“What happens?”
“Atmosphere.”
We began with mirrored folds and back-to-back twists, then faced each other and gripped forearms for a counterbalance. I insisted on a count. Dani began before we had agreed on one. We stumbled together, her arms closing around my waist.
“That was your fault,” I said into her shoulder.
“You leaned.”
“You looked at me incorrectly.”
“How do I look correctly?”
“Less.”
Her hands remained at my waist until she asked, “I should let go?”
“Yes.”
She released me immediately. The correct response irritated me. I opened the packet. The next poses improved. Side-by-side balance. Supported tree. Dani’s hand settled at my hip while I placed one foot against her thigh.
“Stand tall,” she said.
“I am.”
“Do not lock the standing knee.”
I adjusted. In the mirror, we looked competent. Dani’s gaze met mine.
“You look good.”
“The alignment?”
“You.”
My balance shifted. Her hand tightened.
“You should not say that during a balance pose.”
“Useful data.”
“It is disruptive.”
“This is my correct look.”
I stepped down before the pose could become a conversation. The sixth position was the one from the videos: Dani behind me, hands at my waist, my body leaning backward into hers. She studied my face.
“We can skip it.”
“It is in the challenge.”
“I will catch you tomorrow.”
“That is not a strategy. Explain the position.”
Dani stepped behind me without touching. “Feet stable. I take part of your weight. You control the angle.”
Her hands hovered. “Permission?”
