Born to Dance Read Online Free PDF

moments, returned to the stage, bowed slightly and eventually signalled to the conductor – and then sang an encore.
    The chorus were waiting in both wings to close the show as she took her final bow and swept off the stage.
    She pushed past Bonny and Shirley, storming and swearing under her breath about the man on the spotlight.
    ‘Trouble at mill!’ Shirley remarked as they tapped their way on to the stage.
    When the show was closing and the various artists made their way on to the stage, backed by the chorus, Bonny wondered if Belle would appear. But she came on to the stage all smiles, blowing kisses to her rapt audience.
    The smile died as she reached the wings. ‘Sammy!’ she bellowed, ‘I want a word in your office!’
    As the girls made their way to their dressing room, they could hear the raised voices of Sammy and Belle in heated argument. ‘I want that man fired! He’s bloody useless,’ screamed Belle.
    ‘I certainly will not fire him; he’s worked with me for years.’
    ‘Then at least make sure he knows what he’s doing,’ she cried. ‘His spotlight wasn’t fully on me, I had to move over. I don’t expect to work with incompetents! Get it sorted out before tomorrow or you won’t have a star!’ And she left, slamming the door behind her.
    Sammy mopped his brow and lit a cigar. He looked up with some relief as Rob Andrews walked in.
    ‘Fiery isn’t she?’ Rob remarked with a grin.
    Pouring himself a drink, Sammy grimaced. ‘I’d forgotten how difficult she can be,’ he admitted. ‘But she brings in the punters so I have to keep her sweet. I’ll have a word with Bill and tell himfor God’s sake make sure she’s well lit. I’ve ordered flowers to be sent to her hotel. She’ll cost me a bloody fortune by the end of the week.’
    With a wry smile, Rob said, ‘But you will have at least some reward for your efforts.’
    Sammy’s eyes twinkled. ‘I have to say the lady is worth every penny, but I’ll be a nervous and physical wreck by the time she goes.’
    ‘How are the bookings for our musical week going?’ Rob asked.
    ‘Very well. I hope you have something special lined up with your girls?’
    ‘You won’t be disappointed, I promise. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
     
    There was a huge crowd waiting at the stage door that night. They crowded round Belle as she left with Sammy, asking for autographs, plying her with flowers and chocolates. Flattering her with their admiration. She smiled at them all, signed programmes, handed the bouquets to Sammy before climbing into the car and being driven away.
    ‘Thank God that’s over,’ she complained.
    Sammy, a true professional and businessman, was irritated by her remark. ‘Don’t forget, Belle, without those people, you would be just another singer!’
    ‘I would never be just another anything!’ she retorted, stung by his sharp tone.
    ‘Don’t come it with me, Belle. Remember I knew you long before you hit the big time, and I’ve seen bigger stars than you fall from that pedestal when they got too big for their boots. I wouldn’t like to see you go the same way.’
    She looked at him sideways and saw the set of his jaw and knew he was angry. No one else knew her as well as he did and no one else would ever get away with talking to her that way. But Sammy and she had travelled the road to success together. ‘I’m just tired,’ she said by way of an excuse.
     
    On Saturday, as the audience filed in for the last performance, there was a buzz backstage. It was rumoured that a talent scout for a big London producer was in the stalls. Every act was full of nervous tension as they waited their turn to perform. Rob Andrews came into the girls’ dressing room before the show to talk to them.
    ‘Tonight I want you to dance as you never have before,’ he said. ‘Out front is a talent scout and I want him to see you at your best. Look as if you are enjoying yourselves, so smile every moment you’re on stage.’ And he turned on