Dayana, Dax, and the Dancing Dragon: A Dance-It-Out Creative Movement Story for Young Movers (Dance-It-Out! Creative Movement Stories for Young Movers)

Dayana’s new baby brother has finally arrived, and she can’t wait to teach him her best dance moves. There’s only one problem. Nobody told Dayana that babies can’t stand up. Luckily, baby Dax has a surprise in store that leaves his big sister in awe! Each Dance-It-Out! story is a kids’ dance performance for the imagination stage. Ballerina Konora joins the fun with dance suggestions on each page. Three books in one: readers can enjoy the story, act out the tale in their own way, or follow Konora’s suggested moves, designed by an award-winning ballet teacher to improve body coordination and teach dance fundamentals. Dayana, Dax, and the Dancing Dragon, a Firebird Book Award First Place Winner, is an independent story in the Dance-It-Out! collection and is ideal for kids 4-7. While there are some challenging movements, this story would make a great series introduction. Featured characters include Dayana (she), Dax (he), and Dragon Kadeena (no pronouns). Dance-It-Out!s are a bit above level (language-wise) as they are often initially enjoyed with a caregiver or teacher. Movement, technique, and dance concepts in this story include: Gallop/Chassé Plié Passé (shown but not discussed) Spin/Twirl Jump Kick Russian/Character Dance: Coffee Grinder/Helicopter Rocking/Weight Shift Extended Legs/Arms Activating/Relaxing Muscles Movement Quality Major themes include Dragons, Siblings, New Baby, Deep Breathing, Travelling, and Faraway Places. The Dance-It-Out! books can be used as a supplement for dance or theater studio classes or camps. Dayana, Dax, and the Dancing Dragon would pair well with themes such as Dragons, Mythical Animals, Fantasy, Siblings, Babies, Ballet, Dance, Studying Ballet, Pirate Ships, Unicorns, Queens, Trolls, Castles, or Fairies. Dance-It-Out! movement journeys are ideal for dance, pre-ballet, creative movement, preschool, daycare, early learning, physical education, homeschool, kindergarten, or first-grade activities. The full collection features male, female, and nonbinary diverse characters. Books make a great gift for boys or girls interested in dance, ballet, gymnastics, or yoga, or reluctant readers who enjoy getting up and moving. 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 a professional ballet dancer. Konora’s mother taught creative movement and ballet for decades and was recognized by her local City Council for embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment to children in our community for her work with young dancers. She’s breathed dance from every angle and has worked with kids and non-profits. Once Upon a Dance donates all proceeds to charity. Once Upon a Dance was honored with PenCraft Award First Place , Mom’s Choice Gold Award Recipient, Family Choice Award, Royal Dragonfly Book Award First Place , Independent Press Award Winner, B.R.A.G. Medallion Award, International Impact Book Award Winner, Firebird Book Award First Place , Readers Favorite Certified Great Read, Love Reading 4 Kids Indie Books We Love, Indie’s Today 5-Star Recommended, and Wishing Shelf 5-Star Emblem. Visit www.OnceUponADance.com to learn more about their 20 books (ages three-eleven) plus teacher resources.