Once Upon A Dance

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Once Upon A Dance Movement! Joy! Connection. Breath. Imagination! Once Upon a Dance
Children's Movement & Dance Books They are eager to share their dance stories with the world.
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Once Upon a Dance offers movement, breath, joy, connection and imagination through stories. The collection (25 books across four series) features male, female, ungendered and nonbinary diverse characters. Major themes—beyond movement and dance—include empathy, friendship, helping each other, the value of practice, making new friends, self-acceptance, sibling relationships, anger management, and wo

rking toward a goal. Ballerina Konora (named for the CORONAvirus) climbed the pre-professional ballet ladder up to Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Professional Division and is now a full-fledged ballerina. Terrel arrived in Seattle after a Peace Corps stint teaching English and dance. Complementing decades of dance instruction, Terrel worked in early childhood education and for non-profits supporting kids. She was recognized by her City Council for embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment to children in our community for her work with young dancers. Terrel’s breathed ballet from every angle and recently joined the board of Pacific Northwest Ballet. The creations are passion projects, and all royalties are donated.

Wrapping up Thanks, mom, for joining me all weekend. Fantastic, well-organized event with a pro-book, friendly crowd i...
14/07/2024

Wrapping up Thanks, mom, for joining me all weekend. Fantastic, well-organized event with a pro-book, friendly crowd in a park. My only complaint is the 91 degrees. Quick trip and back to Seattle weather soon.

Thank you Story Monsters LLC Everything Children’s Books
05/07/2024

Thank you Story Monsters LLC Everything Children’s Books

Can I show you our latest? If budget is an issue, reach out - I'm still looking for Amazon reviews. If you've read it, a...
24/06/2024

Can I show you our latest? If budget is an issue, reach out - I'm still looking for Amazon reviews. If you've read it, a few words is a big help!

www.onceuponadance.com/reviewlinks

Thank you for giving this legs.

If you’re at Redmond Town Center, stop by to visit our books including the just-released Ready Set Dance. You can suppo...
23/06/2024

If you’re at Redmond Town Center, stop by to visit our books including the just-released Ready Set Dance.

You can support 2 great small businesses at once!

Ready Set Dance designed/illustrated

Thank you Donovan Scherer's Studio Moonfall. We love to see our beautiful books on shelves.
20/06/2024

Thank you Donovan Scherer's Studio Moonfall. We love to see our beautiful books on shelves.

Once Upon a Dance has given Pacific Northwest Ballet over $300,000 in book royalties and sponsorship, so we qualify for ...
06/06/2024

Once Upon a Dance has given Pacific Northwest Ballet over $300,000 in book royalties and sponsorship, so we qualify for all the fun events. Celebrating retiring James on the pre-show stage.

Coppelia is far from my favorite story, but the dancing is spectacular. On this weekend.

Someone disagreed with my belief that very young kids probably shouldn’t compete in dance. While I appreciate that some ...
03/06/2024

Someone disagreed with my belief that very young kids probably shouldn’t compete in dance. While I appreciate that some have had great experiences, hindsight has me convinced that the current competition world is not ideal. I’ve also read several recent cases of sexual abuse (of older kids) because of how many of these comps are structured.

Competitions are a wonderful way for older dancers to find opportunities, and I wouldn’t trade away my kids’ comp experiences, but I have many concerns - about how young girls are dressed and that many of these babies burn out before they hit 12, when they could have enjoyed dance for many more years if they hadn’t entered the comp rat race. All said with so much love and based on decades of witnessing as a teacher, mom, and dance enthusiast.

Thanks for letting me be part of the pointe shoe gang even though I turned my point shoes in around age 15.Roomie photos...
02/06/2024

Thanks for letting me be part of the pointe shoe gang even though I turned my point shoes in around age 15.

Roomie photoshoot during with


Ballerina K | Have you subscribed to some local arts for next season? You usually get best deal/benefits and it’s so h...
30/05/2024

Ballerina K | Have you subscribed to some local arts for next season? You usually get best deal/benefits and it’s so helpful for the org.

Just a woman and her book Ready Set Dance available in hardcover wherever books are sold online and on Kin...
29/05/2024

Just a woman and her book

Ready Set Dance available in hardcover wherever books are sold online and on Kindle Unlimited. Paperback June 21
PC
Illustrated

🐸🐱🐔 Last day (Friday) for ⭐ FREE ⭐ on Amazon kindle. If you have 30 seconds, purchasing-for-free is a huge help, and you...
24/05/2024

🐸🐱🐔 Last day (Friday) for ⭐ FREE ⭐ on Amazon kindle. If you have 30 seconds, purchasing-for-free is a huge help, and you can see our adorable creation (design/illustrated by Stella).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4KJQQS6
(Buy now with 1 click)
Reviews--even a few words--are huge help. Thanks friends!

