Only at night, when the stars shine so bright
Does the toy castle start its day
Only at night, when your eyes are shut tight
Do the wondrous toys start to play
Sound the chime, start to play
It’s a magical wonderful day
All your friends spring to life
Join the toys in the castle!
I’m the soldier, I’m the sailor
Ballerina, I’m the clown
Beautiful dancing, playing and prancing
Whirly whirling, tumbling down!
Bring your friends, don’t delay
Join the toys in the castle
Fun and games, time to play
It’s a magical toy castle day!
Opening Sequence
Behind the Magic: A Balletic Masterpiece
The Toy Castle theme song serves as a gateway into a unique world of silent storytelling. Produced in Canada, this Gemeni Award-winning series was groundbreaking for bringing professional ballet and pantomime to a preschool audience. The lyrics establish the classic “toys coming to life” motif, specifically framing the action as occurring only “when your eyes are shut tight.”
Each character mentioned in the song—the Soldier, Sailor, Ballerina, and Clown—represented a different discipline of movement. Because the show featured no dialogue, the opening theme was crucial for giving the characters their “voices” before they transitioned into the purely visual storytelling of the episode. The show remains a cherished memory for its gentle pace, colorful sets, and the graceful performances of its classically trained dancers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t the characters talk?
The show was designed to be a “narrated ballet.” It used pantomime and dance to convey emotions and plot, which helped develop children’s non-verbal communication skills and appreciation for the arts.
Who narrated the stories?
In the English version, the gentle narration was often provided by Jordan Francis and other voice actors who would interpret the toys’ silent actions for the viewers.
What happened to the show?
After its initial run on Treehouse TV and SCN, the show gained a second life on DVD and public broadcasting, continuing to be used in dance schools as an introduction to ballet for young children.
