Delphie and the Birthday Show. Darcey Bussell

said she couldn’t ever come round.”

      Lola and Poppy stared. “That’s weird,” said Poppy. “She’s usually quite friendly.”

      Delphie spoke in a low voice, keeping one eye on the door in case Rosa came in. “I know. It’s odd. I wonder why…”

      But just then the door opened and Rosa came in. Delphie quickly changed the subject. “Madame Za-Za didn’t say anything more about us wearing pointe shoes today, did she?”

      The others shook their heads.

      A few days ago, Madame Za-Za had told them that she thought some of the class were ready to start dancing on their pointes. It meant wearing special ballet shoes then that had blocks in the ends so that they could stand right on their toes just like proper ballerinas. Delphie knew that it was important for people not to start using pointe shoes until their muscles were strong enough. Madame Za-Za hadn’t said who in the class was almost ready but ever since she had mentioned it, Delphie, Poppy and Lola had been desperately hoping she meant them.

      “My mum spoke to her when she collected me yesterday,” said Lola. “Madame Za-Za said she was going to tell us more about it soon.”

      “Oh, I hope she says we’re ready,” said Poppy.

      Delphie nodded. She imagined what it must be like to dance lightly on the tips of your toes and sighed longingly. She couldn’t wait to have pointe shoes. But I’ll still keep my red ballet shoes, she thought. I’ll still need normal shoes so I’ll wear them too.

      But they’re too small, a little voice said in the back of her mind.

      No, they’re not, Delphie thought firmly. She took them off and tried very hard to ignore the pain in her aching feet.

       2 New Shoes

      When Delphie arrived at the ballet school the next day, the first person she saw was Rosa, walking down the road from the opposite direction. Most of the girls were dropped off by their parents but Rosa always came on her own. Delphie always walked on her own too because she only lived a little way down the street. She waited for Rosa by the gate. “Hi!”

      “Oh, hi,” Rosa replied.

      “Where do you live?” Delphie asked curiously.

      “In Hawkins Avenue,” Rosa replied quickly. “It’s only a few minutes away.”

      “It’s cool being able to walk here, isn’t it?” said Delphie as they went up the steps and opened the big front door. “I think my mum and dad are pleased they don’t have to bring me. They’re not really into ballet although they do love coming to see me in shows. Do your parents like ballet?”

      “There’s only me and my mum,” Rosa said, shutting the door behind them. “Mum loves ballet but…” she hesitated. “Well, she can’t really bring me here.” She changed the subject. “So, do you think Madame Za-Za will tell you that you can wear pointe shoes soon?”

      “I hope so,” replied Delphie

      “I’d love it if she said I could,” Rosa said longingly. “But I know she won’t. My mum says I’m not ready yet.”

      “Your mum?” Delphie echoed in surprise.

      “Yes, she was a…” But Rosa broke off as Madame Za-Za came out of her office.

      “Ah, Delphie. Can I have a word with you?” her teacher asked.

      Delphie exchanged startled looks with Rosa but Madame Za-Za was already walking back into her office. Leaving her friend to go on to the changing rooms, Delphie hurried after the teacher. Her heart pounded slightly. Maybe Madame Za-Za was about to say something about pointe shoes.

      Madame Za-Za sat down in her office and patted the sofa, her bangles jingling as she did so. Delphie sat down beside her.

      “Delphie, I want to talk to you. I am delighted with the progress you are making,” Madame Za-Za said, smiling. “When you first came here I could see you had talent, but as well as talent you have proved you have dedication. You work very hard, you are always here to practise before class, and this shows in your dancing.” Her eyes met Delphie’s. “I believe it is time for you to start working on your pointes, so here you are…”

      Delphie gasped in delight as Madame Za-Za handed her a cardboard box. Inside it was a new pair of pink satin pointe shoes, nestling in white tissue paper. “These are for you.”

      “Oh, wow!” Delphie touched the beautiful shoes.