Ready Set Dance: Getting Ready for Your First Dance Class

🎶Hello, it’s me, I’ve been wondering🎶 if you’ve clicked to grab the FREE book http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4KJQQS6 holle...
22/05/2024

🎶Hello, it’s me, I’ve been wondering🎶 if you’ve clicked to grab the FREE book http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4KJQQS6 holler if I can dm the link or check stories.

Thank you Donovan Scherer's Studio Moonfall
22/05/2024

Thank you Donovan Scherer's Studio Moonfall

Bookley checks out Princess Naomi Helps a Unicorn by Once Upon A Dance
https://youtu.be/9iwMaOz8-TA

I think this answer often applies to the dance world.. and really to everything.
16/05/2024

I think this answer often applies to the dance world.. and really to everything.

Ballerina K made the season brochure, well, most of her anyway. 😃❤️ PC
16/05/2024

Ballerina K made the season brochure, well, most of her anyway. 😃❤️
PC

Grateful to be her mama. I hope all the mamas had a good day. Not much action at today’s Mother’s Day vendor fair, but a...
13/05/2024

Grateful to be her mama. I hope all the mamas had a good day. Not much action at today’s Mother’s Day vendor fair, but as usual the vendors had a good time.
PC

Thank you Josh for buying the auction book basket.
12/05/2024

Thank you Josh for buying the auction book basket.

Seattle - go look outside
11/05/2024

Seattle - go look outside

Thank you, Carola! Preorder available on Bookshop /Amazon. Did you know pre-orders help a book’s visibility on launch da...
09/05/2024

Thank you, Carola! Preorder available on Bookshop /Amazon. Did you know pre-orders help a book’s visibility on launch day - by buying a book you literally help us sell books. Designed/Illustrated by

Amazon (HC) & Bookshop (HC/PB) Hardcover 5-21. Paperback in June.
Thank you

Ballerina K | PC (She might be available for summer guesting)
07/05/2024

Ballerina K | PC (She might be available for summer guesting)

May the 4th be with you. Visit us at DanceStories.com
04/05/2024

May the 4th be with you. Visit us at DanceStories.com

Thank you Story Monsters Once Upon a Dance is grateful for all the help and opportunities to share our stories. ...
29/04/2024

Thank you Story Monsters
Once Upon a Dance is grateful for all the help and opportunities to share our stories.

OMG the waiting and waiting. So if I pay for a rush 2-day print and a rush 2-day ship. How would you think that math add...
24/04/2024

OMG the waiting and waiting. So if I pay for a rush 2-day print and a rush 2-day ship. How would you think that math adds up? Asking for a friend 😉 OMG

Happy Earth Day - one of my favorite illustrations - by (Andi’s Valentine Tree) -It-Out ...
23/04/2024

Happy Earth Day - one of my favorite illustrations - by (Andi’s Valentine Tree)

-It-Out

Storytimes with the ponies. Thank you & for letting me read a story and visit the sweeties. ...
23/04/2024

Storytimes with the ponies. Thank you & for letting me read a story and visit the sweeties.

We LOVE to see our books in bookstores. Thank you Donovan Scherer's Studio Moonfall
23/04/2024

We LOVE to see our books in bookstores. Thank you Donovan Scherer's Studio Moonfall

Read any good books lately?

Here’s Princess Naomi Helps A Unicorn by Once Upon A Dance:

Unicorns and Horses and Snakes, oh my!
Princess Naomi Helps a Unicorn is a 2021 Mom's Choice Gold Award and 2022 Family Choice Award Recipient.

Interactive movement wrapped up in a charming story of sibling angst, anger management, compassion, and triumph.

Fed up with her annoying sister, Naomi storms out of the castle, only to discover a unicorn in need of help. With a sense of purpose, she quickly forgets her anger.

Ballerina Konora joins each page as optional movement guide for kids who want to get up and dance.

“Cheerful and heartwarming, this movement adventure will inspire creative expression through imagination. As readers replicate the actions in the story, they will gain a greater understanding of human emotions and how to express them through both words and actions.”
-Mary Lanni, Librarian/Reviewer

Pick up your copy at https://amzn.to/46Y3j05

Stop by Studio Moonfall for more books by local authors and my friends from the indie publishing world, visit https://bookshop.org/shop/studiomoonfall to shop online, or https://www.libro.fm/business?bookstore=studiomoonfall for audiobooks.

