Magic
Ballerina
Delphie and the Fairy Godmother
Darcey Bussell
To Phoebe and Zoe, as they are the inspiration behind Magic Ballerina.
Contents
Welcome to the world of Enchantia!
I have always loved to dance. The captivating music and wonderful stories of ballet are so inspiring. So come with me and let’s follow Delphie on her magical adventures in Enchantia, where the stories of dance will take you on a very special journey.
p.s. Turn to the back to learn a special dance step from me…
In the soft, pale light, the girl stood with her head bent and her hands held lightly in front of her. There was a moment’s silence and then the first notes of the music began. For as long as the girl could remember music had seemed to tell her of another world – a magical, exciting world – that lay far, far away. She always felt if she could just close her eyes and lose herself, then she would get there. Maybe this time. As the music swirled inside her, she swept her arms above her head, rose on to her toes and began to dance …
Delphie ran up the stone steps of the ballet school, excitement bubbling through her. It would soon be time for her ballet class. As she reached the big wooden door, she thought back to a time six months ago when she had walked past the building every day, wishing she could have lessons there. It had been like a dream come true when the teacher, Madame Za-Za, had seen her watching from outside the school one afternoon and offered to teach her for free. Delphie had learned so much since then – and had so much fun. She had performed on stage and, even better than that, she had been to Enchantia!
Delphie smiled to herself as she thought about the secret land. An old pair of red ballet shoes used magic to whisk her away there and whenever she went she ended up having an amazing adventure with her new friends.
I wonder when I’ll go to Enchantia again, Delphie thought, shutting the door behind her and running down the corridor to the changing rooms. She always liked to get to class early so she could practise before any of her classmates arrived.
As Delphie pushed back the door she saw a girl, just a bit younger than her, sitting on a bench in the changing rooms. She was pretty with big blue eyes and wavy blonde hair pulled back into a bun. Delphie’s heart sank. It was the new girl, Rosa.
She had started at Madame Za-Za’s ballet school a week ago. Delphie had tried talking to her a few times but Rosa just ignored her or answered questions with a brief “yes” or “no”.
As Delphie walked across the changing room, Rosa looked down, not saying anything.
“Hi,” Delphie said, trying to be friendly but Rosa didn’t reply.
Delphie started to take off her school uniform but it was strange getting changed in silence. Usually the girls all chatted together. “You’re here early,” she tried again.
Rosa nodded but just continued tying the ribbons