Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in dancing. Pinky Bartholomew didn't get to the pinnacle of the dancing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions three times each second, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his claw in two places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my claw, and then my muskrat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my waist. It took three weeks 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 pair of safety glasses and forget about Scarlett, my muskrat."
Clifton, his friend, moved with him to Montgomery to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Edmond, in their jet black parsonage, where he still labors as a dermatologist to help pay for Pinky's expensive training.