Su Wanqing nodded in agreement, adding, "Yes, Auntie. Nianxi has an excellent sense of rhythm, and she's very expressive, able to quickly get into character and draw the audience into her dance world. I believe she will definitely stand out."
Lin Wanqiu nodded, her anxiety easing slightly. She recalled the effort her daughter had put into this competition: getting up before dawn every day to practice basic skills—leg stretches, backbends, splits—often working up a sweat and covered in bruises, yet never complaining; coming home from school in the evenings, after finishing her homework, she would repeatedly practice her movements in front of the mirror, correcting every detail; to perfect her spinning moves, she fell again and again, getting up each time, her knees scraped raw, yet she still persevered. This perseverance and dedication filled Lin Wanqiu with both heartache and pride.
Time ticked by, and the performances on stage were captivating, eliciting waves of applause from the audience. Finally, the host's voice rang out again: "Next, please welcome contestant number eighteen, Shen Nianxi, to bring us the dance 'Spirit of the Peacock'!"
The spotlight instantly focused on the stage entrance. Shen Nianxi took a deep breath, lifted her red dress, and walked lightly onto the stage. She stood in the center, head slightly bowed, arms hanging naturally at her sides, like a peacock about to awaken. As the familiar music began, she slowly raised her head, her eyes instantly gleaming with a dazzling light, her once youthful face now showing focus and determination.
Her dance was light and graceful, like a peacock soaring freely, blooming freely on the stage. Tiptoes, spins, leaps, backbends—every movement was precise and beautiful, full of power and grace. Her red dress billowed as she twirled, like a blooming red plum blossom, dazzling and captivating. Her arms, like peacock wings, sometimes extended, sometimes folded, every detail handled perfectly, showcasing the peacock's elegance and agility to the fullest.
Lin Wanqiu sat in the audience, tightly holding Shen Tingzhou's hand, her eyes brimming with tears. She seemed to see her daughter practicing diligently in the practice room, seeing her stubbornly getting up after falling, seeing her dedication to repeatedly perfecting a single move. At this moment, all her efforts had paid off; her daughter shone brightly on the stage, like the most dazzling star.
Shen Tingzhou's eyes also welled up with tears. He gripped his wife's hand tightly, his heart filled with pride and joy. This usually mischievous little girl was displaying a composure and professionalism beyond her years on stage, which both surprised and moved him. He recalled how his daughter would fall asleep immediately after dance practice, yet still get up on time the next day to continue practicing. This perseverance and dedication filled him with deep satisfaction.
Shen Nian'an and Su Wanqing watched intently, their eyes filled with admiration. Shen Nianxi's dance was not only technically skillful, but even more commendable was the emotion she poured into it. From the peacock's awakening, foraging, playing, to displaying its plumage, she narrated the entire story through delicate body language and rich facial expressions, making the audience feel as if they were there, experiencing the peacock's agility and beauty.
As the music on stage gradually built to a climax, Shen Nianxi's movements became faster and more powerful. She executed several difficult spins and jumps in succession, her movements clean and crisp, without the slightest hesitation. The audience below was stunned, then erupted in thunderous applause and cheers, the applause lasting for a long time and almost drowning out the music on stage.
The judges nodded in approval, their eyes filled with admiration, and their pens scribbled down their scores. They hadn't expected that a ten-year-old girl could perform "The Spirit of the Peacock" so perfectly, with both skill and emotion—a truly remarkable feat.
As the music slowed, Shen Nianxi's movements softened. She slowly crouched down, her hands gently brushing the ground like a peacock preening its feathers, finishing with a graceful pose. Under the spotlight, she breathed slightly, a confident smile on her face, and glistening tears in her eyes.
Thunderous applause erupted again from the audience, who rose to their feet to cheer for the outstanding young girl. Lin Wanqiu could no longer hold back her tears, which streamed down her face. She hugged Shen Tingzhou tightly and exclaimed excitedly, "Old Shen, Nianxi danced so well! It was perfect!"
"Yes, that's wonderful!" Shen Tingzhou's voice was also a little choked up. He nodded vigorously, "Our daughter has really grown up."
Shen Nianxi bowed deeply to the audience, then lifted her red dress and quickly walked off the stage. As soon as she reached the backstage area, she saw Lin Wanqiu and the others already waiting there. "Mom! Father! Brother! Sister-in-law!" she excitedly ran over and threw herself into Lin Wanqiu's arms.
Lin Wanqiu hugged her daughter tightly and tenderly wiped the sweat from her forehead: "Nianxi, you danced so well! Mom is so proud of you!"
Shen Tingzhou stepped forward, patted his daughter's head, and said with satisfaction in his eyes, "Well done, child."
"Nianxi, you're amazing!" Su Wanqing said with a smile, handing her a bottle of warm water. "Drink some water to replenish your energy. Your dance was so wonderful, I was completely moved."
Shen Nianxi took a sip of water and a bright smile appeared on her face: "Really? When I jumped just now, I felt like I really turned into a peacock and flew freely in the forest."
“Of course it’s true!” Shen Nian’an said with a smile. “You have shown the peacock’s agility and elegance. The judges and the audience have all been captivated by you.”
Several people escorted Chen Nianxi back to the audience seats, awaiting the competition results. By this time, all the contestants had finished performing, and the judges were conducting their final scoring and discussion. The theater was completely silent; everyone held their breath, anticipating the final outcome.
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