Chapter 157: I Didn't Know If I Could Handle This
[Chapter 157: I Didn't Know If I Could Handle This]
As the heavy bass beats played live, a few members of the Dazzlers led a simple dance routine. The dancer's movements were fluid and powerful, exuding grace while maintaining cheerful smiles on their faces. In terms of movements, postures, and charisma, they overwhelmed the local nightclub dancers.
The previous group had skill in their own way, but they mostly focused on just one style. They didn't measure up to the professional dancers like the Dazzlers.
This made Ryan confident about the upcoming Christmas event. However, challenges still arose. With the need for a complete re-choreography, someone would have to merge the group's dance moves. They needed a choreographer.
"Is anyone experienced in choreography?" Ryan scanned the room but found no responses at first.
"This position comes with extra pay," he added.
A few hands went up from the crowd. Ryan's gaze landed on the most attractive candidate.
"You can call me Jenny. I've been dancing for eight years. I haven't done professional choreography before, but I believe I can manage."
"Let's see what you can do." With the holiday season approaching, Ryan often found himself with time to spare while the record companies were closed for the holidays. He decided to observe the girls' rehearsals.
"The spirit team will take their places on both sides of the stage and use the moves from the season opener at the stadium. Just like that.
As for the Dazzlers, they'll perform the routine they've just rehearsed this year. It matches the holiday vibe.
Everyone else, stand around the Dazzlers. Remember the formations from homecoming?"
To Ryan's surprise, Jenny took the lead effectively, using familiar cheerleading moves and formations to complete the rehearsal in record time. Within just a few hours, the performance began taking shape.
...
"Now it's time to change. The outfits are upstairs in the record company's office. Teresa will meet you up there," Ryan announced.
About twenty minutes later, the girls returned in their costumes. The outfits resembled traditional cheerleading uniforms, which showcased their identity, but they featured an open design in the front and switched out the pleated skirts for A-line skirts. This made them look more appealing. The color was an eye-catching festive red, harmonious with the numerous Christmas decorations already in the lobby.
While observing, Ryan caught glimpses of skirts lifting, but everyone wore safety shorts, so there was nothing to worry about.
With everything set, they just needed to wait for Christmas to arrive...
...
"Boss, there's already a huge crowd outside the nightclub!" Sean rushed into the office, looking flustered.
"Why didn't you knock?" Ryan furrowed his brows.
"Sorry, I got a little too excited. Should we let the early guests in?" Sean asked.
"Is everything ready?" Ryan glanced at the clock and realized it was only three-thirty in the afternoon.
"Besides restocking the drinks and final equipment checks, everything else is ready."
"Then let's open the doors and have Joel warm up the crowd." Ryan directed.
The Christmas event featured a stellar lineup of DJs, including Deadmau5, Diplo, and Calvin Harris, along with several well-known local DJs from Florida.
"Got it," Sean nodded.
...
Once he closed the door again, moments later a blonde head popped out from under the table -- it was Teresa.
Since returning from Florida, Ryan had been focusing all his attention on Teresa, leaving Tyran somewhat sidelined. She had taken it in stride and gone home for the holidays instead.
"It's only three-thirty and we already have people coming in. We can utilize the afternoon sessions after Christmas!" Ryan pondered.
A nightclub's peak capacity is limited, so aside from expanding, extending operational hours is also a clever way to boost traffic.
"Are you talking about a day club?" Teresa asked slowly.
In general, nightclubs divide their concepts clearly. The Bad Room catered to rave culture, focusing primarily on dancing, making money off entry fees with minimal add-on purchases, whereas clubs followed a different route that relied on table service. Day clubs, often referred to as pool parties, operated only during the day and were open-air events -- an offshoot of rave culture.
"Then we need a pool, a massive outdoor one," Ryan mused, playfully pinching Teresa's cheek and pulling her closer.
Teresa's cherry lips quickly morphed into a fish pout. Her expression was cold, and she remained silent throughout, resembling a soulless figure merely repeating mechanical movements.
She was protesting with her behavior.
Ryan pretended not to notice; he knew Teresa was challenging him, so he motioned for her to sit back down.
Her silent protest proved ineffective, and she soon let out a whimper.
"Weren't you tough? Can't handle this now?" Ryan joked.
"Get lost!" Teresa cursed.
A while later, she hurriedly stood up, quickly fixing herself before walking out without looking back. She seemed unsteady, her legs wobbling as she walked.
"See you tomorrow," Ryan called after her retreating figure.
...
The next morning, the Christmas event had set a new record for attendance, with guests expressing their enthusiasm for the "Alligator Cheer Squad."
It's well-known that many people are passionate about football, especially college football, with the biggest stadiums often built at universities like the University of Michigan and the University of Alabama. The University of Florida had a strong football tradition, and every home game showcased the short-nosed alligators, which drew significant attention.
Ryan hadn't anticipated that this cheer squad would become even more popular than the featured stars.
Upcoming events were on the horizon, and he could seek out cheer squads from elite football programs like Alabama, Louisiana State, and Auburn, or even connect with cheerleaders from NFL teams directly!
"Everyone did great tonight! After finishing your late-night snacks, a ride will take you back to the hotel," Ryan told the cheerleaders backstage after an intense night of hard work.
"Didn't you promise to spend Christmas with us?"
"Exactly! Ryan, it's time to make good on your promise!"
"We've been dancing all night, but now the real Christmas begins!"
The girls started clamoring.
"Aren't I spending Christmas with you all right now? What are your plans?" Ryan chuckled nervously, realizing he might not escape it tonight!
...
Eventually, almost half the cheerleaders wanted to join a "private party," and Ryan ended up arranging for them to enter a VIP booth on the top floor, which could accommodate everyone.
As for the private party's content, it was simple and straightforward -- everyone crowded around Ryan as they entered the booth.
A dozen girls opened numerous bottles of liquor, quickly becoming tipsy with rosy cheeks.
"Turn up the music! I'll go first!" Jenny declared, making her way to Ryan and immediately pulling him into a passionate kiss.
The rest quickly gathered around, each mimicking Jenny's actions one by one.
The drinking set the mood, paving the way for what was about to unfold...
Tonight, for the first time, Ryan realized how functional his music could be. He also knew he had been somewhat oblivious; in some nightclub booths, dancers would do the same with guests, and because of its strong rhythm, his music worked particularly well.
However, Jenny quickly lost her advantage, and many others still awaited their turn with Ryan.
'I don't know if I could handle this,' Ryan gazed at the smiling cheerleaders, feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety for the first time.
*****
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