As lead gingerbread, Liberty had to duck under Mother Ginger’s huge hoop skirt and leap out at the audience. “Let me get this straight,” Liberty said, complaining to Marcus. “You want me to crawl on the floor under some granny’s skirt and then pop out and make a complete fool out of myself ?” Marcus rested his hands on his hips. “If you choose to make a complete fool out of yourself, then that’s your decision. I expect you to burst onto the stage exuding joy and excitement. If you can’t handle that, there’s the door.” “Ooh, I like him,” Rochelle whispered to Scarlett. “Anyone who disses Liberty gets my vote!” “Fine,” Liberty said, taking her place. “I am a professional.” “The lead gingerbread has to really ham it up,” Miss Noreen instructed her. “That won’t be a problem for Liberty.” Rochelle chuckled. Miss Noreen showed her the choreography, a combination of arabesques, pirouettes, and something that resembled a waddling penguin. “Elbows should be shoulder level, palms open wide,”
