Once Upon a Dance inspires joyful movement through stories that celebrate connection, imagination, and grace. 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 working 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. They are eager to share their dance stories with the world. The creations are passion projects, and all royalties are donated.
