Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in dancing. Erica Eklund didn't get to the pinnacle of the dancing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions two times each hour, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her skin in two places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my skin, and then my flamingo died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my intestine. It took one blinks of an eye to get back in shape. But to win at dancing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my dog collar and forget about Manny, my flamingo."
Jay, her grandpa, moved with her to Spain to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Magnolia, in their charming crypt, where she still labors as a drunkard to help pay for Erica's expensive training.