Cuteness from PAWS, a charity partner. (Also wish list)
18/04/2024

Cuteness from PAWS, a charity partner.
(Also wish list)

It must be auction season. These are for and
13/04/2024

It must be auction season.

These are for and

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#Frustrating I got a bad review this week about my book with stickers — None of my books have stickers. Who knows why — misprint, Amazon, or confused customer, but it pulls my star-rating down. And because Amazon likes to count 5-star reviews as mathematical 4s, it makes it really hard to overcome bad reviews, most of which have nothing to do with my books. Actual reviews are so helpful https://onceuponadance.com/reviewlinks @ingramsparkbooks I wish misprints weren’t so frequent. #selfpublishing #selfpublishingjourney #authorlife #imgramsparksmisprints #authorcomminity #selfpublished #indieauthor

I asked folks recently about their perfect day, then realized I should take myself dancing. #DancingJoy I’m always up dancing - take me with you if you go clubbing (for old people). Thank you @marymedium1111 and Happy Birthday. #SeattleDance #SeattleDances #SeattleDanceScene #dancelife #dancingwoman #seattledancingwoman #seattledancefun #adultdancecommunity #dancelice #ecstaticdance #freestyledance #dancersofinstagram

First look. I’ll resubmit the cover after shifting 2 letters down because I’m clearly insane. Ready Set Dance illustrated, plus written and designed in collaboration with @stellamaris_illustrator #authorlife #dancebook #danceclass #myfirstdanceclass #dancestore #dancer #littledancers #toddlerdance #preschooldance #creativemovementclass #myfirstballetclass #newdanceclass

4 years ago, I asked what her little boy enjoyed… 2 illustrators, a total rework, and a few years later… Falling into Dance. This book teaches how to safely fall, strategies for what to do if you fall onstage, how to use falling for choreographic inspiration, recommendations to train in outside styles and schools, and wisdom and tips from a ballerina. Thank you @stellamaris_illustrator for bringing this series to life with your design and illustration magic. @pivotmovementstudio - thanks for all the support. #BalletBook #bookaboutballet #booksaboutballet #dancebooks #DanceBookForAspiringBallerinas #BalletRoleModel #Balletbookshelf #BallerinaBook #DanceLibrary #DancerBooks #DancerBook #dancer #DanceCareerAdvice #BalletAdvice #DanceBook #CareerAdviceForDancers #BalletBooks #kidsauthor #DanceBookForAspiringDancer #dancespecifictraining

I love how the brain gets stuck. “But if I teach again, I’ll need these!” (I’m sure I’ll save a few.) #DanceBooks #DanceTeacher #DanceTeacherProblems #dance #DanceTeacherLife #AlwaysDanceTeacher #dancer #DanceTeacherBooks #DanceTeacherTips #dancestory #DanceTeacherFun #DanceTeacherIdeas #dancestories #dancerbooks #DanceTeacherProps #danceteachers #kidlit #danceteachersofinstagram #danceteacherstuff

Have you visited our YouTube channel yet? An easy done-for-you movement break, perfect for grades K-2. Did I mention FREE! More videos coming soon. #ScreenLess #educationalresources #educationalgift #educators #educatorsofinstagram #education #kindergartenteacher #teachertoolbox #teachertoolkit #movementbreak #dancestories #booksonvideo #homeschoolresources #ece #learnthroughplay #playbasedlearning #earlychildhoodlearning #earlyyearsliteracy #earlyyearsteacher #youtubekids

@speechandsmile makes sweet story kits to many of our books, including The Grumpy Goat. Perfect for teachers and therapists. On Etsy: SayandPlayBookShop #PlayAndLearn #playbasedlearning #playtolearn #playisimportant #playtherapy #sensoreadplayday #playbasedlearning #reading #readingtools #readandplay #speechtherapytoolkit #speechtherapyresources #homeschoollearning #homeschoollearningfun

Seattle, please spread the word. ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon’ family matinee is on this weekend and next. Tickets at PNB.org #KidsDance #SeattleKids #SeattleDances #SeattleDanceScene #SeattleDancer #SeattleKidsActivities #SeattleToDoThisWeekend #SeattleDance #KidsBalletStories #KidsBallet #StrongGirls #DanceStoriesForStage #BalletStory #BalletStoriesForStage #DancingStory

