he responded.

‘Michelle is a champion dancer,’ added Helen,’ apparently unconcerned by his comment to me.

‘But I’m afraid that it’s for ballroom dancing, not what we are doing tonight,’ I replied.

The doorbell rang and Helen left us to go answer it whilst I sat in a chair next to Joe.

‘I must say you have a nice pair of dancer’s legs,’ he said with a cheeky grin and patting me on the knee.

I wasn’t sure how to react to his actions. In some ways it was quite a pleasant sensation to feel his hand on my bare knee, but it was also a cheek on his part. Who did he think he was? I certainly had no wish to upset my friend so I consciously moved my legs away from him just as Helen came back in to the room, bringing Richard with her. This was a good opportunity for me to move away.

‘Hi Richard, great to see you,’ I said getting up and giving him a welcoming kiss on the cheek. I then joined him on the sofa, just to reinforce the point that he was going to be my escort for the evening.

Joe accepted the inevitable and started talking to Helen. Richard seemed a little surprised by the warmth of my greeting, but apparently wasn’t unhappy. I then noticed that I’d left a small lipstick mark on his cheek which I ostentatiously wiped away with a tissue.

‘I do like your new hair style, Michelle,’ he said. ‘It really suits you.’

I smiled.

‘Thanks, much of it was purchased over the counter at Debenhams this morning but it is good fun to have plenty of hair to work with.’

Joe motioned Helen to come and sit with him.

‘Richard has offered to drive the four of us tonight to save having to park two cars,’ suggested Helen.

‘That’s fine by me, at least I’ll be able to have a drink or two during the evening,’ said Joe.

‘I’ve packed my weekend case, so perhaps we can take it with us and then you can drop me home afterwards,’ I said.

‘Yes of course, I’ll bring these two back here first of all and then run you home,’ he said.

Helen gave me a knowing smile as he said this.

Next time: A new kind of dancing

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated.Louise

Dancing with Richard, and the aftermath Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 26 A new kind of dancing

We parked in the Central Car Park in Luton which had the advantage of being open all night and free of charge after 6.00pm. From there it was only a five minute walk to the club. It had been a fine cloudless day and as a result it had turned into a chilly late October night. There were goose-bumps on my uncovered legs, but I wasn’t sure whether this was due to a combination of my revealing dress and the temperature outside or to my trepidation about how I would get on during the ensuing night. Other couples were also making their way towards the club and I was quite relieved to notice that both Helen and my outfits with our short skirts, and high heels were not particularly daring. In fact there were plenty of other girls dressed in similar styles. Some wore leggings and fancy tops but most wore heels. As usual the guys wore a variety of non-descript casual wear. It struck me once again how much I’d enjoyed spending time with Helen getting ourselves ready and how much more fun girls have with their appearance.

Once inside the club we paid our entrance fees and deposited our coats in the cloakroom. Helen and I made our way to the Ladies to check on our hair and makeup, whilst Richard found us a table and Joe organised a round of drinks. This was another new experience for me as a group of girls crowded round the available mirrors chatting to one another whilst touching up their lipstick or mascara or brushing their hair.

‘Are you all set, Michelle?’ Helen asked, as soon as she’d finished.

‘A little bit nervous, but I think so,’ I replied as I brushed a few strands of my now somewhat longer hair into place.

‘Believe me, girl, you have nothing to be nervous about. You look great, so let’s go and join the guys.’

I’d asked for an orange juice and was determined to stick with soft drinks for the night as I didn’t want to lose control. Richard had a half pint of beer as he too needed to moderate his drinking as the ‘designated driver’ for our party. Helen and Joe had vodka and tonic water. We stayed sitting for a little while, and I studied those dancers who were already on the floor. Our escorts didn’t seem particularly inclined to begin dancing but I was anxious to practice my newly acquired skills as an EDM dancer. Helen appeared to sense my feelings.

‘What do you think, Michelle, shall we show everyone how it’s done before it gets too crowded?’ she suggested.

‘Go on then,’ I said and we made our way on to the dance floor with me feeling pleased but also a little self-conscious.

Fortunately the next track to be played was a ‘Techno’, which I’d already practiced and was not too different from ‘Disco’ that I’d occasionally danced before. I kept an eye on the other dancers and sometimes copied their moves whilst at other times I improvised my own, based on my ballroom experience. Unlike some of the other dancers I was not trying to show off or attract attention to myself but all the same I soon found that I was achieving a respectable standard.

‘You are doing fine, I’m most impressed,’ mouthed Helen to me during a momentary break in the music, but my response was soon drowned by the wall of sound.

From Techno we moved on to Hip Hop with its cool, exaggerated movements reminiscent of the boy-bands and girl groups of the nineteen nineties, From there we moved on to UK Garage (or UKG) with its 4/4 percussive rhythm, followed by Acid House with its characteristic electronic ‘squelching' sound. However, two girls dancing together for some time can seem like an open invitation to any guys who were out ‘on the pull’ for the evening and a couple started hovering around us, ready to make their swoop once the music stopped. Helen and I exchanged glances and as soon as the fourth number was over we went over to the table and dragged our respective escorts on to the dance floor, without further ado. With that, our potential suitors disappeared into the undergrowth looking for other possible conquests.

Joe was a pretty good dancer, bordering on the flashy, and he and Helen made an attractive looking couple on the dance floor. On the other hand Rich was not a natural dancer and proved to be a bit stiff and awkward in his movements, even though he’d been clubbing several times before. All the same he was cheerful and willing to have a go and so it was fun dancing together. In fact it was not too long before he was copying me rather than the other way round.

What I hadn’t expected though was how hot it would become in the club and so I was glad to have taken Helen’s advice and not put on any tights. After six or seven more dances I was happy to accept Richard’s sign-language offer to get away from the noise to sit down with another cool drink.

‘So what do you think of clubbing, Michelle?’ he asked.

‘This is good fun and has been a great learning experience for me.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘The loud repetitive music, the flashing light effects and general air of freedom to ‘do your own thing’, are quite different from anything I’ve experienced in the ballroom.’

‘But I thought you liked ballroom dancing.’

‘I do, but the whole ambience here seems to be young and alive. This isn’t going to supplant my appreciation of the discipline, glamour and decorousness that goes with ballroom dancing, but it does provide an entirely new avenue for exploring my love of music and movement.’

‘So would you like to come again next Saturday?’

‘That depends on who asks me,’ I replied.

‘Me, of course,’ he replied smiling.

