This wasn’t a new announcement; she just felt the need to repeat it every time it was mentioned. And she had every right to be excited. The couple knew the audition process was very rigorous, even though Nyris was recommended by her dance teacher. But in the end, she was cast as one of the child performers, and was very proud of her accomplishment. She was the youngest one to make the cut into the professional company.

This year’s spring ballet was ‘Cypila’s Toys’, the story of an old toymaker’s daughter, Cypila – played by the company’s principal ballerina – who was very lonely, and one night, the toys her father made her come to life and play with her. Then they take her on a journey to see the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, to ask him to turn them into her real friends.

Nyris spent the car ride to the studio humming the music under her breath and practicing the arm motions. Once they got to the studio, she undid her seatbelt and practically jumped out of the car, throwing a “Bye, Papa!” over her shoulder as she ran to the double doors.

“Wait, Nyris!” Villy called, closing the car door behind her and unfolding her cane. “I don’t know the building well enough to just follow you.”

The little girl hurried back and took her mother’s hand, hearing the banker drive away as they entered the building. It was fairly quiet, save for the indistinct conversations and echoes of pianos. Villy had only been to the dance studio once, following Geri, since she couldn’t get away from the shop for any other class or rehearsal. She walked side by side with her stepdaughter, mindful of her movements and when she started turning, speeding up, or slowing down.

“We have to go up the spiral staircase to the third floor,” Nyris said, pushing the staircase door open with a grunt.

“Okay.” A spiral staircase wasn’t the worst thing to try to navigate, but required more focus than a regular staircase. Going back down would be her main concern. Her cane hit the base of the first stairs and she felt around for the railing. “Go in front, Nyris. I can follow you.”

“‘Kay.”

The two ascended the steps up two flights to the third floor. Nyris alerted her when they reached the final step.

“You okay, Mimsey?” she asked, remembering how her stepmother sometimes got dizzy after going in circles.

“Yes, Jellybean. I’m okay,” Villy smiled, squeezing her hand. “How far is your studio?”

“It’s the last one down the far hall.” The seven-year-old led her past the other studios, describing the large photos of the dancers and previous productions that hung on the walls.

She loved to point out everything she saw, which was a huge help to the dressmaker. She liked using that time to help Nyris grow and learn, as well as extracting information for her own knowledge.

“We’re here,” she announced after turning down three long hallways. “The benches are over here.” She led her over to the wooden benches in front of the studio window, slinging her dance bag off her shoulder and digging through it. She was wearing her leotard and tights under her dress, so she slipped it off and slipped into her ballet skirt. “Can you tie my ballet slippers, please?”

Villy folded her cane, placing it next to her on the bench. “Of course, honey.”

Nyris shifted so her feet rested on her stepmother’s lap. “You tie it in a pretty bow.”

“Two pretty bows, coming right up.” She carefully tied the drawstrings into bows, double-knotting them for extra security.

“Thank you, Mimsey,” she giggled, kissing her cheek. “I have to put my bag in a cubby.” She stubbed her bag into the small cubicle, before noticing her friends and going over to meet them. They all asked how her other rehearsals were going and how they couldn’t wait to see her. “It’s really fun. Everyone’s super nice, and we’re getting measured for our costumes today.”

She was flooded with more excited inquiries until the teacher came out of the room and announced that it was time for class to begin. The young students hurried inside and began their warm-up stretches.

Villy pulled out the braille book she brought, occasionally tuning in to the classical piano music inside the studio. She heard the other parents coming and going, and caught bits of the conversations, but no one addressed her directly, so she kept to herself.

The book was soon forgotten as she focused on the class. She heard giggles, claps, questions, and corrections over the live piano, trying to form a mental picture of what was happening based on the music and teacher’s voice and tone. Forty minutes later, the door opened and the children hurried out, back to their parents.

“I have a break before the spring ballet rehearsal,” Nyris announced, appearing at her stepmother’s side and sitting next to her, resting her head on her shoulder.

“I know. Papa told me you have half an hour. How was class?”

