“Point your toes, Leah!” Miss Patty called out from the front of the dance studio.
Leah scrunched her face in concentration and stretched her toes as far as they would go. All around her, other girls twirled and leaped, their shiny ballet slippers flashing under the lights. Leah watched them, wishing she could move just like they did.
“I’m never going to be a real dancer,” Leah sighed, snuggling into bed later that night, clutching the blanket her grandmother had given her. The soft fabric had a special magic, always keeping her safe and warm—just like when her grandmother gave her a big hug.
As Leah drifted off to sleep, a tiny light flickered in the corner of her dream. It grew brighter and brighter until it formed a shimmery figure. It was a fairy princess, with a sparkly pink dress and a crown of tiny diamonds.
“Who are you?” Leah whispered, still dreaming.
The fairy giggled. “I’m Sparkle, and I heard you wishing to be a dancer.”
Leah’s heart raced. “You can help me?”
Sparkle nodded. “Of course I can. But it will take a lot of practice. Are you ready for that?”
“Oh yes! I’ll practice all day and all night if I have to,” Leah exclaimed.
Sparkle smiled and waved her wand. Leah felt a tingling sensation, and suddenly her legs felt lighter and her arms stronger.
“Now, let’s get started,” Sparkle said. “Show me what you can do.”
Leah began to twirl and leap, just like the other girls in her dance class. But this time, she felt like she was floating on air.
“You’re doing great!” Sparkle cheered.
Leah practiced with Sparkle every night in her dreams, and soon she was the best dancer in her class. Miss Patty even asked her to be the lead in the spring recital.
As Leah stood backstage, ready to step out for her solo, she wished Sparkle could be there so she wouldn’t make a mistake.
The curtains parted, and a hush fell over the audience. Leah closed her eyes and began to dance, her movements flowing effortlessly, just like in her dreams. When she finished, the applause was thunderous. As she took a bow, Leah opened her eyes and saw her grandmother in the front row, beaming with pride. She wore a soft pink sweater sparkling with sequins and a delicate silver tiara in her hair.
Leah knew her grandmother had been with her every step of the way, in her heart, and especially in her dreams.
Heart touching story. Leah is very blessed to have a loving Grandmother and Papa. You are a very talented writer and illustrator. Looking forward to reading more great works.
Great story!! Good luck to your granddaughter.
Athletes (and dancers are that) are taught to “visualize what you want to achieve”, and that’s just what Leah did. I assume the grandmother has passed away? So, her spirit was Sparkle? I like how you tell us to chase our dreams, but also Sparkle made it clear that Leah had a role to play in practicing day and night. You can’t just wave a wand. A beautiful story with a beautiful ending, Jamison.
My granddaughter Leah’s most recent dance recital served as the inspiration for this light story. She is five, and we are very proud of her. It’s also a nice break from the seriousness of this upside-down world.
Leah, and I appreciate you reading it and the kind comments.
LOVED that story! It shows how important grandparents are! And it also shows how important dreams are, both the kind we have when sleeping and when we’re awake.
So true! Grandparents are special! Leah thanks you for reading her story…
A lovely, happy story! The connection Leah had with her Grandmother in her memory, right down to the sweater she wore to the recital, was heart warming..
Hi, Judy. Thank you! This is a light little story to celebrate Leah’s dancing accomplishments. Recital was last Saturday. We are proud of her!
What a sweet story! I happen to think ALL grandmoms are special angels. This made me smile, remembering my “magical” grandmother all those years ago.
I was certain she visited me in my dreams. I’m still certain!
–Karen
Yes, I remember my grandmothers in much the same way. They were indeed magical! Many thanks, K.
A story for a young girl. I’m certainly not young anymore but caught the happiness abd connection with the grandmother!
I hope Leah likes her little story from PaPa… As always, thanks for reading, Jane.