‘Alright then, but let’s go as a twosome next time, it’ll be less complicated.’

‘That’s a deal,’ he replied smiling.

‘Alan and I’ll be giving our next demonstration during the Saturday afternoon, but there is no reason why I shouldn’t go out again in the evening.’

‘I know, I’ll be filming you once again.’

‘Of course I’ll have to go home to change as I can hardly go clubbing in one of my dance costumes, but there will be plenty of time for me to get myself ready.’

‘So shall I pick you up from your home next time?’

‘I suppose so, Mum seems to be coming to terms with having a daughter; at least for a while.’

He looked at me as if he was about to say something in reply, but then thought better of it.

‘Are you ready for some more dancing?’ he asked by way of changing the subject.

‘Why not,’ I replied and we returned to the dance floor, just as Joe was leading Helen to have a drink together.

Helen offered a knowing smile to me as we passed one another. She also seemed to be enjoying her evening.

It was after 3.00am when the club closed and nearly 4.00am by the time that Richard had dropped off Helen and Joe in Dunstable. He then drove back to Luton and pulled up in the street outside our house. I noticed the beginnings of a frost outside and the car windows were beginning to mist over.

‘Thanks a lot, Rich, I’ve had a great time tonight, I’d no idea that I would have so much fun,’ I said, beginning to un-hitch my seat belt.

‘Me too! Are you still happy to go clubbing again next Saturday?’ he asked.

‘I guess so,’ I replied.

‘Well good night then, Michelle and thank you, for coming.’

I smiled in reply and moved my hand to the door latch unsure of what was going to happen next.

‘I’ll just need to collect my suitcase from the back of the car.’

Richard seemed to pluck up courage and leaned over to give me a farewell kiss on the cheek. He was clearly not an experienced or confident lover, but was no doubt a sincere one. I looked into his eyes and couldn’t stop myself from turning my head and raising my lips to meet his. Up to that point I’d led a fairly sheltered life and had never had a girlfriend and so this was the first time that I’d ever kissed anyone on the lips, with passion. It was a wonderful new feeling and I was glad that I’d followed Helen’s advice and renewed my lipstick just before we’d all left the club. Then I felt his tongue enter my mouth and a shiver of pleasure went through my body. I closed my eyes so that I would have one less sense to worry about.

A host of different thoughts, feelings and sensations flooded into my head simultaneously. ’For heaven’s sake what is happening to me?’ I asked myself. ’What am I doing? Why do I feel so elated?’ then ’Why don’t you caress my thighs? These thoughts and many others came into my brain so quickly that I was unable to process them all. ’How will Rich and I react to one another when we were working together?’ ‘What will Rob and Sarah think?’ ‘What is going to happen to us in January?’ and then most fundamentally of all Am I a man or a woman?’ It was as if some elemental spirit or genie had taken over control of my mind as I moved closer and wanted my body to dissolve into his. I knew then, that when the appropriate time came, I would not be able to stop myself from offering my body to him.

I had no idea how long we remained in that first awkward embrace in the front seats of the car. I had no idea what year or month, or day of the week it was, or whether it was night or day. In fact I didn’t even know what planet we were on. I was only concerned with the two of us together in the front seat of his car. It didn’t matter that it was uncomfortable for us both; the only thing that mattered was that we were together in one another’s arms. Eventually though we floated back down to earth as, apart from anything else, we had need of the atmosphere to breathe once again. My good sense began to re-assert control.

‘I’d better go in now, that’s Mum’s bedroom up there and I don’t want to waken her,’ I said.

He seemed disappointed but resigned to the night coming to an end. He got out of the car and handed me my suitcase. We stood facing one another for a moment.

‘Goodnight, Michelle. I’ll see you at work on Monday.’

‘No stay, don’t go; hold me and kiss me once again!’

‘Goodnight Rich, and thanks for everything.’

I waved goodbye as he drove off and then stood at our front door shivering whilst retrieving my keys in my handbag, wondering what I’d just done. I quietly let myself in our front door, put my case down in the hall, and took off my heels so that I wouldn’t make any noise as I climbed the stairs to my bedroom.

‘Is that you, Michelle?’ came a voice from inside Mum’s room.

‘Yes Mum, sorry if I woke you,’ I replied.

Her bedroom door opened.

‘That’s alright, I’ve been awake for the last twenty five minutes or so, in fact ever since the car drew up outside. I’ve been waiting for you to come in to ask whether you have a good time?’

‘Yes thanks,’ I replied.

‘I like the colour of your new dress, but isn’t it a bit short for this time of the year?’ she asked.

‘Oh Mum, I don’t know what to do,’ I said as I dissolved into tears.

‘Whatever is the matter? What has happened?’ she asked in some alarm.

‘Nothing has happened, we had a good time. It’s just that I don’t know who I am anymore.’

Next time: A watershed in my life

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated. The novel is now completely written and edited and will appear in 30 chapters. Louise

I reach a watershed in my life Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 27 Who am I?

Mum took me into her bedroom and invited me to sit down on the side of her bed. She sat next to me.

‘Now what is the trouble?’

‘I just feel so confused about everything: about my work, about my dancing, about being Michelle.’

‘Well if it is upsetting you, must stop being Michelle. I know lots of people will be disappointed but I’m sure they would understand if you explained.’

‘But that’s just the point, I don’t want to stop being Michelle,’ I said sobbing.

‘So what is the problem?’

‘I feel as if I am being sucked into a vortex and that both attracts me and frightens me at the same time.’

‘Why should it frighten you?’

‘Because I may never be able to get out again, and maybe I won’t want ever to get out.’

‘Would that matter, if that’s what you want?’ she asked quietly.

‘I just don’t know, Mum. I’m so confused about everything. What do you think I should do?’

‘Michelle, I’ve loved having you around these last few weeks but it is unfair of me even to admit to that. I can’t tell you how to live your life. You are eighteen and only you can know what you really want out of life or what is right for you. What I can say, though, is that you will always be my child and I will love and support you whatever you decide to do.’

‘Thanks, Mum,’ I said beginning to dry my tears.

‘Do you have to make an irrevocable decision about your future now?’

‘I suppose not,’ I replied, drying my eyes with a tissue that she’d handed to me.

‘After all, you’ve only recently agreed to remain as Michelle at work until the end of the year and then there are the various commitments you have made with Alan.’

‘I wouldn’t want to let everyone down.’

‘That wouldn’t matter if it was really making you unhappy.’

‘But as I’ve just said it isn’t making me unhappy – I’ve been having a great time as Michelle.’

