First the toes touch down, foot pointed. Then the slow shift of weight: to the ball of the foot, the slowly flattening arch, and finally the heel, in a slow deliberate sway downwards. Next step: repeat.

One hand slides along the wire bannister, fingertips just brushing the metal. River's gaze is focused on the air three steps down, a foot above the stairway.

Whatever else, River will always be a dancer.