(Note: I do not own copyright to any songs mentioned in this story. Chapters are named after Michael/Jackson 5/Jacksons songs and/or lyrics. This is my first fan fiction, so please bear with me. I appreciate constructive criticism. Thank you!)

Chapter 1: Get On The Floor and Dance…

Nadine POV

I stood there looking at my last group dance students behind me through the mirror before looking at my own reflection. My face was not only screaming fatigue, but the expression from a terrible migraine also, and the sound of ten kids' tap dancing didn't help the situation. Just ten more minutes, I thought, then I can take something and just sleep. Plus, I cancelled class tomorrow so it was a three day weekend for me. At the same time, I was very happy with how far they have come, even at this point. Just weeks ago they were learning the basics, and we were now starting a routine for a talent show that was in two months. I counted them off and started with them before stopping to look at the ten pairs of tapping feet. Ten minutes passed, and it was all over.

"Okay class," I said, "All of you are doing great. I want everyone to keep practicing so we can be ready for the talent show!" I meant the enthusiasm, but it was hard considering it felt like someone was tap dancing in my head, even after class was over.

"Miss Nadine?" one of my students, Jacob, asked, "Perhaps not today, but as the weeks get closer to our talent show, can we stay later?"

Some of the kids shook their heads in agreement.

"Sure," I said. I admired their desire to do well. Besides, it was their first performance. I couldn't blame them.

"Remember, class is cancelled tomorrow," I reminded them.

The class packed their bags and headed out the door. I looked around to make sure I had everything I needed before turning off the lights and locking the studio. Only another twenty minutes before I would get to my apartment, make some dinner, shower, take something for this awful headache, and sleep. Well, everything but sleep. As soon as I had hit my head on the pillow, my cell phone rang.

"Hello?" I said with a murmur.

"Nadine!" It was my best friend Roxanne, or Roxy as I called her.

"Hey," I said. As much as I loved Roxy as a sister, I really wasn't in the mood to talk, and I think she sensed it.

"Long day?" she asked.

"An understatement," I said, forcing my answer.

"Oh, well," she said, "I just was going to ask you, did you hear about the Michael Jackson contest on the radio?"

"I didn't listen to the radio at all today," I said, "What are you talking about?" Roxy then caught my attention.

"They're having a contest on who does the best interpretation of Michael's songs," Roxy said, "The key is who is more artistically driven. You make a video and send it to L.A. I think Michael actually gets to pick, girl!"

"What's the prize?" I asked.

"Two tickets to see him in concert, including backstage passes," Roxy said with excitement.

"Hmm," I said, "Sounds cool."

"What?" Roxy said, "I thought you loved Michael."

"I do love Michael," I said, "I love his art…you made that sound like I'm in love with the man."

"Well," she said, "Are you even going to look into it?"

"I don't know," I said with hesitation.

"I just thought you would be interested," Roxy said, "I've seen you dance. I don't know anyone else who puts as much passion in the way you move."

"Uh, Michael maybe?" I said with a laugh.

"Of course, he's a given," Roxy laughed, "Anyway, I'll let you go. Talk to you later, girl."

I hung up the phone. It was nice of her to think I had a chance of winning some dance contest. But there were hundreds, thousands even, of dancers around the world probably going after the same thing. To me, I was just a dot in the sea of it all. What chance did I have that I'd win? I stayed in bed and stared at the ceiling, considering the odds, and got out of bed.

Despite the migraine and fatigue, I began to dance.

Roxy POV

I've known Nadine for about twelve years now, since the seventh grade, and some things about her haven't change. Like, I called her about the contest because I knew she admired Michael and most importantly, the girl can dance. She would always find some excuse as to why she won't take a chance. I'm pretty sure right now she was thinking she wasn't good enough, comparing herself to the rest of the world. I've told her many times that life was about taking some risks here and there, and that you couldn't always play everything safe. Sometimes I would understand, because Nadine has always been shy and low-key. She never liked accolades or attention, it just wasn't her thing. She did what she loved and called it a day. I just hoped that one day she would just live it off the wall…no pun intended.

Nadine POV

So after another two hours of dancing after my talk with Roxy, I had made a video of my interpretation of "Human Nature". It was a mixture of ballet, tap, and a couple of Michael's footwork to pay homage. His footwork was always on point and he was very meticulous yet free in how he danced, and I loved that. I placed the video in a large brown envelope, sealed, and with my address. I just needed the address in L.A., but I was going to worry about that in the morning. My migraine at this point had dissipated, but I was exhausted. I looked at the clock to find that it was close to three in the morning. So I must have danced more than two hours…the math wasn't adding up. Must have been that second wind of energy. It was really getting late, and with that I finally went to my bed to just sleep. Somewhere within me, I wanted to win, and I hoped and prayed I would.