All launched and linked. Amazon even let me sneak in before the required 7 days waiting period (it’s supposed to happen automatically.) Free ebook March 13-14. Fenix and the Firework Fliers is ideal for ages 5+ | With simpler movements, longer story, and an unpronouned main character, this one is especially perfect for homeschool and classroom. Thank you collabs @authorherbert @scottpartridgeart #ActiveStories #MovementStories #TeacherPick #KindergartenClassroom #Homeschool #HomeschoolPE #HomeschoolMovement #HomeschoolDance #KindergartenDance #KidLit #KindergartenDanceParty #ClassroomDanceFun #ClassroomIdeas #picturebooks #TeacherToolbox

Well, isn’t this a happy coincidence -> Happy International Women’s Day to all the people making it a better world for girls and women. Always hoping for change in a world that is so cruel to girls: from mutilation to how women have to sit on the floor or can’t take the train, to the sexual violence in Israel, and on and on, and my heart breaks for these girls and women. #StrongGirls #InternationalWomensDay #booksforkids #booksforchildren #bookswithstronggirls #bookswithstrongwomen #bookswithstrongfemales #bookstagram #kidsbookstagram #dancebooksforgirls #girlsdancebooks #dancinggirl #dancinggirls #GirlPower #GirlPowerBooks #WomenOwnedBusiness

Reviews hurt my heart, but then I’m like, “Wait, why is someone SO angry about a kangaroo learning to dance from feminine dancers.” After a bit of reflection, I’ll say out loud, ** WE SKEW TOWARD #WOMENPOWER and #STRONGGIRLS ** and having been in the ballet world for 45 years, I am justified. #WomenPower #WomenEmpoweringWomen #Ballet #WomenOwnedBusiness #MotherAndDaughter #Dancer #BalletDancer #BalletFan #ballerinamom #balletisbeautiful #balletgirls #balletwomen #ballerina #ballerinas #ballerinasofinstagram #ballerinagirl #aspiringballerina #ballerinanation #ballerinamom

Fenix and the Firework Fliers Ages 5+ | no named dance moves View at https://heyzine.com/flip-book/b52f0c93b4. I’d love an honest review on Amazon/Goodreads. Hardcover available wherever books are sold online. Ebook is on kindle unlimited (not linked) .. free for all March 12-14. You can order paperback, just please be patient for longer delivery on Amazon. So, about that March 1st pub date. How’s that working out you ask? Well, Amazon created a whole new challenge for me to keep life interesting. I’m so used to it, I’m taking it in stride, and as further motivation to get that direct sales component figured out soon. #SelfPublishingJourney #AmazonKDP #AuthorsOfInstagram #AmazonPublishing Collabs @authorherbert @scottpartridgeart

Ah, Leap Day. I will miss you! #BallerinaKonora PC @balletzaida #Dancer #Leap #BalletDancer #Ballerina #Ballet #balletpost #balletlovers #instaballet #instadance #balletaddiction #ballet #dancers #dancers #dance

Folks can now pre-order Fenix and the Firework Fliers For ages 5+ Join Fenix (no pronouns) and Bolt (he) and of course Ballerina K (she) on a harrowing adventure. Coming March 1st, preorder is in Amazon or available through your favorite bookstore. I recommend Island Books, Brick & Mortar, or Wanderlust. Eastside Dancewear Stores should have it in stock on March 1st as well. Collab with @authorherbert and @scottpartridgeart #AwardWinningBooks #BookRelease #UpcomingBook #March2024Books #2024KidsBooks #PictureBooks #ActiveBooks #ActionStoriesForKids #InsectBooks #OwlBooks #FrogBooks #BunnyBooks #BearBook #greatreadsforkids #ClassroomBooks #ClassroomBookshelf #BooksWithoutPronouns #HeroesWithoutPronouns #FriendshipBooks

Wrapped up 2023 charity partner donations (except PNB). We donate royalties to non-profits supporting the arts, animals, environment, and people (this decade). #PassionProject to inspire imagination and movement, while helping kids get active, breath-aware, and connected. Yes, they’re just dinky books that hardly anyone knows about, but to me, they represent the world I want: one where everyone dances more, embraces self-care, hugs more, fights less, shows kindness, and celebrates the beauty and discipline of ballet. Thank you to everyone following our journey. I would have given up long ago if not for the kindness of strangers and a few good friends who cheer me on. A few of our IG buddies who’d love a follow: @pricesculptureforest @paws_wa @balletbooks *PNB donation pending because they essentially upsold my donation. #GivingBack #LovingWhatYouDo #Authorpreneur #MomOwned #WomenOwned #womenownedbusiness #BalletBooks #DanceBooks #KidsBooks #kidlit #dancestudios #danceteachers #DanceLove #danceteacher #DanceMom #DanceMama #creativeentrepreneur #AuthorLife #DanceInspiration #SmallBusinessOwner #DanceEducation #ChildrensBooks #DanceLife #womenauthors #DanceCommunity #danceculture #mompreneur #BalletInspiration #DancePassion