Mum sighed.

‘I can’t see what is the problem?’ she repeated.

‘I don’t know. I just feel as if I ought to feel bad.’

Mum hugged me.

‘Believe me my dear, life’s too short to feel guilty about things that make you happy and don’t harm anyone else. When you get to my age you will find that it is the things that you didn’t do, and the opportunities you didn’t take that you regret most of all.’

‘There is also this guy at work that I like and I think he likes me.’

‘Was he the one who just drove you home?’

‘Yes, his name is Richard, he’s the guy that has been filming us dancing together.’

‘Has anything happened between the two of you?’

‘We’ve only kissed, but I’m not sure that I would be able to stop myself from wanting to go further next time.’

‘I see. Does he know about Michael?’

‘Yes; we used to work together although we never paid much attention to one another until I became Michelle.’

‘Will your friendship affect your ability to do your job?’

‘I don’t think so, he is pretty professional in his approach to work, and we don’t spend that much time working together, particularly as I now spend more of my time out of the office.’

‘In that case, all I can do is to repeat what I said to you last week - be honest with one another. However, I do think you should use the next few weeks as an opportunity to learn more about yourself.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘From what I’ve seen I suspect you may be transgendered, which is a recognised psychological condition, and you may never again be happy living as Michael. However I don’t want to put ideas into your head. You must find out for yourself and perhaps seek professional advice or counselling. Over the next week or so I think you should consider the possible implications of your remaining as Michelle after the New Year so that you are better able to make an informed decision about your future when the time comes.’

‘Yes, thanks Mum, I’ll do that.’

‘Now I think it’s now time we both got some sleep. Maybe we can talk some more later.

That weekend in late October 2008 ultimately became something of a watershed in my life. It was not only the weekend in which I fully embraced the fun associated with being Michelle for the first time but it was also the first occasion that I entertained the possibility of her remaining around for some time to come - possibly even for ever. Fortunately Alan and his partner were away for the whole of the weekend and so I was not expected to practice our tango. Instead I spent a fair chunk of Sunday afternoon happily chatting to Helen on the phone, comparing notes about how we’d both got on the night before. I was relieved to discover that Joe had invited her to come down to London with him the following Saturday evening, so there would be no awkwardness that Richard and I would be going clubbing in Luton on our own. Helen did however say that she’d refused to leave for London until after she’d helped with the filming of our forthcoming demonstration.

After tea I began to explore the resources of the Internet to see if I could find anything useful on the subject of transgenderism and in no time at all I found myself swamped in material. I followed interesting sounding links from one site to another until I eventually lost track of time or where I’d been until Mum came up to my room to bring me a bed-time drink.

‘You’ve been more than four hours on that computer, Michelle, don’t you think you’ve done enough for one day.’

‘My goodness, is that the time?’ I replied. ‘It’s amazing just how much material there is on transgender. I had no idea.’

‘What sort of information?’

‘Everything imaginable: there are encyclopaedia articles, news reports, sites offering medical, legal, social or even fashion advice, fiction sites, shopping sites, pornography. There are biographies, photographs and even films on You Tube. I’d no idea that the subject was so complex and wide ranging or that there were so many people affected. It is going to take me ages to go through it all.’

‘Well take your time – there’s no hurry.’

Richard and I were both a little awkward with one another when we arrived for work on Monday morning. Neither of us wanted to make too much of our new found friendship or let it interfere with our working relationship in any way. He just smiled and nodded to me when I came in, and chose a quiet moment to have a word when Sarah and Rob were in the office and Helen was on the phone.

‘I tried to call you yesterday afternoon and evening, but your phone was always engaged,’ he said quietly.

‘Sorry, but I was chatting to Helen during the afternoon, and then Mum was talking on the phone to her sister during the evening,’ I said. ‘Thanks for Saturday night, I really enjoyed myself.’

‘Me too. Are you still ok for next weekend?’

‘I think so, but I suggest we make the arrangements next Saturday afternoon.’

‘Ok,’ he said and we both carried on with our work, but I noticed Helen looking in my direction with a satisfied smile on her face.

Thereafter Richard and I maintained a normal working relationship except perhaps there was extra warmth in his smile as he greeted me each morning or said goodbye at the end of the day.

In most other respects it proved to be quite a normal week at work. I sold another house on the Tuesday and so found myself to be co-ordinating three separate sales. I was beginning to get to know other people working in the property trade in our locality, usually over the telephone but in a couple of instances in person when I delivered key documents to their offices by hand or else they called in to our office to discuss matters. It did occur to me that the more success that I enjoyed in this respect the more difficulty I would have with ultimately extracting myself and returning to my previous role, but I put this to the back of my mind for the time being and concentrated on doing the best I could for the next few weeks.

The only slight issue at work was Sarah who seemed to have lost her usual cheerfulness and optimism. I suppose it was inevitable as it was now more than a month since her accident and she was clearly feeling the effects of her incapacitation. I suppose it was obvious to her that she was now taking a secondary role in the office and that the younger women were now performing the more interesting roles. She wasn’t awkward or difficult to work with; she just seemed a little subdued compared to her normal positive self.

I also spent a fair amount of my free time in the evenings searching the Internet; identifying, downloading organising and printing out information relating to transgenderism. I found what I read to be both fascinating and also worrying in equal measure. It was clear that large numbers of people (certainly many thousands) in Britain had successfully transitioned from one gender to another, often going on to lead happy and fulfilled lives in their new identities. Yet at the same time there were undoubted hurdles to be overcome – not least of which was acceptance by their families and indeed by society as a whole. To some degree their ultimate happiness depended on their successful assimilation of their new role, and the earlier that they’d made their transition the better in this respect. The message I seemed to be getting was that attempting to deny such feelings in one’s youth could lead to psychological problems, depression or even suicide in middle age. This undoubtedly raised questions in my mind, but I told myself that the current exercise was purely one of collecting data – any decision about my future could wait until later when I had the whole picture.

Alan and I went through our proposed Tango and Charleston routines once again at our usual meeting on Tuesday evening. We arranged to come a little early so we could go through our section first all before the others arrived. It was clear that we’d both been practising and so we were quite happy with the result.

‘Have you ever done any electronic dancing, Alan?’ I asked as we were waiting for the other dancers.

‘Yes, David and I used to go clubbing quite a lot when we were courting. In fact we first met on the dance floor at a Rave.’

‘What did you think of it?’ I asked.

‘Well, of course it’s quite different from ballroom, but we used to enjoy ourselves.’

