Tommie said, smiling at the audience. “I’m glad you’re enjoying our talk, but if I keep you too long, your other instructors will have me permanently banned from the university.”“Most of them are here, too!” someone called out, drawing a round of hearty laughter.Tommie grinned. “Then allow me to petition on your behalf for extra credit.”More laughter filled the hall.After another moment Tommie continued. “Before I let you go—and I’m afraid I must—I just wanted to share some final advice for all of you dance majors out there. Aspiring professional dancers need to go above and beyond to gain a cut above the competition. The reality is that dancers today are stronger, more flexible, and more talented than ever. It takes real focus and dedication to get that extra edge you will need to get noticed.“When I auditioned for the Blane Bailey Dance Company, the odds were seriously stacked against me. For starters I was already considered over the hill at twenty-nine—far too old to be trying to break into the world of professional dancing, especially in New York City.
