The Magic Shoes

Diya Sapkota

Diya Sapkota

I was peacefully in bed until - ''Ella, your favourite ballerina show is about to start!''. Slowly I got up and ready. Quickly, I changed my clothes. Running downstairs, I said, ''Coming mum!''. As the program started, I began to dance. The audio recorded, ''And one and two, and spin and leap!''. Depressed, I sighed to myself. My dream is to be a professional ballet dancer. The only thing is, I just never think that it would come true.

One day, mum brought me to a charity shop. When we went in, nothing exciting as all the stuffs were very old except one, the filthy bubble gum pink ballet shoes with long ribbons twirling around inside. I felt that there’s something special about it and I heard the whispering voice saying, “take me please!” I quickly grabbed the shoes and persuaded my mum to buy them, at first, she was hesitating to buy because of the state of the shoes, “Please mum, I will wash and it will be good as new!” “hhhm... okay, let me pay now.” A big yelp of ‘yay’ went inside me. The shopkeeper smiled and winked her eyes and told me, “make sure you look after these beautiful shoes.”

As soon as we reach home, I washed and dry the shoes. Surprisingly, it transformed to a beautiful brand-new ballerina shoe! I tried them on and they fit perfectly! Slowly I move my feet and begin my dance routine. For the very first time, I mastered my arabesque! I can’t believe it! These shoes are MAGIC!

My mum was amazed by my skills. ” How do you do that?” she exclaimed. I just smiled and pointed my shoes to her!  Since then, I’m confident to join the competition and I won every single one. I am over the moon as now my dream come true!

The week before the national ballet competition, I found out something terrible. My mum had thrown my magic ballet shoes! I was shocked! And the other pair she bought for me wasn’t magic at all.  “What’s the matter my dear?” mum asked.  “the pair of shoes that you have thrown was a magic shoe! Because of that, I won all the competitions that I joined!” I sobbed. “Listen young lady, it’s not about the magic shoes, it’s about your talent, hard work, passion and determination makes you win the competitions. I know, and I believe that whatever shoes you wear, you will be the winner! Don’t give up!”

The days passed by and it was the day to dance. I’m petrified! “if only I have the magic shoes.” I murmured.  All the dancers were magnificent!  They would beat me. A slow voice called out, “Ella, you’re up!” My heart was beating as fast as could be. The only thing in the spirit to do was to believe in myself and whatever happens, at least I tried my very best. Breathing heavily, I stepped on to the stage and put all my emotion into the dance. After a while, my routine was finished. One of the judges exclaimed, “well done!” I really hope that I did well!

The results came, they announced the winners. “and the ballet champion for this year national competition is…  I closed my eyes and cover my ears as I don’t want to see and hear who it will be. The winner is… Ella Roberts!!! OMG it was me!! Me!! Me!! I was leaping with joy in the heart. Walking to the stage, one of the judges gave me the award. I recognized her. Slowly, I whispered, “You’re the shopkeeper!” She smiled and winked her eyes and replied,” you’re the chosen one!”

As I went, I learnt my lessons and realized that it wasn’t the magic shoes in the spotlight instead it was me, believing myself!

The Magic Shoes is one of the stories from Diya Sapkota's newly published book Fantasy Adventures 360˚. Eleven-year old Diya Sapkota lives in England. She has enjoyed writing fantasy stories since she was seven and loves exploring her boundless creativity and imagination. Diya's daring, dramatic and dreamy tales will captivate you. The book is available to purchase from Fantasy Adventures 360° | eBay .