National Team | Creative Director

I've had the privilege of seeing Ballet and Books grow from a tiny little class in Ithaca, NY back in 2017, to an official 501c3 nonprofit that continues to increase access to literacy across the country. 

A child from a lower socio-economic status can hear as many as 30 million fewer words by the time they are four compared to classmates from higher socio-economic statuses. This is commonly referred to as the "literacy gap."

Our programming blends movement, mentorship, and dialogic reading to build confidence, literacy, and most importantly, an excitement for reading. With eight national chapters facilitated entirely by college and high-school students, we have helped ignite a love for reading in over 300 children. 

This spring, our first-ever children's book "When We Read" arrives, and with it, the ability to introduce even more people to the hybrid storytelling of dance and reading.

As our program continues to grow, any contribution goes incredibly far. Our current goal is $15,000 by May 15 -- if you are able, I hope you consider giving to Ballet and Books to help us on our mission to reduce the literacy gap.

-Kev