Let's Rock! by Sheryl Berk

behind them onstage. “And do you know why? Because their routine was better than ours. Not because they promised to give money to the homeless shelter or because we called in a VIP favor. Because they deserved it, plain and simple.”
    â€œIt doesn’t make it hurt any less,” Bria said.
    â€œNo, it doesn’t. Losing always hurts. But there will be another competition, and another chance to beat City Feet,” Toni replied. “I’m proud of you girls.”
    Rochelle raised an eyebrow. “You are? Even though we blew it?”
    â€œYou did a lot more than dance these past two weeks. You made a difference in people’s lives. That’s the biggest win in my book.”
    â€œMine, too,” J. J. said. “Plus, my choreography brought us a first prize trophy … Just sayin’.”
    â€œYour choreography and these talented toes,” Rochelle reminded him.
    â€œI hate it when we get beat,” Gracie said,eyeing Mandy, who was sticking her tongue out in their direction.
    â€œThere’s always tomorrow,” Miss Toni said. “And for us, tomorrow is a big day.”
    â€œOh my gosh! I almost forgot about the Sugar Dolls’ video!” Bria exclaimed.
    â€œI didn’t forget,” Liberty said. “And my audition is going to be unforgettable!”

When the team arrived at 7:00 a.m. at the Hollywood studio for the Dolls’ video shooting, they couldn’t believe their eyes. The green room was filled with girls of all ages who wanted to be backup dancers in their video. The only ones missing were City Feet, who already flew home to celebrate winning first.
    â€œI told you,” Anya said. “I’ve been on open calls before. There could be thousands of girls auditioning.”
    Liberty spied her mother, talking to one of the Dolls’ managers in the back of the room. “Mommy! Mommy!” she shouted. “We’re here!”
    Jane Montgomery waved but continued making notes on her clipboard.
    â€œWhat’s the matter, Libbylicious?” Rochelle whispered in her ear. “Mommy too busy for you?”
    This time, it was Toni who stepped in to referee. “Instead of insulting each other, why don’t you go stretch and warm up,” she commanded. “I’m going to see where we are in the lineup.”
    Their teacher passed through the crowds of girls and coaches and made her way over to Jane. “Quite a turnout,” she said. “When are the Divas up?”
    The Sugar Dolls’ manager was a tall man with spiky red hair and sunglasses. He looked down at Toni over the tip of his nose. “Take a number,” he said dismissively.
    â€œSorry,” she said to Toni. “Busy, busy! It might be a little wait, but I’ll make sure the girls get to show their stuff.” She followed the manager out of the room.
    Toni walked back to her team. “Well?” Liberty asked. “Do we get to go in now?”
    Toni held up the number 128 written in red on a slip of paper. “This is our number,” she said. “There are one hundred twenty-seven other dancers in front of you.”
    â€œWe’ll be here all day!” Gracie whined. “I’m tired. And hungry.”
    â€œWelcome to the world of showbiz,” J. J. said, handing Gracie a granola bar. “It’s a lot of waiting around.”
    â€œWhich means you all need to have patience,” Toni said. “I don’t need to remind you that anywhere you go, you are representing my studio. I expect you all to behave accordingly.”

    It was nearly two hours before Jane returned to the green room with her clipboard to start calling girls in for the auditions. “Numbers one through fifteen, please report to the stage,” she said.
    â€œFifteen? They’re only up to fifteen?” Bria exclaimed. “Liberty, that’s your mom up there. Go do something!”
    Liberty tried to motion to