Lisa Church - Ballet Stories

Ballet Stories

Retold from the classic originals
by Lisa Church

Illustrated by Eric Freeberg

STERLING and the distinctive Sterling logo
are registered trademarks of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Church, Lisa R., 1960
Ballet stories / retold by Lisa Church ; illustrated by Eric Freeberg.
v. cm. (Classic starts)
Summary: Retells eight ballet plots based on original and classic fairy tales.
Contents: CinderellaThe sleeping beautyCoppliaSwan LakeThe little mermaidThe ugly ducklingThe firebirdThe nutcracker.
ISBN 978-1-4027-6663-3
1. Fairy tales. [1. Fairy tales. 2. BalletsStories, plots, etc.] I. Freeberg, Eric, ill. II. Title.
PZ8.C47Bal 2010
[E]dc22

2009007158

Lot#:
2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3 1
11/09
Published by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016
Text 2010 by Lisa Church
Illustrations 2010 by Eric Freeberg
Distributed in Canada by Sterling Publishing
c/o Canadian Manda Group, 165 Dufferin Street
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6K 3H6
Distributed in the United Kingdom by GMC Distribution Services Castle Place, 166 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, England BN7 1XU
Distributed in Australia by Capricorn Link (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
P.O. Box 704, Windsor, NSW 2756, Australia

Classic Starts is a trademark of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

Printed in China
All rights reserved

Sterling ISBN 978-1-4027-6663-3

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corporate purchases, please contact Sterling Special Sales
Department at 800-805-5489 or specialsales@sterlingpublishing.com.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1:
Cinderella

CHAPTER 2:
The Sleeping Beauty

CHAPTER 3:
Copplia

CHAPTER 4:
Swan Lake

CHAPTER 5:
The Little Mermaid

CHAPTER 6:
The Ugly Duckling

CHAPTER 7:
The Firebird

CHAPTER 8:
The Nutcracker

CHAPTER 1
Cinderella

O nce upon a time, there lived a girl who sparkled with loveliness. Her heart was as big as her smile, and her actions showed kindness and gentleness to all.

However, when her father remarried, she was forced to live with her new stepmother, Betty, and two stepsisters, Darlene and Della. It was then she learned that not all girls were kind like her.

Do the dishes! Sweep the floor! Make our beds! Now do some more! the two sisters and their mother would chant. They were so unkind to the girl! They even called her Cinderella, because after her housework was finished, they would send her to rake the cinders in the kitchen fireplace.

When the day was done, Cinderella would go to her bed of straw exhausted from her long hours of work. Her stepsisters would go to their rooms, where their beds were made of the softest feathers. They would look in their mirrors that reached from ceiling to floor, thinking of no one but themselves. Yet no matter how badly Cinderella was treated, she was always sweet and helpful.

One day, the prince of the kingdom sent out invitations for a grand ball. It was time he chose a wife. All the ladies of the land were invited. Some of the important men of the kingdom were invited, too.

The stepsisters nearly burst with excitement. In the days leading up to the party, they chattered of nothing else.

I want to wear my red velvet gown. It is trimmed with lace and pearls, said Darlene in a dreamy state.

Fine! said Della. Though I will be much prettier in my blue silk dress. It has a gold pattern and is studded with diamonds!

The two argued about their gowns until Cinderella piped up. They finally stopped bickering when the forgotten girl promised to give each of them a new hairstyle for the ball. The sisters accepted this offer. In fact, they expected it, for Cinderella did everything for them.

For the next several days, Cinderella wasnt only busy with her usual housework. She also ironed skirts and fluffed ruffles and stitched hems. Of course, neither of the two sisters offered a thank-you for her help.

Cinderella, wouldnt you love to be going to the ball? teased Della when the big night finally arrived.

The girl looked down at her outfit of rags. A light frown swept across her face.

It would be a dream, she said softly. But it is not meant to be. I have no time to get ready, nor do I have a dress. This night is meant for ladies of fashion, like you. So hurry along. You shouldnt keep the prince waiting.

For once you are right, Cinderella, Darlene answered in a snobbish voice. People would laugh seeing a cinder-maid like you at a ball!

The young girls stepmother entered the room just as the coach pulled up to the house. Time to go, girls! Cinderella, do make use of your time while we are away. You are behind on the washing and ironing, and I think the kitchen floor should be done again. It is not nearly shiny enough. Sometimes I think you are worthless!

The stepmothers words stung the poor girl like a wasp. Cinderella felt the tears run down her cheeks as she watched the mean woman and her daughters ride off toward the kings castle. She walked out the front door and longingly looked at their fancy coach headed to the palace.

Feeling sorry for herself was not something the young girl usually experienced, but tonight she allowed a little self-pity into her heart. How she wished she could flitter through the ballroom, slow-dance with the prince, and taste the delicious food! She put her head in her hands and cried.

Perhaps Cinderellas desire to attend the ball was so strong that it created magic. Perhaps someone special was looking out for her. Whatever the reason may have been, at that moment something magical happened. Something more wonderful than Cinderella had ever dreamed possible.

In a breeze from above, a magical woman appeared out of nowhere. She was dressed in a beautiful white gown. A glittering wand swayed gracefully in her hand.

Cinderella, I am your fairy godmother. Why do you cry, my dear? What is wrong? The soft voice startled the young girl. Nobody had ever spoken to her so kindly before.

Oh, whispered Cinderella. I, uh... I wish...

I know, said her fairy godmother. I have been watching you. You wish you could go to the ball. I say, my beauty, I dont blame you. I rather wish I could go myself!

The pretty girl gave a tiny smile then lowered her eyes once again.

My beautiful one, you wish to go to the royal ball? Then you shall, said her fairy godmother. I will get you to the ball! Now dry your eyes and do exactly as I say.

Cinderella wiped away her tears, not really believing what she was hearing. But she stood still and listened to what she was told.

Run to the garden, my dear, and bring me the biggest pumpkin you can find!

Cinderella raced to the garden and returned with a beautiful orange pumpkin. She wondered how it would help her get to the ball. Her fairy godmother touched it with her wand and turned it into a lovely golden carriage.