#ActiveStories #DanceAStory #KidsGetMoving #ActiveKids #TeacherToolbox #DanceEducator #ClassroomMovementBreak #playandbooks #bookstagram #kidsbookstagram #kidlit

Dori always gets a hello hug. She’s allowed 2 kisses (one each cheek - she’s French or something😉) because we thought she wasn’t long for this world. —>It’s been a year and a half now. That’s a lot of gross kisses, but not nearly as many as she’d like. Our cats are inspiration for 2 of our books: The Grumpy Goat and The Cat with the Crooked Tail. #SweetCats #OldCats #CatBooks #kidsCatBooks #CatKisses #greatcats #catmemes #catsarethebest #funnycats #catsofinstagram #catstagram #catlady #catscatscats #catslovers #catlife #catmeme #catmom

Here are a few great books to check out, especially good for teacher’s or therapist’s toolbox: 🦗Sora Searches for a Song 🐿️ Sadoni Squirrel: Superhero 🌙 Brielle’s Birthday Ball 🌈 Belluna’s Big Adventure in the Sky 🌸 Petunia Perks Up River’s Dreary to Dreamy Day’ also coming up in February/March- a refresh of Petunia Perks Up without pronouns. These are all active Act-It-Out stories with incorporated movement, breath, connection & imagination elements. #TherapyRespurces #Therapist #SpeechTherapist #PediatricTherapy #PediatricTherapist #ChildrensTherapy #kindergartenteacher #holisticeducation #ChildrensTherapist #TherapyToolbox #TherapistToolbox #TherapyTool #TherapistTools #slp #speechtherapy #speechandlanguage #elementaryslp #schooltherapy #sensorytools #learningresources #learningthroughplay #activelearning #playbasedtgerapt #playtherapy #breathwork #kidsbreathwork #kidsselfcare Thank you @sayandplaybooks for some new followers

Free video dance stories on YouTube @OnceUponADance590 Perfect for days stuck inside. #DanceAtHome #DancingAtHome #AtHomeBallet #KidsBalletAtHome #KidsActivities #YouTubeKids #Screenless #BallerinaBaby #BabyBallerina #BabyBallerinas #LittleDancer #DanceFunAtHome #DanceInstructionAtHome #VideoDanceInstruction #VideoDance #VideoDanceFun #HomeschoolDance #DanceStory #DanceStoryVideo #KidsVideoBallet #KidsBalletVideo #VideoBalletLesson #DanceTime #HomeschoolDance Thank you @proaudiovoices @riverviewstudios

Sneak Peek:’Fenix and the Firework Fliers’ coming early March. For ages 5+ Fenix has no pronouns and there’s no named dance, so this will be perfect for the classroom. Like dance, books are subjective, and everyone enjoys different things and has different opinions. I’m glad we have so many stories, so there’s something for everyone. Thank you to everyone reviewing our books. Thank you collaborators @authorherbert @scottpartridgeart thank you @ingramsparkbooks #ChildrensBookAuthor #PictureBook #SelfPublishingJourney #SelfPublished #SelfPublishedJourney #IndieAuthor #librarianreviews #IndieAuthorOfInstagram #KidsBookshelf #Reviewer #BookReviewer #KidsBookReviewer #librarians #BookReview #BookReviews #bookprinting #bookstagram #book #kidsreadingbooks

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Why we made this

Once Upon A Dance was created in March of 2020. It’s a tough world for a whole generation of young dancers unable to dance in their studios, and we wanted to make something positive from all the sudden free time. With kids stuck at home, Once Upon a Dance was our attempt to encourage exercise, expression, and meditation. Konora the Ballerina is ready to share her movement, creativity, gratitude, persistence, and wisdom. Visit Once Upon A Dance (Children's Dance Books) or Once Upon a Dance on Amazon for information about the Dancing Shapes series (ages 6-8) or the Dance-It-Out series (ages 4-6, debuting February 2021).