‘I went clubbing on Saturday night for the first time and was quite impressed. I was wondering whether it would be possible to devise some kind of more formal demonstration routine to show the older dancers that there is more to EDM dancing than just leaping about and waving your arms in the air.’

‘I’d be happy to go along with that, but haven’t we got enough on our plates with our current commitments up to mid-December?’

‘Yes, I suppose you’re right,’ I replied sadly.

‘But of course there’s always the New Years Eve Ball, if you are interested. They sometimes include a couple of demonstrations during the interval.’

‘I’ll think about it,’ I said.

By this time the other dancers had arrived and we soon discovered that everyone was quite happy with our plans and that we would not need a dress rehearsal on Friday, just a quick run-though together on Saturday morning. I was quite pleased because I liked to devote the night before a demonstration to getting myself ready – washing my hair, de-fuzzing my legs and armpits, removing my breast forms and checking that they were ok prior to Joan sticking them back on for me the following day.

I was a little surprised though when Rob arrived without his wife. It was the first time that I was aware that Sarah had ever failed to turn up to one of ourweekly meetings, and she’d always taken an active role in the preparation for the demonstrations despite her leg being in plaster.

‘Is Sarah ok?’ I asked Rob, remembering that she’d seemed especially low in the office that afternoon.

‘She had a headache and has decided not to come tonight. She said that we all appeared to have the arrangements for the next demonstration well in hand and she wouldn’t be missed.’

‘Well that’s not true, I was hoping to discuss my plans for the Jive and the Jitterbug with her,’ I replied.

Next time: Problems with Sarah

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated.Louise

Our third demonstration is also a success Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 28 Alan and I go from strength to strength

Rob offered me a lift home after the meeting on Tuesday evening.

‘Maybe you could ask Sarah her opinions about the next demonstration during a quiet period in the office sometime. I think she is beginning to feel a little side-lined as everyone seems to have everything under control both at work and in the dancing.

I felt a little bit guilty as Mum and I had rather taken over responsibility for choosing my costumes and hairstyles from her, but this had given Mum an additional interest in life.

‘Yes, of course I will,’ I replied. ‘Although I’m sure she’ll be her own self once again once her leg comes out of plaster.’

‘I hope so,’ he replied with a trace of anxiety.

‘How much longer has she got?’

‘Only a couple more weeks, but then she’s going to need physiotherapy and a lot of practice before she can begin dancing again.’

‘I promise to involve her as much as possible in our plans in future, and to help in any way I can to get her dancing once again.’

‘Thanks, Michelle, I’d really appreciate that.’

‘But please also make sure that she comes along to the demonstration on Saturday. If she starts to make excuses tell her that she owes it to me for agreeing to take her place.’

‘I will,’ he replied as I got out of the car.

I was able to keep my promise to Rob the following day. I returned to the office later than planned at lunchtime, and would have to leave for an afternoon appointment half an hour later and so I came back armed with a coffee and a couple of sandwiches. Sarah was in the back office eating her own lunch at the time and so I asked whether I might join her. It wasn’t too long before we were discussing my plans for the 8th November and she was suggesting suitable music. I also told her about my clubbing experience although I neglected to mention with whom I’d been dancing.

‘I do envy you as a dancer, Michelle, especially for being able to dance with Alan. You are doing many of the things that I’d have liked to have done, if it hadn’t been for this stupid accident.’

‘I know, but it won’t be long now before you are back dancing once again, and in many respects Rob has been improving in the last few weeks.’

‘Yes I’d noticed that as well. He and Sonia are progressing well together. In fact everyone seems to be doing well, apart from me.’

‘I promise that you will get over this setback,’ I said.

‘I hope so,’ she said, but didn’t sound utterly convinced.

‘Sarah, it’s going to be rather a tight costume change for me on Saturday afternoon. Mum wants me to wear one of her favourite dresses. I don’t suppose you could be around to help me to get changed

She smiled and seemed to snap out of her mood.

‘Yes of course, if you think I can be of help and won’t get in the way.’

I found myself working with Richard once again late on Friday afternoon. I was just getting ready to go home when I noticed that he was frantically trying to finish something on his computer.

‘Can’t that wait until Monday?’ asked Sarah as she and Rob were anxious to leave.

‘No. I promised to have this survey ready for a solicitor’s office in Luton by the weekend, but I’ve been delayed. Don’t worry, I’ll lock up before I go.’

‘Can I help?’ I offered, knowing that I was a somewhat faster typist than he was.

‘Yes please, if you don’t mind.’

Half an hour later the document was finished and a copy printed off.

‘If you are planning to drive over to Luton to deliver this then perhaps you could give me a lift home afterwards,’ I suggested.

‘I’d love to; it will also mean that you can just leap out of the car and deliver the envelope and then I won’t have to find somewhere to park first.’

Forty-five minutes later he pulled up outside our house.

‘Thanks for the lift, Rich,’ I said beginning to unbuckle my seat belt.

‘Thank you for your help.’

‘We may not get much opportunity to talk tomorrow afternoon, so shall we make arrangements about the evening, now?’

‘Alright, the club opens at nine but nothing ever happens until after 10.30, shall I collect you then?’

‘Alright, that will give me plenty of time to get ready.’

‘Shall I call at your house or wait for you outside?’

‘I know, come round at 10.15 and say hello to Mum, at least then she’ll know whom I’m going out with.’

‘So your Mum knows about us, then?’

‘Yes, up to a point,’ I said and leaned across and gave him a kiss on the cheek before getting out of the car.

‘Good luck with the demonstration dances tomorrow afternoon.’

I gave him a smile by way of thanks and then went in to begin the process of getting myself ready for the following day.

Our third demonstration also proved to be a triumph, and I noticed that the audience had grown substantially and that there were plenty of people that I’d never seen before. It would appear that our reputation was beginning to spread through the dance world. By this time I was happy to leave all matters relating to my costume and appearance in the hands of my mother and the other ladies present, and just sit back and worry about the dancing. The Charleston routine went without a hitch and Alan provided a sharp intro to the tap routine – no one would have guessed that he was not an experienced tap-dancer. I then went into my solo routine and remarkably didn’t miss one beat or put a foot wrong so I received a cheer from the audience as once again we resumed the Charleston, proper. Alan and I, followed by the whole group took our bows but I was whisked off once again before the applause had fully subsided. Mum and Sarah were waiting for me preparing my new costume.

