
Once Upon a Dance offers movement, breath, joy, connection and imagination through stories. Their catalog (25 books across four series) offers positive role models, whimsical stories, and diverse characters. Alongside movement and dance, the books feature themes of empathy, friendship, the value of practice, self-acceptance, sibling relationships, anger management, and working toward goals. Ballerina Konora is living her dreams as a full-fledged ballet Company Artist. Teacher Terrel arrived in Seattle after a Peace Corps stint teaching English and dance. Complementing decades of teaching dance, she worked in early childhood education and for non-profits supporting kids. Terrel was recognized by her local City Council for "embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment to children in our community" for her work with young dancers. She serves on Pacific Northwest Ballet's Board of Directors and on a National Dance Education Organization committee. Stories are lovingly crafted, and royalties are donated to charity partners. A few highlighted honors: • 40+ Book Awards • Kirkus Reviews Starred Review • Family Choice Award • Mom’s Choice Gold Award Recipient • PenCraft Award: First Place • Firebird Book Award: First Place • Royal Dragonfly Book Award: First Place • Outstanding Creator Awards Winner - Best Children's Book, Top 10 Author of 2022 • B.R.A.G. Medallion Award • Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Best Book Juvenile Fiction Visit DanceStories.com to learn about the mother-daughter team, browse books, or discover learning resources. Follow Once Upon a Dance on social media for sneak peaks, dance photos, and the latest on their goofy cats.

Kittina and the Starlight Ballerina
2025

A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast
2025

2021

Ballet and Body Awareness for Young Dancers
2020

2021

A Dance-It-Out Creative Movement Story for Young Movers
2021

A Dance-It-Out Creative Movement Story for Young Movers
2021