“Fun. We practiced our jumps and spins.”

“I heard.”

“I’m getting very good at keeping my arms still while turning. I used to flap like a bird, but that made me fall over. Keeping them still means better balance.”

“Good idea. You’re a very fast learner, Jellybean.”

Nyris hummed and pulled out her bag of mixed nuts. All her friends left, leaving her and Villy alone.

“You’re the only one from your class in the spring ballet?” Villy asked, noting the silence.

“Uh-huh. My class wasn’t eligible to go to the auditions, but Miss Ilodide said that I should audition. She said I improved a lot and thinks I’m ready.”

“What else did she say?”

“That it’s a big sponsor-bility. But that I would learn a lot and have fun.”

Ten minutes to the start, Nyris and Villy went downstairs to the professional studio for rehearsal. The six other children happily greeted the little girl, all excited that they were gonna get measured for costumes. They hadn’t gotten measured for special clothes before, so the six-year-old proudly modeled how to stand and hold their arms out.

“Mimsey’s a seamstress,” Nyris explained with a grin. “She takes my measurements all the time.”

“This is fun!” one of the little boys, Cotom, smiled, T-posing with the other boy, Kvon.

“Good afternoon, little dancers,” a bright voice smiled.

Everyone turned as one of the principal ballerinas, Xizi Yojain – the one playing Cypila – entered the hallway, all dressed and ready for rehearsal. The little girls ran up to her, all hugging, jumping, and clamoring for her attention.

“I’d love to talk to all of you, but we have to get ready now. Enny, you have your pointe shoes?”

“Yeah. Can you help me?”

The ballerina nodded and sat on the floor with the little girl, helping her with her shoes. Once class began, the parents sat together on the couches in the green room.

These parents were much more animated than the regular-class parents, mostly they were sharing their stories of late-night rehearsals and how their children were gonna balance being in the show with school.

“Maia’s teachers are very understanding, but I try to make sure Maia is keeping up with her schoolwork,” one of the mothers said.

“I’ve adjusted my homeschooling schedule for Yuto,” one of the fathers added. “This is his first non-recital show, but I think this will be good for him. What about you and Nyris, Villy?”

“Nyris is sharing the role with another girl,” Villy said.

“My daughter, Kynla. She’s only seven, and this is our first time in the program, so since they’re both the youngest, and to get used to performing,” a woman with a thick accent piped. “I think this is a good way to get their feet wet without getting overwhelmed.”

The parents passed the three-hour rehearsal time with more tips, conversations, and stories. They exchanged their show attendance plans, since they were all given free passes to all the performances.

“We’re supposed to get the performance schedule today. I know that’s what Enny was most excited about.”

“Kvon was most excited about the costumes.”

“Nyris was so excited about dancing with the principal dancers. Especially Xizi Yojain. She really admires her, and I got an earful of it when we saw last year’s production of ‘The Lighthouse’. She was fantastic.”

“You saw ‘The Lighthouse’?”

The seamstress nodded. “There are wireless audio description headphones available in the theater, and someone is describing what the stage looks like and what the dancers are doing live. It’s a steady stream of descriptions, and keeps me connected to the show. They’re good with communicating the dancers’ emotions, and I don’t have to constantly ask what’s going on.”

“I didn’t know the theater did that.”

“It’s not something that’s overly advertised, but it’s available upon request, free of charge.”

The children came back completely exhausted, but all claiming to have had a wonderful rehearsal.

“How was it?” Villy asked, taking out Nyris’s braided bun and running her fingers through her hair, feeling for the bobby pins.

Nyris wiped her face with a towelette, looking down at the paper in her lap. “We got our performance schedules. There are no shows on Mondays, and I’m performing Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturday afternoons, and Sunday evenings. That means I’m in the opening night performance.”

Villy nodded. They knew this would be a big commitment and very new for all of them, especially Nyris. But the little girl had proven that she could handle the responsibility, and this was something she really wanted. “Okay. We can work with that.”