‘This dress is really something special,’ commented Sarah as Mum helped me to step into the underskirt, and then to fix the dress itself. ‘I love those silver feathers round the bodice. I’ve not seen it before, only a photograph of Michelle wearing it.’

‘Yes it is rather nice, isn’t it,’ Mum responded. ‘It used to be my favourite costume when I was Michelle’s age.’

‘In that case let’s make sure that her hair, makeup and accessories do it justice.’

Sarah helped me to put on the matching floats which were affixed to diamante-studded arm and wrist bands, and a matching diamante necklace. The holes in my ears had now healed and so she also inserted a couple of tiny diamond earrings. She then got to work on my makeup, changing my lipstick and nail varnish from the innocuous pink that I’d worn to dance the Charleston to the deep red to match my new dress. At the same time Mum fixed my hair into a bun interlaced with diamante strands and a little red ribbon to give it a splash of colour. At last I stepped into my shoes and stood and looked at myself in the full-length mirror.

‘So what do you think?’ I asked my two companions.

Nobody responded. I turned to discover my mother was crying.

‘Oh Michelle, you look so lovely,’ she sobbed.

‘You truly are the Dancing Queen,’ said Sarah. ‘Now go out there and show them all how it’s done.’

Alan was ready waiting for me outside the ladies changing rooms. He took one look at me and shook his head in disbelief.

‘You look wonderful,’ he said as he took my hand ready to make our entrance.

‘Thank you,’ I said, ‘you don’t look bad yourself.’

As we walked out I glimpsed Richard with the video camera and so I flashed a particular smile in his direction, even though you are not supposed to look directly at the camera. Alan stood up straight and held me, whilst I leaned my head back as we waited for the music to begin.

The Tango is a passionate yet playful dance, with plenty of opportunity for expression and improvisation. Its name derives from the Latin word for ‘touch’ and involves close connection between the dancers both in terms of eye and body contact. Dancing the Tango one tends to lose contact with the surroundings only concentrating on the music and your partner. For the duration of the dance it did not matter that we both had other partners, Alan and I were lovers sharing a passionate embrace.

At last the dance was over. Alan bowed, I curtsied and he hugged and kissed me on the cheek with genuine pleasure. Then we were both surrounded by well-wishers offering their congratulations, wanting to ask us questions or merely seeking our autographs. It took a full twenty-five minutes before I could extricate myself and go over and have a few words with Rich.

‘Did you get that alright?’ I asked.

‘I think so, and Helen was also filming with a second camera. You two were outstanding.

‘Well thanks for filming us.’

‘It has been my pleasure, I am really enjoying filming the two of you, although I must admit to being rather envious of Alan.’

‘It’s only a dance, it doesn’t mean anything.’

‘No, I suppose not.’

‘I’ll be dancing with you later tonight – that will mean far more to me than anything this afternoon.

‘Really?’

He seemed surprised.

‘Yes really!’ I confirmed, but was then approached by a female dancer who I’d not seen before.

‘I understand that you will be giving a master class for us in Bristol next month, will you be covering the Tango?’ she asked.

‘Yes that will be in the second session early in December,’ I replied.

After that I got swallowed up in further conversations about the Tango with members of the audience and I didn’t see Rich again until he came round to pick me up later that evening.

Rich came to collect me at 10.15 as we’d previously arranged and chatted to Mum for a while whilst I put the finishing touches to my hair and makeup. I could tell that Mum didn’t really approve of the length of the dress that I was again wearing, but since she’d spent the earlier part of the evening telling me how proud of me she was there was not a lot she could say.

‘I’m afraid I’ll be very late again, but I’ll try not to make any noise when I come in.’

‘Alright you two have a good time and take care.’

‘We will,’ said Rich as we were leaving.

‘Look after my daughter for me, I’m very proud of her,’ said Mum to Rich as we were leaving.

I don’t really want to go into too much detail about what happened between Rich and myself during the Saturday night and Sunday morning, for two reasons. First of all I don’t want to seem to be repeating myself with respect to describing the early part of the evening. Secondly what happened later between us was very personal and not really suitable for a story rated ‘Mature Subjects (PG15). So I’ll just summarise.

We both enjoyed the dancing: I learned some new moves from watching other girls on the dance floor and also tried out a few new techniques of my own. I was also reasonably successful in getting Rich to lighten up and let himself go a little more as a dancer. Thus by the end of the evening we made quite a respectable couple of EDM dancers. We did not stay until the club closed but left at about 2.00am to avoid the inevitable crowds. I went back to Richard’s flat for a coffee. From there it was a relatively short trip to his bedroom, where I found yet more cause to worry about who I was and who I wanted to be, although I kept trying to push this to the back of my mind as he drove me home at 7.00am as the sun was beginning to rise. The one thing I was sure of though was that whatever I might decide to do and whatever might happen to me in the future, I’d never again be able to face Rich, dressed as a boy.

Next time: An interesting proposition

Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated.Louise

Our dancing has not gone unnoticed Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 29 Interesting propositions

I slept through Sunday morning and when I did eventually emerge from my room I was pleased to find that Mum limited her enquiries about the previous night to whether or not I’d had a good time. I was however a little apprehensive about how Richard and I would react to one another when we met the following morning and whether this might affect our working relationship. On the other hand, I had no regrets about the previous evening. I suspected that it had been an important milestone in my life although I was still not sure about the full implications of what had happened.

Rob asked whether he might have a word with me in the back office as soon as I arrived at work on Monday morning. I was quite happy to do so as Richard had not yet arrived at work and I still wasn’t sure how I was going to react when I saw him. The only contact we’d had by then was a brief exchange of text messages the previous evening.

‘First of all let me congratulate you on how well you did on Saturday afternoon, Michelle,’ said Rob.

‘Thanks, but I think we all did quite well,’ I responded.

‘I know that you, in particular, did most of the work for the Charleston, and yet the rest of us received all of the applause and congratulations on your behalf. I was hoping to say something to you at the time, but you were whisked off to get ready for your next dance. Then your Tango was absolutely wonderful – so sensual and flirtatious. Once again, I was planning to say something but I was buttonholed by a couple of guys who’d come up from London specifically to see you two dance together. By the time I’d finished with them you’d already left.’

‘Thanks, Sarah helped me to get ready for my two dances,’ I said.

‘Yes, I know. Thanks for that, she seems a little happier now but can’t wait to get back to dancing.’

‘It won’t be long now,’ I said and was about to get up to leave, but he hadn’t finished with me.

