Once Upon a Dance is a Seattle-area mother-daughter team who share a passion for dance and storytelling. Teacher Terrel and Ballerina Konora create books that inspire children to explore movement, breath, joy, connection and imagination through stories. Their catalog includes four series and 28 titles available directly, on order from your local bookshop or dancewear boutique, bookshop.org, or Amazon.
They were named a top 10 author of 2022 by Outstanding Creator Awards, and they’ve been honored by over 40 book awards, 2000+ 5-star reviews, and a Kirkus Star. They donate all royalties to charities supporting the arts, animals, environment, or people.
For further details, visit www.OnceUponADance.com/About
Ballerina Konora climbed the pre-professional ballet ladder up to Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Professional Division and headed to Ballet Idaho as a trainee during the pandemic. She was promoted to apprentice then Company Artist. Growing up, she trained with Emerald Ballet and danced iconic roles such as Sugar Plum Fairy and Cinderella.
She’s danced professionally with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and Texture Contemporary Ballet. Her past highlights include a YAGP regional first place and choreographing for Seattle International Dance Festival.
She performs annually with Eva Stone's Wander in the Wonder and will be featured in a FLOCK video late 2023.
Konora's mother is an award-winning dance teacher. 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.
Her early ballet training included Ballet Met and The Louisville Ballet. She’s breathed dance from every angle: child to pre-professional to adult ballet student, zoom student, dance teacher, dance mom, competition mom, ballet-school parent-guilder, audience member, recital planner, business owner, and Pacific Northwest Ballet Board Member.
She’s also worked in early childhood education, for non-profits supporting kids, and as a university English and dance teacher.
PCs: @dan.lao.photo @lmsorenson