Bunheads

When Miss Bradley announced they’d be performing the ballet Coppélia for the recital, everyone in Misty’s class shouted excitedly and gathered around to hear their teacher tell the story of Coppélia.

Misty didn’t know what Coppélia meant, and she was too shy to ask-especially since it was her first ballet class ever! So Misty took a spot on the floor, and before she knew it, she was completely entranced as Miss Bradley told the tale.

Once upon a time, an odd old life-size doll named Coppélia to cure his lonely heart. The doll was so pretty and looked so real that a boy named Franz fell in love with Coppélia at first sight even though he’d already told Swanilda he would marry her!

Swanilda was furious when she caught Franz blowing kisses to Coppélia, but Franz ignored her anger.

Later, Franz sneaked into the toymaker’s house to see Coppélia, but the toymaker caught him.

When the toymaker realized that Franz was in love with his doll, he had an awful idea. Maybe he could use Franz’s love to turn Coppélia into a real girl!

As soon as Misty got home, everything about the new class and the Coppélia fairy tale tumbled out of her. “I’m proud of you,” Mommy said.

Misty was so excited, she could hardly sleep. She lay in bed thinking about the doll coming to life. Misty said her name aloud: “Co-pay-lee-ah.” It felt magical and full of mystery!

When it was time to dance the role of Swanilda, Misty was paired with a grinning younger boy named Wolfie, who was portraying Franz. Wolfie was on a mission to catch Misty’s attention.

The next day, Miss Bradley announced who would play what parts. Misty was excited when Cat got the part of Coppélia, and even happier when she won the part of Swanilda.

The next few weeks were full of hard work for Misty. She had to perform both Swanilda and Coppélia when she tricked the toymaker into thinking she was the doll who had come to life. It was a lot to learn.

Watching Cat dance her parts with ease made Misty try harder. They inspired each other.