‘Those two guys from London came up with a very interesting proposition for the club and I think we’re going to need to organise a special committee meeting to discuss it. Will you arrange it for me?’

‘Yes, of course, when do you have in mind?’ I asked.

‘They want me to attend a meeting at their offices on 3rd November, and I’ll need to know everyone’s opinions before then.’

‘In that case we’d better try to meet sometime this week. If you have no objection to my doing so at work, I’ll ring round the other members of the committee to see if they can stay behind after our practice session tomorrow evening.’

‘Yes, please go ahead and do so, and you’d better invite Alan to come along as well, as the proposal is likely to involve him.’

‘Alright.’

‘Once you’ve fixed a date, would you mind drawing up a brief agenda and circulating this document, which they emailed to me yesterday.’

‘Yes, of course. As it is in machine-readable form I can email it to members of the committee to save time.’

The document which Rob passed to me was marked ‘draft’ and written in legal terminology. It proved to be a proposal for a collaboration between the Videotraining Production Company and the Luton and District Ballroom Dancing Society. The company proposed to make a series of twenty-four half hour training/demonstration videos covering the principal ballroom dances. Each one would include two demonstration dances of three to four minutes, sandwiching a series of more detailed instructions. One of the demonstration dances would also appear free on ‘YouTube’ for publicity purposes together with links to enable the purchase of the whole video either as a download or on DVD. The videos were to be produced and issued at monthly intervals throughout 2009 and 2010. The Society would provide suitably qualified members (to be agreed by both parties) who would write the scripts, choreograph the dances and appear in the videos. The company would meet all production costs and provide a flat fee to all those members who had been involved (£500 per video for the performers and £300 for the scriptwriter and choreographer). The Society would also endorse the productions and receive a 35% commission on any sales that it made to its own members. It would also receive a 5% royalty on any profits made by the videos once all the production and distribution costs had been met.

All in all it seemed to be an interesting and potentially profitable collaboration for all concerned.

By the time I’d emerged from my discussion with Rob, Richard had been in to the office and then gone out again on a job. I was not too sorry because whilst I’d had a great time with him, I didn’t want our relationship to turn into the office soap opera. On the other hand I wanted some re-assurance that things were still alright between us and that he hadn’t been having second thoughts . Thus I was quite pleased when he texted me later that morning.

Hi Michelle,
Sorry to have missed you this morning but I had a 9.30 appointment. Are you free for lunch tomorrow and also for clubbing next Saturday?
Love, Richard. Xx

I thought carefully before responding.

Hi Richard,
Sorry, but I’ve already arranged to have lunch with Helen tomorrow.
Maybe it would best if we kept our friendship outside of work hours and didn’t have lunch together? Let me know what you think. However, regarding your second invitation; on the basis of my experiences last Saturday night (and of course Sunday morning ;-)), I’d love to go!
Love, Michelle. xx.

He seemed to get the message, as he texted me back a little later.

OK, we’ll keep things cool at work and save the passion till Saturday night, Rob.

I therefore allowed myself a little levity in my reply.

Roll on Saturday night! M. xx

After that I knew that I would be able to cope with the competing demands of work and my social life – at least so long as I continued as Michelle.

Helen and I had lunch together as arranged and compared notes about our previous weekends, but she did not probe too far, realising that I did not wish to go into too much detail regarding my relationship with Richard.

‘Are you going out with him again this weekend?’

‘Yes, and I’m soon going to need a new outfit, I can’t keep wearing the same dress every week.’

‘If you want to go out clothes shopping again one weekend, just let me know,’ she said.

‘Thanks,’ I replied. ‘I may take you up on that sometime.’

Alan and I started practising the routines that I’d devised for the Jive and the Jitterbug demonstrations during the Tuesday evening club practice. I was suggesting ‘Brown eyed girl,’ by Van Morrison for The Jive and ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ by Toploader for The Jitterbug. As usual, Alan was happy to go along with my suggestions, but made several useful suggestions for improvement during the first rehearsal. We made a good team dancing together – all the better because there was no question of any physical attraction, just a mutual enjoyment of the dance. Costume was not going to be a problem for me on this occasion. I knew that Mum had a vintage fifties-style swing dress in turquoise with a black trim and buttons, which would serve for both dances. It had a heart-shaped bust, ruched short sleeves and a wide flared skirt section. I’d tried it on already and found that it fitted me well and was extremely comfortable for dancing. It would require me wearing a billowy flared petticoat to get the full effect.

After our practice Alan and I joined the others for the special committee meeting that I’d arranged, and for once I’d managed to assemble the full complement of members, which together with Alan made eight of us. The others were all quite used to dealing with me as Michelle by this time.

‘There is only one item on the agenda, the draft proposal from Videotraining Productions. I take it that everyone has now had a chance to read the document; can I ask for any reactions?’ asked Rob.

‘Any contributions to our funds would be most welcome, and I’m sure the publicity would be good for recruitment purposes. If these videos were successful, it could make a dramatic difference to the running of the club,’ said Jack, who was our treasurer.’

‘But why did they choose our Society to collaborate with?’ asked Lucy.

‘Apparently they were most impressed by the videos of this year’s demonstrations that my colleague Richard has been putting on to ‘YouTube’. They’d been planning a series of training videos and so decided to investigate further. Richard’s only an amateur cameraman but if the scheme gets off the ground they may well offer him the opportunity to join their team of cameramen, although of course they will also provide their own professionals as well.’

‘But there aren’t twenty four dances in the official ballroom canon, are there?’ asked Joe.

‘No there are only ten in the International Standard and International Latin lists but there are many other dances in each category that are sometimes classified as ballroom, such as the Hustle, the Lindy Hop as well as the more specialised Latin dances such as the Merengue or the Argentine tango.'

‘There will be quite a lot of work involved in learning some of those less popular dances and all for a single flat payment,’ commented Lucy.

‘Yes, but if the series of videos were to be successful it would generate a lot of invitations for other work for those involved,’ said Alan. ‘In fact it might even enable them to turn professional.’

In that case you will have to find yourself another partner as there will be no way that I’ll be giving up my job,’ I thought to myself, but didn’t say anything as I was too busy taking down the minutes.

‘But do we have enough suitably qualified members to fulfil our part of the bargain?’ asked Joan.

Rob now looked less confident.

‘That could be an issue, I think they are assuming that we will have both Alan and Michelle available as our principal dancers, and as you all know Michelle won’t be around after the end of the year, although I take it we will still have Mike available for the choreography, as before.’

