Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 296 The Previous Costume

Hattie whispered under her breath, "I don't want this role to go to Violeta."

Violeta had secured the lead role in Wade's web series, igniting fierce envy in Hattie.

Additionally, there was an odd rumour circulating in the industry that the main investor in the web series, Niall, was Violeta's brother!

Absolute rubbish!

Hattie disregarded such baseless gossip.

It seemed like the type of rumour Violeta would start to boost her own reputation!

Hattie had identified Violeta as her future primary competitor and was determined to keep a tight rein on her from the beginning!

Therefore, she was resolved that the lead role in this drama must not fall to Violeta.

After pondering, Hattie chose to support Zelena, unaware that Zelena did not share the same feelings.

Though both viewed Violeta as a mutual adversary, Zelena was determined to come out on top, pushing Hattie to go all out against Violeta.

This drama became Zelena's stepping stone into the industry.

...

Violeta and her team arrived in Icroln.

The competition was looming in just three days.

Solo performers like Violeta were uncommon, as most participants were from dance troupes, enhancing their likelihood of victory and highlighting the choreographers' expertise.

Meanwhile, solo dancing focused all attention on one individual, requiring exceptional skill and flawless performance, which made it significantly tougher.

In Icroln, Grace managed to find a dance studio for Violeta to carry out her final pre-competition practices and tweak some details.

Yet a larger issue soon arose.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Originally, the Nelson sisters were meant to compete, so all the custom-made costumes and stage setups were designed for them.

With Violeta stepping in, she found herself without any costumes or stage designs.

Clearly, it was impractical to use the setups intended for the Nelson sisters, as they involved modern dance and classical dance-two distinctly different styles.

Grace had to urgently invest a substantial amount of money to have everything custom-made once more, hoping it would be ready on time. Although the stage designs could be done overnight, the intricate costumes could not.

The exceptional quality of the costumes was crucial for classical dance.

Irene suggested, "Why not use the previous set?"

At the Moon Festival, Violeta had worn a dance costume previously worn by Irene, which had been altered. She had only worn it once. Indeed, such costumes were more appropriate for large-scale competitions, ensuring she would not be overshadowed, as classics always endure. Irene had missed Violeta's performance at the Moon Festival but would not miss her performance at the Lotus Award this time.

Grace queried, "The previous set?"

Violeta confirmed, "Yes, I wore the dance costume modified from Mom's old stage costume at the Moon Festival at school last time, and it really worked well."

Grace inquired, "Do you have any pictures? Show me."

Violeta did not have any photos on hand, so she logged into the school forum on her phone and pulled up a video from the last Moon Festival competition recorded by the school to show Grace.

Grace was delighted with what she saw.

The costume was exquisitely made, with every stitch and detail reflecting superb craftsmanship.

If this set couldn't meet Grace's high standards, what could?

"Excellent, we'll use this set! It's stunning and fits you perfectly. Your performance at the Moon Festival was impressive, and the

choreography is even better now.

I'm sure the stage effect will

be

fantastic. Vio, I can't wait to see how

you perform."

Irene immediately arranged to have the dance costume air-freighted from Quinston.

The preparations were quick and intense.

The ultimate impact of the stage presentation would become apparent during Violeta's rehearsals in the dance studio.

Both Irene and Grace were filled with optimism.

Yet, for Violeta, delivering a flawless performance on stage was her true aim; securing the Best Performance award was not essential. Winning the Best Choreography Award for Grace would be sufficiently

O

rewarding.

With that perspective, Violeta had a restful sleep, free from anxiety, on the night before the competition.

The next day.

At the competition venue.

Backstage was a whirlwind of activity, crowded with dance troupes. The makeup artists were swamped, and powder swirled under the bright lights.

As Violeta had anticipated, there were very few solo performances, particularly in the classical dance category.

In fact, Violeta was the only solo performer!

In her category, only three participants had registered for solo performances.

Apart from Violeta, there were just two others in the modern dance category. One was likely Lucy, while the identity of the other remained a mystery.

Today, it is dedicated to classical dance, with modern dance competitions set for later.

Although Violeta did not run into Lucy, a dance troupe from Vivian's studio unexpectedly entered the classical dance category.

Thus, Vivian also attended, bringing Lucy along.

They crossed paths backstage, as expected.

Lucy caught sight of Violeta, who was sitting quietly getting her hair and makeup done, and looked surprised.

Violeta calmly met Lucy's gaze through the mirror's reflection, then closed her eyes and let the makeup artist continue with her eye makeup.