Herbie was a young hippopotamus who loved to dance ballet. He was shy, sensitive, and kind-hearted. He dreamed of becoming a famous dancer someday, but he was afraid of being ridiculed by others.
Every Wednesday afternoon, he went to Mrs. Flatpaws’ dance class with his sister Katie. Mrs. Flatpaws was a polar bear who ran a dance class for young animals. She was friendly, patient, and wise. She taught her students various dance styles and techniques and organized dance recitals for them.
Herbie enjoyed learning from Mrs. Flatpaws and dancing with Katie. Katie was Herbie’s older sister who also loved to dance ballet. She was supportive, cheerful, and brave. She always encouraged Herbie to pursue his passion and helped him overcome his fear.
However, not everyone in the class was nice to Herbie. Giorgio was a gorilla who attended Mrs. Flatpaws’ dance class with Herbie and Katie. He was rude, arrogant, and mean-spirited. He liked to bully Herbie and make fun of him for liking ballet.
“Hey, Herbie,” Giorgio would say with a sneer. “Why do you dance like a girl? Ballet is sissy. Ballet is for girls.”
Giorgio had a friend called Ernest Elephant who was just as silly as he was. Ernest would laugh at Giorgio’s jokes and join him in teasing Herbie.
“Look at Herbie,” Ernest would say with a snort. “He thinks he’s a swan. He should be a hippo instead.”
Herbie felt hurt by Giorgio’s and Ernest’s words. He wished they would leave him alone and let him dance in peace
characters
Herbie a hippo
katie his younger sister
Mrs Flatpaws a polar bear
Ernest elephant a silly elephant who thinks Herbie is silly
Giorgio Gorilla Ernest freind who doesnt want Herbie to join Mrs. Flatpaws dance class
Mrs. Hippo Herbie mum cameo only in audience