This last comment was clearly addressed towards me, who had otherwise expressed no opinion during the meeting.

‘Yes, of course,’ I said, colouring a little. ‘But even if I’m not available as the lead dancer there are plenty of other ladies that could do so. Sarah will be recovered by then, and Sonia has come on in leaps and bounds over the last few weeks.’

‘We’ll just have to see what they have to say when I go to meet with them next week,’ said Rob. ‘Is everyone in favour of the Society becoming involved?’

There were various murmurs of assent around the table; no-one seemed to be against the idea.

‘I suggest that you don’t go on your own, but take someone else from the Committee with you for moral support,’ suggested Jack. ‘I’m sorry but I am already committed on that day, but maybe someone else could go?’

‘Are there any volunteers?’ asked Rob.

‘I could go, if you like,’ suggested Alan. ‘I could represent the interests of the dancers.’

‘The only trouble is that you are not an elected Committee Member,’ pointed out Sarah. ‘I’d offer to go myself except that my leg is still in plaster. What about taking Michelle, she is, after all, the Club Secretary, and she could speak up for the interests of both the dancers and the ladies in the society.’

My blush grew a little deeper to be discussed in this way. As the youngest person on the Committee I hadn’t dreamed of volunteering to go along to this high-powered meeting.

‘Would you be willing to come with me next week, Michelle?’ Rob asked.

‘Yes, I suppose so, if you don’t mind me being away from work for the day,’ I replied.

‘I am sure we will be able to arrange things,’ said Sarah.

‘That’s settled then. Michelle and I will attend the meeting and report back. Of course we’ll consult you all before we sign anything, but I trust we have the authority of the other members of the Committee to negotiate on your behalf.’

The others all agreed to leave things in our hands and the meeting broke up. The only trouble was that I now had the financial future of our society resting on my shoulders, not to mention a most interesting opportunity for my new boyfriend.

All in all I had a lot to think about over the next few days which somewhat diverted me from thinking too much about my long term future, but I was not in the mood to discuss it with anyone else. I didn’t say too much to Mum about the proposal as I didn’t want to get in to a detailed discussion as to who would do the dancing and the extent of my own contribution if I could avoid it. Likewise, Alan and I didn’t discuss it when we met for our next practice on Friday night. I knew that he had ambitions of going professional one day and didn’t really enjoy his present job, but I think he probably realised that if he did so it would be without me as his partner. Last of all I didn’t say anything to Rich about the proposal when we went out again together on Saturday evening and back to his flat afterwards. I knew that he would be interested but I didn’t want to get his hopes up, especially if it was later my fault if the scheme didn’t come off. In any event we both had other things on our mind – but that’s another story.

Next time: Decision time

I have to be away for the weekend and so I am posting this a little earlier than usual. The final chapter will be published next weekend. Thanks to Bronwen for editing and to everyone else for comments and kudos which are always appreciated.
Louise

Ballroom dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t realise just how important it would become in shaping my future until I had to take the place of one of my bosses following an accident. Dancing Queen A novel by Louise Anne Smithson Copyright © 2013 Louise Anne Smithson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 30 My future

There is no railway station in Dunstable, it was closed down many years ago in the 1960s, but the train journey from Luton to St. Pancras in London only takes about thirty-five minutes, and there is a frequent service. Thus Rob offered to pick me up from my home at 9.30 on the morning of the 3rd November. I was wearing one of Mum’s smart business suits, and a silk blouse, and by this time was pretty good at fixing my own hair and makeup. My outfit gave me more confidence and I could tell that Rob was quite pleased with the way I looked although he didn’t comment on the fact.

‘Basically, Michelle, we’re just there to listen to one another to find out more details as to what they have in mind, and make clear what we are able to offer. We won’t be signing anything today,’ he said.

‘I know but it would be nice if we can at least come away with the final wording of the contract, and then organise another meeting,’ I said.

‘But I don’t want you to feel pressurised in any way about your own contribution, even if it does mean that the deal falls through. You’ve done more than enough for the society as it is.’

I smiled to myself remembering that such asurances had had relatively little impact on the way things had turned out for me in the past.

‘Don’t worry, anything I decide to do in future will be for my sake.’

‘Good’.

It took us another fifteen minutes after our arrival to travel on the Underground to Leicester Square and a ten minute walk to Dean Street off Soho Square, where the company had their offices above a shop. Thus we were in plenty of time for our 11.00am appointment. We were welcomed by Gerry and Frank, the two bosses of the outfit, both of whom were in their mid-thirties, and their assistant, Chloe, in her late-twenties. I was introduced as ‘Michelle, the secretary of the committee’.

‘And, if I’m not mistaken, one of the principal dancers, as well,’ said Gerry.

I smiled in agreement.

‘You really can dance well, young lady. That tap routine for the Charleston on Saturday was brilliant, as was the Tango as well. I wanted to congratulate you at the time but didn’t get a chance.’

‘Thank you,’ I said, colouring a little but pleased to receive such a compliment, all the same.

They took our coats and offered us some coffee and then we adjourned to a small meeting room.

‘I take it that you’ve had a chance to look through the draft proposal, Rob?’

He confirmed that we had discussed it at a Committee meeting and were broadly in favour of the terms.

‘We’ve been looking again at the six YouTube clips, and would be happy with the choreography and dancers involved so these could form the basis of our first six videos early next year, so that will give those involved some time to prepare for the others.’

‘So you would pay the choreographer a fee even though the work as already done?’ Rob said.

‘Yes, of course, so long as they were willing to transfer the rights involved but we would need to film the dancers again, this time without an audience. We will provide a director, a camera man and a sound man, and will also be happy to employ your guy as a freelance as well if he is interested.’

‘His name is Richard,’ I added.

‘That all sounds great, but we are not sure about Michelle’s availability in the New Year,’ said Mike.

There was a perceptible change in temperature in the meeting. Frank dropped the pen he was holding.

‘What about the others involved?’ he asked.

‘We would have no problem, there,’ said Rob. ‘Alan, in particular, is very keen to take part.’

‘I am sure that we would do our best not to clash with Michelle’s existing commitments,’ said Gerry.

‘The trouble is you are asking an awful lot from someone who is not a professional dancer, and has no intention of becoming one,’ I explained. ‘My principal role in the society so far has been as a choreographer and I will be happy to continue to do so. There are other ladies who could undertake the dancing.’

‘In that case why were you selected as the lead dancer for your showcase dances?’

‘Our usual showcase dancer had an accident – that is why I was asked to take her place,’ I replied.