“Kynla has Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoons.”

“This will be an eventful four weeks. Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

“Uh-huh. I got to rehearse my two-minute solo today.”

“When’s your solo?”

“It’s a surprise!”

“Very well.” She checked her watch. “Papa should be here soon.”

Once she was ready, the two made their way back to the front, where Geri was waiting for them.

~~~

After a month of rehearsals, opening night finally came. The family had a long night at the theatre for the final dress rehearsal, and wanting nothing more than to sleep in, but knew it wasn’t possible.

Geri rolled over with a grunt, reaching out to wrap his wife in his arms. Feeling only bedsheets, he slowly blinked his eyes open and yawned. “Dovey…?”

Villy was standing by the window, the morning, mid-April sun illuminating her face. She turned towards him with a smile. “Morning.”

“Morning. You’re up early.”

“Look what appeared overnight.” She smoothed out her flannel nightdress, revealing the small bump.

Geri approached her to get a better look. “Is that…” He stared at her stomach in delight. “Is that your baby bump?” He leveled his face with her stomach.

She was unclear if he was addressing her or her bump, but accepted it for herself. “I’m almost four months, and was wondering when this would appear.”

“This is amazing,” he whispered.

She knew this wasn’t his first time seeing a baby bump, but appreciated him making this moment even more special for her. She caressed her stomach, smiling when she felt Geri kiss her hand. “Today’s a big day.”

“The first of many. Shall we wake our little ballerina?”

~~~

“Here we are. Enjoy the show, Mr. and Mrs. Moxx. And here’s your headphones, Mrs. Moxx. They’ll activate five minutes before the show starts.”

“Thank you,” the seamstress smiled, taking the headphones. She followed her husband to the center of the row. “How far back are we?”

“We’re in the fifth row, in the center,” Geri said.

She nodded, pushing the cushioned seat down and sat, folding her cane and placing it under the chair. Geri described the program cover, and went through the order for the first act. The seamstress noted the increasing volume of the indistinct chatter coming from around them, as well as up in the mezzanine and balcony. She heard the orchestra tuning, and the headset vibrated once, signaling that it was on.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the opening night performance of ‘Cypila’s Toys’. Please take this moment to settle and unwrap any wrappers. At this performance, the role of Taffity the Ragdoll will be played by Nyris Moxx.”

The banker and seamstress grinned.

“Thank you, and we hope you enjoy the show.”

Villy slipped the headset on as the orchestra started the overture. The soft static told her it was on and working, and as the orchestra finished the orchestra and the curtain rose, the audio description began.

“When the curtain rises, it reveals the Jolpahof Toy Shop,” a female voice came through the headphones. “Dolls, toy soldiers, balls, blocks, stuffed animals, and other toys are neatly organized on the shelves and wooden floor. A large, brown rocking horse sits in the corner, next to a large, pink dollhouse. Above is a large window with a large cross-pane, overlooking the street. It’s evening, and the sun is slowly setting. The old toymaker and his daughter, Cypila, are frozen behind the counter, but come to life as the lights brighten. Cypila, wearing a light blue pinafore dress, watches as her father works with a screwdriver on a nutcracker doll, placing it back on the shelf once it’s fixed. She turns, hurrying over with her arms outstretched to a shelf, grabbing a rag doll with brown pigtails and a green dress. She spins across the stage, back to her father, cradling it in her arms. She waves to get her father’s attention, then rocks the doll in her arms like a baby. The father shakes his head, gesturing to all the toys waiting to be fixed.”

The music changed to an upbeat bouncing melody.

“The door opens, and a group of patrons come in, looking to purchase toys,” the voice continued. “They spread out around the shop, examining the toys. Cypila goes over to a group of girls and proudly shows them her doll, but they giggle meanly and turn away. Cypila tries to get the others’ attention, but they ignore her, as if she isn’t there. The lights dim, and a spotlight centers on her. She leans away from the crowd, her arm slowly floating up as she spins on her toes. She jumps to the side, holding the doll in the air as her leg extends behind her. She balances on that leg, then hops to the other, then back in light, airy motions. For a moment, her face melts, carefree as she dances with her doll. The ring of the shop bell brings her back, and the lights come up, revealing just her and her father in the shop.”

