On Point

And so it begins...

By Rena Rouge

Classes all over the world are starting back today, from the smallest studios to the largest companies, summer break is well and truly over and it's time to face the music and dance.

Plagg Fu (38) has once again taken on the mentor role for the dancers within the Agreste School of Ballet. Those who are involved with the world of ballet will know just how famed and idolised Plagg is to the younger generations of dancers. He has been labelled as 'one of the greats' and, truly, it's no surprise he has stayed with the company when the younger Agreste is about to make his epic comeback.

Over the years, Plagg has been known for his heated comments and ferocious head to heads with Gabriel Agreste (50). Which has only fuelled rumours about an impending departure from the school.

Plagg has often spoken about the lack of freedom within the company, once or twice being caught as saying it is 'old fashioned in its training' and that it needs a 'breath of fresh air'. With so many new companies popping up all over France, it does seem Master Agreste needs to look at the company as a whole and see if there's any way to expand — maybe with that of his son.

Adrien Agreste (22) has yet to comment or post anything on social media about his return to dance, even after years of being very proactive about his commitment and adoration of the art. We're hoping once the young dancer is back into the swing of things he'll be posting once again and showing the world his undeniable talent and showmanship.

In other news, Lila Rossi (20) has recently revealed her new sponsorship with 'Bloch' dancewear, having such a well known company taking interest in the younger dancer can only mean a vibrant future is on the way. Our bets are now placed that Rossi will be partnering Agreste for the famous Pas de Deux at the Christmas Gala.

We're all hanging onto the edge of our seats as we wait for not only the announcement of what the company will be showcasing this year, but also who will be in the main Corps de ballet and taking on the Principle roles.

*****

Adrien stood at the back of the studio, he didn't want to be in the midst of the newcomers, and he definitely didn't want to be near any of the company principals. Chloé had already attempted to make conversation with him a couple of times, most likely wanting to try and grab him for the pas de deux, however, all he wanted was to get through today without having to worry about doing too much... or too little.

If the word got back to his father that he wasn't putting the effort in during class, he was quite sure 'the mighty' Gabriel Agreste would be straight down in the studio, giving him ultimatum after ultimatum, before telling him it's his way or no way.

He lounged back against the studio wall, looking around the studio. The newbies were enthusiastically stretching and warming up, the current company members stood around talking, and if he wasn't mistaken, they would be ranking the fresh meat. Singling out the weak and preparing to sabotage the strong. He knew the way it worked, and he was ashamed to say he was one of the judgmental ones in the past... that was until he realised there was more than just being the top dog in the studio — life changing events did that to you.

Lila caught his eye. The companies registered 'Mean Girl'. She was talking to another, one new to the company last year, and one who was taken straight under her wing. They were pointing slightly and laughing, it was obvious their target had been chosen.

Adrien followed their line of sight, attempting to catch who it was they were choosing as their new victim for the next year. Lila was always successful at getting her biggest competition out of the door, or breaking the weakest into submission – never to dance again. She was manipulative, and you were destroyed before you realised what was happening. Everyone saw Lila as the innocent Princess, and she acted the part perfectly too. The less you said to Lila, and the less you trusted her the better.

Their stares stopped on a girl to the side of the studio. The girl with the spoon in her hair. She sat to the side tying her ribbons and chatting to a guy he recognised. Luka Couffaine. He was sure of it. The girl was laughing and smiling oblivious to the target now locked firmly on her back. She looked so carefree that his heart hurt. To the new arrivals this first class was always fun, a quick break into studio life before it became nothing more than a job of survival. In a matter of weeks she would be battered and bruised, pushed and pulled, until she was what they wanted... a face to match a brand.

He continued to stare, watching her finish tying the ribbon on her pointe shoes and standing up. She flexed the hardened tip before pushing up onto them, warming up her ankles and preparing her shoes for work. She seemed a lot more sturdy than in the auditions a week ago.

Someone else came over to her, making him even more curious about how she'd already found such a selection of friends, or was she a festival dancer. A competitor in the lower world, a world where Chloé and Lila used to dominate the ballet sections.

Her tidy bun stayed perfectly still as she turned her head to welcome the newcomer, her blue eyes meeting him in the motion. She gave him a small smile, one enough to make him pick up his own bag and move it to the units outside the side of the studio, breaking eye contact from her and hopefully giving him back some anonymity.

"It's good to have you back, dude!" A large hand closed down over his shoulder, Adrien turning and coming face to face with Lê Chiến Kim Ature.

"Hey, Monkey!" Adrien linked his hand to Kim's, pulling him in and giving him a hearty smack on the back. "How have you been without me in rehearsals to kick your ass?"

"It's been great," Kim laughed. "For once, I've been the star of the show. Have you seen the new recruits? Luka Couffaine, and Marc Anciel, both are pretty hot on the floor. You need to watch out, Agreste, or your starring role will be stolen."

