Danika's Dancing Day: A Dance-It-Out Creative Movement Story for Young Movers

Two Ballerinas dance on the pages of this charming story of ballet passion.

"Overflowing with enthusiasm for ballet, this book is a celebration of all those who live with dance in their souls. Effervescent images of both Danika and Ballerina Konora will inspire children to mirror their movements both while reading the story and after it ends". (—Mary Lanni, Librarian Reviewer)

Danika loves ballet. She translates each ordinary aspect of her life into a remarkable dance performance. Ballerina Konora (a professional ballerina) joins the fun with how-to instructions and photos for kids who want to dance along with Danika, Penelope the cat, and their animal friends.

Part of the Dance-It-Out! collection of Creative Movement Stories. While each book is an independent story, Danika’s Dancing Day builds on concepts introduced in earlier stories, and it’s ideal for dance students or kids 5+. The series is a bit above typical language level as the stories are often enjoyed with a caregiver or teacher.

Movement, technique, and dance concepts in this story include:
• First Position
• First, Second, Fifth Position Arms
• Skip (Sauté Passé)
• Attitude
• Plié
• Tendu
• Sur le Cou-de-pied
• Arabesque
• Penché
• Chassé
• Passé
• Sauté
• Pas de Chat
• Port de bras
• Grand Jeté
• Waltz (1/2)
• Twirl

Dance-It-Out! books work great for studio classes or camps. Danika’s Dancing Day would pair well with themes such as Cats, Squirrels, Rabbits, Imagination, Dancing, Ballet, and Pretend Play.

With kind characters, subtle life lessons, and a positive role model in Ballerina Konora, teachers love the kid-approved, ready-made, easy additions to curriculum and lesson planning. Children at home adore the stories that “young readers will return to again and again” (—Reedsy).

About the Author
Ballerina Konora is living her dreams as a full-fledged ballerina. Konora’s mother taught creative movement and ballet for decades. She was recognized by her local City Council (2014) for embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment to children in our community for her work with young dancers.

Their books have won numerous accolades including nine First Place Book Awards and a Kirkus Starred Review. In 2023, Once Upon a Dance was named an Outstanding Creator Awards Top 10 Author.