Dancing Shapes: Ballet and Body Awareness for Young Dancers

by Once Upon a Dance

Dancing Shapes provides an inside gorgeous glimpse into ballerina Konora’s journey. Konora, whose career has been sidelined by Covid-19, leads readers through warm-up steps, a basic ballet technique lesson, and an exploration of movement and form.

While designed for children ages 6-8 to explore the details of the shapes Konora creates, preschoolers and kindergarteners will enjoy trying the poses and seeing Konora in action. While older children may be less motivated to replicate the poses, they will observe and consider various dance elements.

With more than fifty poses to contemplate or re-create, aspiring young dancers:
• learn basic ballet technique and vocabulary
• develop an eye for detail
• explore movement concepts
• increase body awareness
• strengthen spatial perception and balance
• celebrate gratitude, the value of practice and making healthy choices.

Ballet photography in nature, creative fantasy, and an array of movements and positions enhances this series’ debut to inspire young dancers and ballet fans alike.

At least three books in one, mini-sections include:
• About Me, Konora
• Warming Up
• Ballet Positions
• Thinking about Details
• Saying Thanks
• Fancy French, Positions and Concepts Review

52 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2020

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

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Among the challenges that stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic is the fact that people could no longer gather to practice or enjoy dancing. In direct response to this void, a professional dancer—dubbed Konora for the purposes of this book—and her mother created this interactive guide for displaced dancers.

Written specifically for young ballet dancers, this book is best suited for children aged six to nine. The narrative feels like a dance class, where readers are invited to participate throughout the book. One page in particular encourages dancers of all shapes, sizes, and genders to practice dancing and to attempt the shapes in the book as best they can. While the text may be difficult for young children to read independently, hearing it aloud will no doubt inspire them to get up and start moving. This story would benefit from an audio accompaniment, especially for children to experience the feeling of a dance class at any time within their home.

This book is presented in four sections, including an introduction to the character Konora with warm ups, followed by a description of primary ballet positions, then a section to encourage readers to think about the details of their movements, and a conclusion that thanks the reader for their hard work. A message to the reader at the beginning explains the design of the book, although the book would benefit from having a table of contents and an index for easier navigation.

Easily the most compelling component of this book is its visuals, beginning on the cover and dominating each page. Full color photographs of Konora in costume inspire children to dream of being a professional ballerina. Myriad photographs also feature Konora backlit to focus on her body position instead of what she is wearing. Dynamic body shapes can be challenging to replicate, but the presentation is accessible to children regardless of their abilities.

Young dancers will love having this reference at hand even once dance classes open again. Especially because this book teaches routines and practices to keep moving bodies safe, it is an important addition to a young ballet dancer’s home library.

I received an ARC of this book through Reedsy and chose to leave this review.

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for the young ballet enthusiast in your life, Dancing Shapes encourages kids to get active and try something new. Lovely pictures accompany the text on each page as Kenora explains to kids how to move their bodies in healthy and beautiful ways. The book starts out explaining a little about ballet and encouraging kids to explore without reservation. The heart of the book shows a series of dancing shapes cards to encourage kids to feel different poses while discovering ballet terms and spreading their imaginations. This book is fun and approachable for children between 3-10.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book.

Any little budding ballet fan will surely appreciate this book. Easy to read and understand, lots of pictures of the dancer's poses, keeps littles engaged in the book. Asking them to try the poses will really get them moving!

Personal note: I know a pre-k teacher who would love this book for her class. I could see this being a great book to have available to littles in a classroom setting.

[Diane Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick review of basic lines and terms

This is a quick read of basic ballet positions. It is helpful if you are a newbie or need a refresher. Nice presentation. Author does a superb job.

[JaTon Kilinç · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book Even For Adults

I was on a dance team for three years in high school so I learned high level ballet but not the basics. I can do a pirouette but if you ask me to get into 4th or 5th position I struggle because I am not a classically trained dancer. I’m now taking classical ballet as an adult so this book really helps me. Thanks so much!