Ballet and Books is a national, non-profit organization striving to reduce the literacy gap through the hybrid storytelling of dance and reading.

In our extracurricular programming led by high school and college students, we provide 3-9-year-olds with an opportunity to improve their literacy skills through a combination of dance instruction and dialogic reading. Our mentees mostly come from low-income families and these past 2 years of virtual learning have impacted them heavily. The poverty/achievement gap is widening at an alarming rate: nearly 75% of fourth graders who tested below the 25th percentile of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) were from low-income families. This gap only widened with the “COVID learning curve.” Students across the nation are at risk of being left behind, and we refuse to sit by and let this happen. Our students’ families cannot pay for after school tutors or dance classes. They cannot afford “learning pods” or private schools. Instead, they rely on what is offered in the community.

At Ballet and Books, we hope to help close the literacy gap and improve children’s confidence and community through dance, literacy, and mentorship. Over the past few years, we have seen exponential growth and some big wins. With 8 chapters nationwide, we’ve been able to help over 300 children find a love of reading through dance, and with the upcoming launch of our new children’s book, we’re excited to help hundreds more right in their own homes. As we look ahead, we want to continue expanding our reach to and impact on kids across the country, so we’re excited to kick-off our spring 2022 fundraising campaign.

We are constantly starting new chapters, allowing more kids to join our program and get access to fluent literacy. With your support, we plan to raise what we need to sustain and grow our program for the 2022-2023 year.

Moving Together 2026