“Is this her first Nutcracker?” asked Dania, as the applause built.

“No, she’s been before,” Gwen answered, watching her sister dance. As soon as the curtain call had begun, Hazel was on her feet, leading the adults to stand as well. She leapt off the ground, attempting to replicate the virtuosic jetés of the dancers. Gwen, bending down, put a hand on her shoulder.

“Wait until we’re outside,” she whispered, among the applause. “You could kick someone.”

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