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Ballet and Books is a national,
non-profit organization striving to
reduce the literacy gap through
the hybrid storytelling of
dance and reading.
only
32%
This is the literacy gap. According to the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 32% of fourth-grade public school students in the U.S. performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level in reading. This snapshot underscores the urgent need to support literacy development at the elementary level.
Early intervention is critical to repairing this gap and
course-correcting for future generations.
of fourth-graders are proficient in reading in the U.S.¹
¹ National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 2022.
WHAT WE DO
Reduce the literacy gap through the combination of dance and reading.
Our Programming
A nationwide network of chapters provides cost-free programming for our participants.
Free Programming
College Mentors
Chapters are led by student volunteers from schools and universities across the country.
Innovative Curriculum
Weekly lesson plans strengthen literacy skills, build confidence, and incite a passion for learning.
After group activities, students are paired with a college mentor to build on the core pillars of reading.
One-on-One
Curtain Call
Sessions commence in a final performance where friends and family celebrate the semester's work.
1,100+
We've helped nearly 1,150 children and student leaders since our founding and are on track to help over 100 more by the end of 2025
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