Andi’s Valentine Tree: A Dance-It-Out Creative Movement Story for Young Movers (Dance-It-Out! Movement Stories to Spark Imagination and Foster($9.99Value)

Description

Each Dance-It-Out! story is a kids’ performance for the imagination stage. Andi’s Valentine Tree builds on previous Dance-It-Out! material and is ideal for ages 6+, dance students, or as a sequel to other stories. "...a beautiful story, with interactive activities for those who love to dance and those who wish to learn." —Readers' Favorite Andi loves ballet and has lots of friends at the dance studio, but school is a different story. A squirrel named Lou and a remarkable tree provide Andi with much-needed comfort. Then something magical makes life even better. A touching story celebrating the beauty of nature, embracing one’s own passions, and forgiveness. Ballerina Konora joins the pages with dance photos and suggestions for movement exploration. Three books in one: readers can enjoy the story, act out the tale in their own way, or try Konora’s suggested activities, designed by an award-winning ballet teacher to develop body awareness and movement knowledge. The Dance-It-Out! collection spans books ideal for kids 3-9, and this story is one of the most advanced. Featured characters include Andi (nongendered), Lou (she), and diverse male/female school and dance students. Dance-It-Out!s are above level (language-wise) as they are often initially enjoyed with a caregiver or teacher. Dance Steps: With Instructions: • Sous sus • Battement en Cloche • Passé • Piqué Turn • Changement Review: • Ballet Posture • Relevé • Plié/ Grand Plié • Ballet Positions • Tendu • Rond de Jambe • Grand Battement • Sur le Cou-de-Pied • Spin • Jump • Kick Movement Concepts: • Weight • Breath • Energy • Bent/Curved/Straight • Stretching • Relaxation • Movement Quality • Bodies are Unique Main elements include Squirrels, Trees, Ballet School, Single Mom, Bullying, Valentine’s Day, Nutcracker, and Acceptance/Forgiveness. The book would pair well with themes including Leaves, Nature, Fantasy, Magic, Dance, Studying Ballet, Hearts, Friendship, Standing up to Bullies, Impact of Bystanders, Working toward a Goal, and Following your Passions . This movement journey is ideal for dance, creative movement, physical education, homeschool, kindergarten, first-grade, or second-grade activities. The full collection features male, female, and nonbinary diverse characters. Dance-it-Out 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. About the Author Once Upon a Dance is a mother-daughter pair donating all profits to charity. Ballerina Konora is an apprentice with Ballet Idaho and previously danced with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, and Texture Contemporary Ballet. Growing up, she danced iconic roles such as Sugar Plum Fairy and Cinderella. Teacher Terrel taught creative movement and ballet for decades and 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. She’s breathed dance from every angle and has worked in education and with various non-profits supporting kids and families. Dance-It-Out! books won several awards in 2021: • PenCraft Award First Place Winner • Mom’s Choice Gold Award Recipient • Royal Dragonfly Book Award First Place • B.R.A.G. Medallion Award • International Impact Book Award Winner • Maincrest Media Award Winner • Pinnacle Book Achievement Award • Literary Titan Book Award • Golden Boar Cover of the Year "As Lou scrambled up into Gloriana's empty branches, Andi could have sworn a voice whispered, Dance for me." A young ballet student uses her passion for dance to escape her everyday challenges. As Andi dances through the forest, she finds a friend in the form of a loving squirrel, Lou. Together they dance and explore in Andi's newfound happy place. Andi comes to find that the forest adores her just as much as she adores it. Her favorite tree at the end of the forest, who she names Gloriana, whispers for her to dance. And she does. Andi jumps and twirls under the tree's branches, feeling it feed her soul while Lou cheers her on from high in the limbs. However, when she returns to school, Andi is bullied by her peers who don't take ballet. They tease her about her talent and her outfit. She doesn't understand why they are so mean, and she longs to return to her safe place among the trees and the leaves. Finally, when her classmates see how the forest responds to Andi, they realize they were wrong. Andi is then accepted by those around her while doing what she loves. This book envelopes readers into a magical place of joy and peace through warm, nature imagery and inspiring personification that bring dreams to life. With visual examples and step-by-step instructions, readers are encouraged to participate in the dance with Andi, Lou, and Gloriana, allowing them to experience the fun as they read. Additionally, they are given a glossary in th