Kim led them back into the studio, Adrien automatically sorting the guys out once more. They most certainly looked the part, there was no doubt about it, something Adrien had never done himself. He was always slightly bigger than the average ballerina, muscles in different places to where they needed to be, his shoulders more broad and his biceps larger. His father attempted to put him on diet after diet, but it made no difference. Most likely because of Plagg's interventions, looking out for him and keeping him fuelled in dire situations.

Would it matter to him if they stole the leading roles? Definitely not, he didn't want them anymore, he didn't need them. But if he didn't he wouldn't get his opportunity. It seems he was coming back full throttle.

"Everyone please move forward."

A whole array of tights and hairspray moved forward towards Plagg. The girls still kitted out in their leg warmers, wrap skirts and cardigans, as the guys had their school hoodies covering their modesty at the first class of the year, Adrien knowing full well the modesty will only last a week.

He tagged on at the back; he was still wearing his joggers waiting until the last possible minute to finally get back into the dance mode. The longer he held out, the longer he remained out of this hell hole.

"Usually you will be training in split groups, males and females in their own classes. But for today, the rules are being relaxed a little. We will be having a joint technique class today to allow you to mingle before rehearsals start. From there boys you will be directed by Madam Mendeleiev for technical training and Master Candeloro for skill and stretch. Girls, you will be directed by myself for both technical training and skill. Pas de Deux will also be instructed by yours truly."

Adrien watched as people stared at each other around the group. He'd gone through this almost every year since he was 17, it all became quite repetitive and not exciting. To everyone else, this combination class was foreign and for some slightly awkward. Plagg was one of his own though, and everything he put in place worked — even if his father disagreed.

Adrien sighed and crossed his arms, the noise pulling attention from other members of the group. Spoon girl remained there as the others turned back. He raised an eyebrow in question, watched as her cheeks tinted and her head turned away. Great! That's all he needed, another fangirl.

"Does anyone have any questions?"

The room fell silent, Plagg signalling for everyone to remove their coverups and for Sass, the pianist, to seat himself down so they could begin.

Adrien headed out of the studio to his bag, removing his top clothing and placing it away, suddenly he felt overly exposed, his breathing hitching in his throat. Closing his eyes, he tried to focus. This was going to be fine. Just a few months, that's all he had to do. A few months and he wouldn't have to perform on stage anymore, he wouldn't have to go through the pain of all this anymore. Months. Just a few months.

Adrien moved to a space at the bar, close to Chloé and as far away from Lila as possible. Plagg's welcome class was full of freedom, something he was most certainly grateful for at the moment. He prepared himself ready to plié, moving like a well oiled machine, as he pushed through his demi-pliés into grand pliés, the auto-response giving him time to look around the room. As always, it was full of talent.

Plagg was doing his usual rounds, currently standing beside spoon girl. She nodded in response, giving him a smile and reassuring nod. Adrien slyly continued to watch as she was corrected and spoken to by their dance master. There was something about her, warm and familiar, a recognition which caught in his throat and caused him to lose rhythm.

When she danced, she wasn't as clean and perfect as the others. He knew that from her audition. But what he hadn't expected was how familiar a dancer she was, how history seemed to be repeating itself.

As she performed her battement tendu, he had to turn away because Marinette Dupain-Cheng danced exactly like his mother used to.

*****

Marinette could feel his glare on her. His head turned away every time she tried to catch him out. Instead, she glimpsed his perfect and effortless form as it glided from one more to the next. It seemed the rumours were true and Adrien Agreste was as smooth as honey.

They'd completed their barre exercises, combinations and were now onto their corner work.

They had been partnered with someone Plagg had seen as an equivalent, which only increased her anxiety as she stood beside Chloé waiting to or head down the floor. What had possessed him to pair them was beyond her.

She looked around her, hoping to catch a glimpse of Alya or Luka, just a quick smile to help her along. To give her a little slither of confidence she craved.

"It's like the olden days, isn't it, Dupain-Cheng?"

Chloé was watching the pair currently performing their combination in the centre of the studio's floor, yet Marinette could feel the smugness in her voice. Instead of responding, Marinette remained quiet, instead concentrating on watching the current performers herself. A boy nicknamed 'Monkey' who was tall and well built, his grace and poise flawless and undeniably mesmerising, at least it would be, if his partner wasn't stealing the limelight.

She'd only had the pleasure of seeing Adrien Agreste perform a couple of times over the years. Once, many years ago at a stage festival, then his last performance in the company a year and half ago — the day before his mother died.

Adrien commanded the floor in such a way there was no room for anyone else. His moves were big, graceful and strong, each arm stretching to its full length with the most perfect hands placed on the end, but most of all, it looked effortless.

He held pose, and let out a breath, not one of exertion though, one that signified relief that it was almost done. He'd shied away from the others, not speaking a word to anyone more than a simple 'hello'. But he observed. He observed each and everyone of them as the class progressed through the technical combinations and floor work.

