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. Danika's Dancing Day by Once Upon a Dance is book 12 of the very educational Dance-It-Out! Collection of Creative Movement Stories. I have previously read an earlier story in the series and this one is just as wonderful and fun ! Even readers who are not into ballet can find it entertaining, engaging and worth the read. I just love the beautiful illustrations in the story. They can really help the young readers visualize themselves dancing, learning and having a marvelous time like Danika. Somehow, they also have this calming effect and a sense of magic in them that entices the readers more. Such illustrations express the story perfectly where the readers are made to see Danika make the most of each day's task as she practices her dance. Even ordinary household chores become fantastic opportunities to perform her dance movements. Interactions with nature become avenues to broaden her imagination and her sense of appreciation for her chosen craft. It's playful and immersive from beginning to end. There is no dull reading moment with Danika who is also joined by Ballerina Konora, the professional ballerina who helps the reader make the most of the story by teaching simple yet practical dancing concepts and methods as one reads along. This is a highly recommended book for parents and children who want to spend a fabulous time reading, learning and dancing along! —Reedsy This educational children's book serves to instruct children on dancing while also delivering a very sweet story. I think it's cute that Korona creates and demonstrates dance steps for every illustration and story plot whether or not it's part of a dance. For example, when Danika has had all the fun she can have, she decides to lay down and take a nap. Korona shows readers how to do a sitting spin on the floor before demonstrating how to curl up for a nap. The illustrations are beautiful and very realistic . Danika's dress, while dancing with the vacuum, is gorgeous with an almost opalescent glow. All the illustrations are as bright and colorful throughout the book. I especially love the little woodland animals in the backyard. The illustrator has put a great amount of detail into the nature scenes, and every time I look, I spot something new: a bird, chipmunk, a dragonfly, cute little things I love picking out from the landscape. There are extra dance instructions at the bottom of the page that provide extra content, and value, to the book but I found it hard to understand sometimes. I think that a good audience for this book is children between the ages of five and seven ; kids who are likely highly energetic. This is why I think t