CALL TO PERFORMERS
Books in MotionⓇ: DANCE + LITERACY
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, March 20, 2026
About Books in MotionⓇ: DANCE + LITERACY
For ten years, Books in Motion®: DANCE+ LITERACY has brought stories to life through movement, inspiring young readers across Kern County to connect reading, creativity, and physical expression. What began as an innovative summer reading initiative has grown into an award-nominated, evidence-based program that uses dance to support literacy goals and reading comprehension while encouraging healthy, active learning.
Presented by KDA in partnership with Kern County Library and local dance organizations, Books in Motion continues its mission to reduce "summer slump" by aligning dance education with Common Core Standards for Reading Literature. Through engaging performances and community collaboration, children experience books not just as text, but as stories they can move, feel, and remember.
As we celebrate a decade of Books in Motion, we honor our partners, sponsors, dance artists, educators, libraries, volunteers, and families who have helped shape this program that has expanded access to arts-based literacy throughout our community since 2016.
What is Books in MotionⓇ: DANCE + LITERACY?
Books in Motion® (BIM) is a FREE literacy program that encourages reading through dancing by focusing on Common Core Standards for Reading Literature for children, K-3rd. KDA is proud to work in collaboration with the Kern County Library and Kern County dance organizations by promoting literacy through the arts! Families will have the opportunity to visit Kern County library branches, schools, and community centers to watch a dance performance based upon a children’s book. Post-performance, children will engage in kinesis by learning choreography and will create a craft that coincides with the book’s theme. At the culmination of the session, children will be posed questions to evaluate their comprehension. Upon completing the evaluation, children will take a FREE book home.
Performers Wanted
Kern County dance organizations are invited to apply to be the official Books in Motion performers. Dance organizations will be responsible for choosing a story from the Books in Motion bibliography, create a performance reflecting the story (maximum 15 minutes), and choreograph a 1 to 1.5 minute dance that relates to the story to teach the participating children.
Organizations will be provided an honorarium for their Books in MotionⓇ participation.
Performer Requirements
1) Narrate/perform the book with clear performance attributes based upon the book
2) Create choreography for children to learn that corresponds with the book theme
3) Provide high quality costumes and theatrics to ensure maximum performance experience
4) Provide at minimum 4 performances to tour to Kern County libraries, schools, and community centers
5) Provide portable sound system for performance
6) Provide proof of insurance
7) Cooperate with KDA as artistic collaborators
8) Provide one opportunity for Books in Motion administrators to attend rehearsal in the month of June to ensure Books in Motion goals are met
8) Must be a KDA Organization Member- not a KDA Member? JOIN HERE!
Books in Motion Schedule
Friday, Feburary 20: Books in Motion Performer Applications OPEN
Friday, March 20: Books in Motion Performer Applications CLOSE
Wednesday, April 1: Books in Motion Performers Selected and Notified
Thursday, April 9 @ 10:00 am: Mandatory Books in Motion Information Meeting at Beale Memorial Library (performers not able to attend the mandatory meeting will not be included in the 2026 tour)
April 1 - June 30: Book in Motion preparation
July 6 - August 1: Books in Motion performances
Books in Motion Bibliography
Do you have a beloved children's book you would LOVE to perform that is suitable for K-3rd grade? Let us know via the application below. If you are not sure, our team is busy creating a bibliography full of options for you to choose from!
Books in Motion Performer Perks
- Honorarium for participation in Books in Motion
- Opportunity to advertise dance organization to over 5,000 participating Books in Motion attendees
- Featured on the official Books in Motion website as a partner- name/logo/bio
- Featured on the official KDA social media as a Books in Motion partner- name/logo/bio
- Featured on Books in Motion marketing materials- press release, social media, posters, flyers
- Opportunity to participate in Books in Motion press on local news/radio outlets
- Give back to the Kern County community through the arts while influencing literacy goals
For More Information
For complete information and itinerary of this event, please visit the KDA Programming Page-Books In Motion. Contact: info@kerndance.org