She could see the hurt in his eyes from the moment they'd entered the school today. It must be hard coming back, almost pretending nothing happened, and doing the one thing your mother loved to do. He was brave for just being here again.

Marinette could see the sigh of relief leave his body, as Plagg called out the final combination to the two boys, clapping on hard counts and stamping the beat.

Pas de chat

Prepare

Fouetté

"Again," Plagg shouted over the music. He clapped. And clapped. And clapped. Kim fumbling out of his fifth as Adrien continued to whip his leg and turn. Again. And Again. And again.

Nine.

Ten.

Eleven.

Twelve.

"Release!" Plagg shouted, Adrien ignoring him and continuing.

Thirteen.

Fourteen.

Fifteen.

"Adrien, release!" Plagg's voice boomed across the studio, everyone holding their breath as the cool and calm instructor all about lost it.

Finally pulling his leg in, Adrien continued into a flawless quadruple pirouette, finishing in a perfect position. He held himself still, the only movement came from his chest which was rising and falling quickly, the sweat coating his brow, and his head held high.

The room which had been silently watching, exploded with chatter, people whispering and calling him out for being a show off, but he wasn't. He looked in a trance, almost as if his body had been possessed and he couldn't control it.

'Monkey' stood beside him, his own body trying to regain stability as he stared straight at Adrien.

"Adrien? What the –"

"Kim – to the back of the line," Plagg demanded, his eyes purely on Adrien and nobody else.

"But Plagg –"

"Go!"

Plagg's eyes never left Adrien's, his body still holding onto the ending position and his own eyes opened wide. He looked scared. Almost out of control.

"Adrien — here, everyone else, continue with the combinations. Chloé, please take over the count."

Chloé turned and smirked at Marinette, before making her way to the front of the studio and indicating to the pianist to continue.

Luka and their other roommate, Marc, moved next. Both effortlessly completed the combination without the extension Adrien had just given. As much as Marinette would have liked to have watched Luka perform she couldn't keep her eyes off Plagg and Adrien gathered in the corner.

He looked beaten. He looked sad. He looked as though he shouldn't be here. They were in a deep conversation, one which was mainly controlled by Plagg. Adrien slowly shook his head, before saying something back. Something she wished she could hear.

"Marinette, are you going to do it today or not?" Chloé's voice raised above the piano, the sound of snickering girls behind her making her move forward and prepare to start. She caught Luka's eye as he waited at the opposite corner of the studio, a nod of support being sent her way. One she gratefully accepted.

With a deep breath she began, moving almost effortlessly across the studio. She tried to focus on the mirrors, looking and correcting her posture as she moved through the combination. Straight legs, straight back, long neck. As she began the fouetté section she caught Adrien's eye in the mirror, causing her to drop too soon from en pointe in the first rotation and twisting her ankle.

She stumbled ungracefully to the ground, catching Luka's eye in the reflection. Once again, his eyes encouraged her to get up and carry on. Standing tall, she prepared herself in fourth and picked up the rotation, springing back up onto en pointe. She completed two more, both perfectly positioned and leading her into a flawless triple pirouette.

"We only needed two, thank you Dupain-Cheng," Chloé said with a roll of her eyes. Marinette nodded, before moving off the floor and up to the other corner, Luka standing and waiting for her.

"We weren't told only a double, so pay no attention to her. She's just jealous," Luka said in comfort. She was grateful, yet the embarrassment of falling over still had quite a sore spot.

"Yeah, sure." Marinette turned her head to look in the direction of where Adrien was, only to see a look of disgust on his face. Had she really done that badly?

"Stay," she heard Plagg say, only for Adrien to turn and walk out the door, leaving the room without a single glance back.

Marinette looked at Plagg, watching the male wipe his hands down his face in exhaustion. Without consideration, she moved forward to the dance master and made herself known.

"Was it me?" she asked.

Plagg moved his hands from his face, the downtrodden look suddenly changing into a brighter smile. One which, she was sure, was fake.

"No, no! Don't worry, Marinette. It's fine. He's just dealing with some things. Nothing to worry about, and ignore Chloé. The triple was clean and that's all that matters during technique."

He tried to hold his smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. Instead, it was distant and full of worry. Worry, that she guessed was, for Adrien.

Marinette made her way back to the line, looking out of the door to see if there were any signs of the famed dancer's return, only to be sorely disappointed when the hallway remained clear. The way Adrien had looked at her was intimidating and hard, almost as if he was trying to look through her.

"Marinette, are you sure you're okay?"

As she reached Luka's side, she couldn't help but feel bad for the worry she was obviously causing him.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Plagg was happy, so that's good."

He smiled back, moving forwards and ready to make his way down the room again. She felt awful for lying, especially to someone who'd been so good to her already, but Adrien's glare and exit put her at unease.

What if she was the girl he'd chosen to dance with?

And what if she'd blown her chance to be here already?