Summary

Issa narrates how she discovered that she lacks dance skills while going to a new high school in Compton. She curtly mentions that she transferred from her private school in Brentwood to the King/Drew High School of Medicine and Science magnet school. The culture of the school is much different than that of Brentwood. The school is predominantly Black and Latino. Issa confronts her relation to Black culture more decisively here than in other institutional contexts.

Facing pressure to socialize more actively and assertively, Issa claims she is an excellent dancer when she is invited to her friend Lakira’s house party. Lakira is a popular and sexually experienced peer of Issa’s. She represents a social connection Issa would like to cultivate. Lakira and others are skeptical that Issa, “the smart girl...