[Instrumental overture — a music-box melody becomes a playful ballet waltz] [Spoken — Lily, delighted] Mom? Is this really mine? Look what happens when I turn! [Verse 1] A little bag upon my bed, Some tissue folded white, Mom said, “Go on, take a peek.” I held the corners tight. Inside, a cloud of pink appeared, So soft against my thumb. I lifted up my very first tutu. My dancing days had come. [Chorus] My very first tutu, My very first try, I stretch my little arms out Like wings that want to fly. I don't know every movement. I've only just begun. But I can learn a little step And have a lot of fun. Round and round, then standing tall, There's room to learn it all. My very first tutu, And a dream that's not too small. [Instrumental ballet passage — celesta and flute play a curious, skipping variation] [Verse 2] Mom helped me find my ballet shoes, Dad waited by the door. I tried to tiptoe down the hall, Then walked along once more. He bowed as though our little house Had turned into a show. I gave a giggle and a curtsy. “It's time for class! Let's go!” [Spoken — Lily] Do you think everyone will know the steps? What if I'm the only one who doesn't? [Brief piano pause, followed by a reassuring string melody] [Chorus] My very first tutu, My very first try, I stretch my little arms out Like wings that want to fly. I don't know every movement. I've only just begun. But I can learn a little step And have a lot of fun. Round and round, then standing tall, There's room to learn it all. My very first tutu, And a dream that's not too small. [Extended instrumental — the home melody opens into a bright dance-class waltz] [Verse 3] The classroom had a wooden floor, A mirror big and wide. I saw some other little shoes And stepped a bit inside. Our teacher smiled and learned my name. She showed us where to stand. We made a rounded shape with arms, Like holding something grand. [Spoken — Lily, quietly amused] I'm holding an invisible beach ball. A very fancy beach ball. [Playful instrumental — pizzicato strings answer the flute] [Bridge] The dancer at the theater Once had a first day, too. She had to learn to point her toes And try each movement new. So I can ask a question. And I can take my time. The girl I saw upon that stage Learned one small step at a time. [Extended ballet interlude — repeat and develop the melody, alternating tentative piano steps with confident strings] [Verse 4] Back home, I stood before my bed, My shoes beside my feet. I showed my folks the arm shape And our tiny marching beat. They watched my careful little bow. Dad clapped, and Mom did, too. “Today I learned where I can start. Tomorrow, something new!” [Final chorus — joyful and expansive, keeping the young voice natural] My very first tutu, My very first try, I stretch my little arms out Like wings that want to fly. I don't know every movement, But now I know one thing: I love the way a little dance Can make my whole heart sing. Round and round, then standing tall, There's room to learn it all. My very first tutu, And a dream that's not too small. [Gentle refrain] One pair of shoes, One brand-new day, One little step To lead the way. A place to learn, A chance to try, Two little arms Reaching high. [Spoken ending — Lily, sleepy and happy] Mom, can we put it where I can see it? Right there. So when I wake up, I'll remember I get to dance again. [Long instrumental outro — slow reprise of the opening music-box melody, warm strings, final soft celesta note]
