[Spoken opening — Lily, softly over piano] Grandma held one hand. Grandpa held the other. Then the lights went down... and a whole new world woke up. [Instrumental opening — unhurried ballet waltz] [Verse 1] My shoes were swinging by my seat, They couldn't reach the floor. I held my little paper ticket, Then looked up once more. Grandma pointed to the curtain, Grandpa whispered, "Wait." I didn't know a dream could find me On the other side of a stage. [Chorus] When the curtain opened, Something opened in me. There were stories in the music, There were things I'd never seen. I squeezed my grandma's fingers, Then I whispered, soft and small, "I want to be a ballerina. Could I learn to dance at all?" [Extended instrumental — piano, harp, and flute; let the stage come alive] [Verse 2] A dancer stepped into the light, Her skirt went floating round. She reached up like she knew a star And brought it gently down. I leaned a little farther forward, Grandpa smiled at me. Even my toes were listening. They wanted so much to see. [Chorus] When the curtain opened, Something opened in me. There were stories in the music, There were things I'd never seen. I squeezed my grandma's fingers, Then I whispered, soft and small, "I want to be a ballerina. Could I learn to dance at all?" [Spoken — Lily, wondering] How did she remember where to go? Did she wobble when she started? Maybe she was little once... like me. [Extended ballet interlude — strings carry the melody, then return to delicate piano] [Verse 3] I tried a tiny seated twirl, My shoulders turned around. Grandma caught my falling program Before it touched the ground. I laughed into her cardigan, Then watched the dancer bow. I had so many little questions. I wanted answers now. [Bridge] Could a dance be like a rainbow? Could a leap be like a bird? Could my feet tell you a story Without a single word? I don't know the steps she knows yet. I don't know where to start. But the music found a little room And moved into my heart. [Extended instrumental — a playful variation of the chorus, building toward a warm finale] [Verse 4] When the clapping filled the room, I clapped with all my might. Grandpa helped me find my coat, We stepped into the night. I held their hands and told them, "That's what I want to do." Grandma said, "We'll tell your parents." My dream was coming home, too. [Final chorus — joyful, still tender] When the curtain opened, Something opened in me. Now there's music in my footsteps And a dream I want to keep. I squeeze my grandpa's fingers. He bends down close to hear. "I want to be a ballerina." He says, "Your dream can start right here." [Gentle refrain] One little wish. One little me. So many things I could learn to be. One little wish, With my family near. I don't know all the steps... but my dream can start right here. [Spoken ending — Lily] I think I'll ask Mom and Dad if I can take a class. [Long instrumental outro — reprise the opening waltz; end with a soft celesta note]
