[Instrumental overture — piano introduces one melody; a flute answers with another, gradually finding the same gentle rhythm] [Spoken — Lily, remembering] My first ballet shoes don't fit me anymore. Mom kept them in a little box. I didn't notice how much I'd grown... until I tried to put them on. [Verse 1] The leaves outside changed colors, Then snow came drifting down. The spring brought little blossoms, And I kept turning round. My slippers started pinching. My legs grew longer, too. The steps that once felt strange to me Were steps I almost knew. [Chorus] Side by side, Step by step, There is room for you and me. When a little part gets tangled, We can stop and count to three. You remember where my arms go. I'll remember where we stand. We can make the dance together, Helping each other understand. Side by side, A little at a time, Your brave little try Can help me find mine. [Extended instrumental — flute and piano trade the melody, taking turns leading while warm strings keep the waltz moving] [Verse 2] One afternoon, my friend forgot Which foot should take the lead. She looked down at her ballet shoes, Then over once at me. I knew that little worried look. I'd worn it once before. “Let's try it slowly, Ava. We'll start right here once more.” [Spoken — Lily, gently] We don't have to catch the music yet. We can find the steps first. Ready? One... two... three. [Chorus] Side by side, Step by step, There is room for you and me. When a little part gets tangled, We can stop and count to three. You remember where my arms go. I'll remember where we stand. We can make the dance together, Helping each other understand. Side by side, A little at a time, Your brave little try Can help me find mine. [Long ballet interlude — two simple musical phrases weave together; repeat with small variations and plenty of space for dancing] [Verse 3] I helped her find the little turn. She helped me lift my eyes. “You're watching where your shoes are. Look up and try this time.” I laughed because she sounded Like someone else I knew. We both had things to practice. We both had helping things to do. [Bridge] Some days I know the next step. Some days you know the way. Some days we both get muddled, And that's where we can stay Until we find a little clue, A count, a breath, a smile. A friend can make a tricky part Feel kinder for a while. [Spoken — Lily, amused] We tried so hard to get it right that we forgot to smile. Then Ava smiled at me... and I couldn't help it. [Extended instrumental — playful pizzicato steps become a bright, flowing duet between flute and violin; instruments only] [Verse 4] Miss Maya watched us dancing. We finished with a bow. I thought about my first small class And all the classes now. I'd learned to turn more steadily, To listen and to bend. But one of my most favorite things Was learning with a friend. [Final chorus — joyful and spacious, with one clear youthful voice] Side by side, Step by step, There is room for you and me. When a little part gets tangled, We can stop and count to three. You remember where my arms go. I'll remember where we stand. We can make the dance together, Helping each other understand. Side by side, A little at a time, Your brave little try Can help me find mine. [Gentle refrain] New little shoes. A familiar floor. A friend beside me. A chance for more. A step I know. A step that's new. A little help from me. A little help from you. [Spoken ending — Lily, warmly] My old slippers fit inside a little box. But all the things I've learned? I get to carry those with me. And tomorrow... I'll see my friend again. [Long instrumental outro — reprise the two opening melodies, now flowing comfortably together; finish with piano, harp and a soft flute farewell]
