Once Upon a Dance was created by a mother-daughter team during the pandemic with the mission of keeping quarantined kids connected with movement. Their books have garnered many awards and endorsements including Mom's Choice Gold Award, B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree, Royal Dragonfly First Place, PenCraft First Place, and Independent Press Winner. 22 books are expected by Spring of 2022.
Ballerina Konora climbed the pre-professional ballet ladder up to Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Professional Division and is now an apprentice with Ballet Idaho. Along the way, she danced iconic roles such as Sugar Plum Fairy and Cinderella for her local studio, Emerald Ballet Theatre.
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.
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 board member.
She’s also worked in early childhood education, for non-profits supporting kids, and as a university English and dance teacher.
PCs: @ErinElise.Photography @lmsorenson @ErinElise.Photography