Author/Publisher

After decades of teaching dance to students of all ages, Teacher Terrel used her curriculum and expertise to create kids’ movement books. During the pandemic she partnered with her daughter, then a pre-professional ballerina, and created the books she wished for as a mom and dance teacher, as Once Upon a Dance.

Terrel was honored to be 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 training included Ballet Met and The Louisville Ballet, and she’s worked in early childhood education, for non-profits supporting kids, and as a university English and dance teacher. She’s breathed ballet from every angle, and is a Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Board Member.

Once Upon a Dance has over 20 published works with a few more in the pipeline. The majority are part of the Dance-It-Out! Creative Movement Stories for ages 4-9 (ages 4-7 with a few advanced books). The series has garnered many awards including Mom’s Choice Gold, and numerous first place book awards.