‘We didn’t see evidence that there are any of your colleagues who is in the same league as you are, young lady,’ said Gerry.

‘You haven’t seen my friend Sarah dance; she is just as good a dancer as I am, but has been out of action for a few weeks, but she should be dancing again by January.’

‘Would you agree with that assessment, Rob?’ asked Frank.

‘I’m biased since she is my wife, but yes, both she and Michelle are excellent ballroom dancers.’

‘And there are other lady dancers who are also improving all the time and will soon be in a position to take over the lead,’ I added.

‘I am going to need a brief private discussion with my colleagues,’ said Gerry. ‘Would you two excuse us please?’

They left us alone in the room for a few minutes.

‘I hope you know what you are doing,’ said Rob.

‘So do I,’ I replied.

The three came back after five minutes.

‘We would be willing to accept your assurance that you will be able to provide other lady dancers of an appropriate standard, but in return we want it to be specified in the contract that at least fifty percent of the dances will be undertaken by Michelle and her current partner.’

‘I am sure that we will be able to agree to that,’ I replied, turning to Rob before he had the opportunity to respond.

He gave me a searching look.

‘Alright, if Michelle is happy with those conditions, I am sure our committee will be happy to go ahead.’

The remainder of our meeting was concerned with discussing the details, a timetable and then converting the proposal in to the terms of a contract for us to take away. Whilst it was being printed I asked whether I might use the Ladies and Chloe offered to show me where to find them.

‘They must be really keen to have you as a dancer, Michelle, they don’t normally compromise in this way,’ she said.

‘I don’t think they’ll be disappointed by the others. Also, as soon as we have finished with the ballroom dances I have a few ideas for similar ones to cover Electro Dance Music as well.’

‘Really? I keep telling my bosses that they ought to branch out into EDM as well as ballroom. Maybe we could meet up in the New Year and put down a proposal on paper. I’m sure they would listen to you.’

‘I’d like that,’ I replied.

Rob and I had a bite to eat together before returning to Luton in the early afternoon.

‘Thank you for making space for Sarah, she will now have a great incentive to get dancing once again.’

‘I meant what I said. I’ve always thought that she was an excellent dancer.’

‘I really hope that you realise what you are committing yourself to, Michelle, potentially remaining as a girl for the next two years.’

I smiled.

‘I think I am committing myself to a lot more than that, Rob. I’ve decided that Mike won’t be coming back, ever. I have decided to continue using my female identity, full-time, and take steps to transition to become a woman, both legally and also physically, as far as is possible. I will be seeking to change my name and my gender on official documents. After two years I will be seeking to obtain a gender recognition certificate.’

He didn’t look completely surprised by what I’d just said.

‘Sarah said to me that she thought this might be the final outcome, but are you sure?’

‘I wouldn’t be taking such a drastic step unless I was absolutely certain. It is a decision that I’ve been gradually coming to over the last few weeks. The proposal we have discussed today may have caused me to come to that decision a little earlier than I had planned, but I am sure that I would have come to the same decision quite soon, in any event.’

‘Michelle does seem a more confident and contented person than Mike.’

‘Yes, I think so.’

‘Well, all I can say is good luck to you,’ he said and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

By the time we got back to Luton there was no point in my travelling in to work in Dunstable so Rob dropped me off at home at 3.00pm. Mum wasn’t in at the time. I changed out of my work clothes and put on a pair of jeans and a fairly scruffy looking top, found the step-ladder and made my way to the loft. I soon found the three black plastic bags containing Mike’s clothes and had just got them down and put them in the hall when Mum returned from her shopping.

‘What are you doing Michelle?’

‘I am just taking these to the charity shop. I will have no further use for them.’

‘So you’ve made your decision.’

‘Yes, Mum, I’ve made my decision; you will have a daughter from now onwards. I have found the address of a therapist and telephoned for an appointment. I hope to start taking testosterone blockers and oestrogen soon. There will be no going back then.’

She held me in her arms and looked carefully into my eyes.

‘You are sure?’

‘Yes, Mum, I am sure.’

‘I feel I can say this to you now, I think you are making the right decision. I’ve loved having a daughter and am sure that I will always do so, but that is not the point. I think it is the right decision for you.’

‘Thanks Mum.’

Later that evening I rang Helen on her mobile phone.

‘Hi Michelle, how did your meeting go?’

‘Very well indeed, in fact you will be seeing me around for some time to come.’

‘I suspected as much, I am pleased for you. So what can I do for you?’

‘You know you offered to take me clothes shopping sometime, are you doing anything next Saturday morning?’

‘No, I don’t think so.’

‘I’m planning to withdraw my savings out of the bank and need to buy myself quite a few items for my wardrobe now that I know that Michelle is here to stay. Will you help me to choose them?’

‘Yes of course I will be happy to do so, but what about the car that you have been saving for?’

‘There will be opportunities for me to earn some money in the future, but in the meanwhile I have more important things to do with the money.’

So that explains how my life changed so drastically for the better, over a six week period in the Autumn of 2009. Since that time I have been living as Michelle full-time and have been legally recognised as a woman since November 2011. I have never once had any regrets or questioned the wisdom of the decision I made about my future at that meeting.

Fortunately I had no difficulty in convincing my therapist that I was suffering from gender dysphoria and quickly prescribed testosterone blockers before my body had fully developed as a male. Thus my facial features and shoulders and limbs were all quite passable. It took a few more months before I was prescribed oestrogen, but now after a few years of taking them I now have a pair of normal looking breasts and smooth skin.

Sarah fully recovered her dancing skills in time for the New Year ball of 2010. She danced with Rob and I even managed to get Richard up to a reasonable standard to dance the final waltz together. Sarah ended up taking responsibility for dancing nearly a third of the videos and Sonia the remaining sixth. The series proved to be a great success and our members received many invitations to give further demonstrations, some of which I accepted.

These days I often ask Sonia to take my place as she is equally capable. In fact Alan and Sonia are planning to go professional soon and should do well as a couple. In the meanwhile Chloe and I proposed a series of EDM dance videos involving myself and a number of young dancers we discovered in the clubs. These are also doing fairly well, and have contributed to my earnings.

I have continued to work for Rob and Sarah and have remained friends with Helen. In fact the business has done very well over the last few years. Richard and I often go clubbing together regularly, but that is as much as I am willing to say on that subject.

Thanks again to Bronwen for editing and to everyone who has commented, kudoed or sent me a personal message. Please feel free to add any further comments if you wish. Louise