Geri spared a glance at his wife, and even in the darkened theater, he could still her eyes light up as she experienced the show.

“Cypila returns the doll to its original place on the shelf and goes to her father, who scoops her into his arms and slowly spins her around. She places her hands on his shoulders as he returns her to the ground and kisses her cheek. In a sweeping motion, he exits the stage. Alone, Cypila leaps into the air, crossing her arms over her chest. She pouts, stubbornly stomping her foot, but her face turns somber. She looks around at all the toys, going over to the rocking bear by the window. She pushes it, watching it rock back and forth before rocking on the balls of her feet. She pets the bear, rising onto her toes as she flits around it. She stretches her arms above her head as she yawns, exiting the stage where her father did as the lights dim.”

Applause flew up from the audience. The orchestra dimmed to allow for a trumpet solo to fly up from the orchestra pit.

“When the lights come back up, it’s still the toy shop, but some of the toys have been replaced with child dancers. A tin soldier, wearing a red and blue uniform with two white sashes crossing his body, snaps to life, moving his head as he looks around. He marches forward, gives a sharp salute, then turns on his heels. He rubs his white-gloved hands together and leaps into the air. He lands on one leg and turns on the other, both arms out to the side. He bends his knees, then jumps like a frog. Straightening with his hands on his hips, he kicks his legs and turns to the left, gracefully sweeping across the stage and taps the china doll on her large bonnet.”

The piccolo took over with a music box melody as the china doll came to life.

“The china doll, wearing a pink, poofy ball gown, steps out, wagging her finger at the soldier for hitting her bonnet. She fixes it, brushing her large, golden curls from her face, and reaches out to fix the soldier’s hat. He pushes her away, and a game of tag ensues. The china doll, the only one wearing pointe shoes, rises to her toes and delicately turns around herself, balancing on one leg with the other bent, her toes resting on her knee.”

After the other toys (sailor, prince, and butterfly princess) were introduced, Geri and Villy patiently waited for Nyris’s entrance. A flute played an upbeat tune above the string section and the descriptive voice continued.

“The ragdoll peaks her head out from behind the large toy chest. She covers her mouth to hide a smirk, then creeps up behind the other toys. She clasps the sailor’s shoulders, who jumps back in surprise, and the other toys quickly hush both of them. The ragdoll bounces around with a playful grin, teasing the other toys by tapping their shoulders and running away before they can tag her back. Her left leg extends behind her as she turns on her toes, her arms in a circle above her head. Giggling, she twirls around like a tornado before plopping onto the floor, her legs beating the air as she laughs. The soldier lunges towards her, but the prince holds him back.”

The music turned into a call-and-response, mimicking the conversations being mimed onstage.

"The ragdoll takes the top from the china doll's hands and leaps away, gracefully hopping from one foot to the other. She stands on her toes, places her hands on her hips, and sticks out her tongue, clapping at the game only she's playing."

Villy turned the volume down slightly, picking up on the Nyris’s dress rustling and swishing. Her seamstress brain tried to figure out what fabric the dress was made of, and finally landed on chiffon before turning the volume back up and focusing on the rest of the performance.

Two and a half hours later, after thunderous applause and scattered whistles, the proud parents waited with everyone else at the stage door. All the children came out in a clump, enthusiastically hugging their parents and other guests.

“Papa! Mimsey!” Nyris exclaimed, running to her parents and leaping into her father’s arms.

“Butterfly, you were amazing!” Geri smiled, squeezing her closer as Villy joined their hug.

“Wonderful job, Jellybean!” Villy smiled, kissing her cheek. “We’re so proud of you.”

“Did you see my solo, Mimsey?”

“I did. You were playing tag with the other toys and stole the top from the china doll.”

Nyris giggled. “I’m glad you saw it.”