Falling into Dance: Dance and Choreography Inspiration

by Once Upon a Dance, Stella Maris Mongodi (illustrator)

64 pages, Hardcover

Published March 25, 2024

About the author

Terrel is a dance educator and storyteller who believes in the transformative power of movement. Through her passion project, Once Upon a Dance, she’s published 42 interactive children’s books that weave whimsical stories with joyful movement.

With her daughter—a former Pacific Northwest Ballet Professional Division student—as the featured ballerina, Terrel brings movement into storytime, encouraging creativity, confidence, and self-expression in young readers.

Each book invites kids to stretch, twirl, leap, and imagine alongside positive characters—from dancing cats to ballerina zombies. Whether reading with a caregiver or moving along in the classroom, children are gently guided to explore feelings, movement, and connection through play.

Once Upon a Dance was named a Top 10 Author by the Outstanding Creator Awards for three consecutive years (2022–2024). The books have earned over 60 book awards—including 14 first-place honors, more than 3,000 five-star reviews, a BEST IN SHOW, and a coveted Kirkus Reviews Starred Review.

Discover the collection at www.OnceUponADance.com or follow their journey on social media.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Blackberry Book Tours.

This beautiful book offers advice for young people interested in pursuing ballet. There are lots of tips on how to master some basic ballet techniques, as well as personal anecdotes from the author, which are fun and entertaining.

I really liked the general design of the book; it's eye-catching, colourful and easy to read, with lovely illustrations. I think that for any young person who feels inspired to dance, this could be a useful little book, and an interesting read.

Thank you to Blackberry Book Tours, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In processFalling into Dance is not just a technical manual but is also an entertaining read. The playful inclusion of Poulette and the light-hearted approach to the advice make the book enjoyable for readers of all ages. The mother-daughter team behind the book infuses their expertise with warmth and relatability, ensuring that young dancers—and their families—can appreciate the dedication and joy that ballet brings.

Falling into Dance is an imaginative, practical, and inspiring book that perfectly balances technical advice with an entertaining narrative. Its blend of realism, encouragement, and creativity makes it a five-star read for anyone aspiring to dance or simply looking for an engaging, motivational book for an 8 to12 year-old child in their life. Highly recommended for young dancers and those who support their dreams!

I received a free review copy of this book from Blackberry Book Tours and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it.

[Ella English · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming and delightful book that captures the magic of ballet in a fun, educational way. Perfect for young dancers, Ballerina Kittina and her charming sidekick Poulette, a dancing chicken, bring ballet to life with playful advice and imaginative storytelling. The mother-daughter duo behind this book has created a captivating experience that strikes the perfect balance between entertainment and ballet instruction. Whether your child is just discovering ballet or already dreams of becoming a ballerina, this book is sure to spark joy and inspiration.

[Carola Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling Into Dance by Once Upon a Dance is a joy to read for aspiring dancers and ballet lovers alike! The balance between useful tips and fun moments makes it engaging and educational. I’m so happy that Kittina has become a recurring character in the books! The playful addition of Poulette also brings a smile to every page. If you’re looking for an inspiring, charming way to introduce kids to ballet, this is a perfect pick!

[Kristy Kloster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are adorable, and the way they explain the technical aspects of dance is perfect for young readers just getting into ballet. Kittina’s journey, along with the humorous addition of Poulette, offers a well-rounded, fun, and inspiring read.

The balance between playful storytelling and real ballet advice is truly impressive.

A great book for anyone with an interest in the art of dance!

[Coffee Book Couch by Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Falling Into Dance" is a must-have for any young dancer stepping into the beautiful world of ballet. The clever use of metaphors, like comparing posture to the base layer of a cake, is not just adorable but incredibly effective for teaching foundational concepts. I appreciate how the book breaks down posture in a way that's accessible and inspiring for beginners. It's both informative and delightful, making it a fantastic resource for classrooms and studios alike.

[Marianne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is soooo cool! I love Kittina and Poulette! They make ballet seem like so much fun. I’m not a dancer, but I still really liked how the book showed how to practice and do different ballet moves. The story was funny, and I liked the dancing chicken a lot! The pictures are also really pretty. I think anyone who likes stories with fun characters and cool drawings will love this book.