Release of the Children’s Book About America’s Most Inspirational Dance Group
A Chance to Dance: Singing in the Rain is more than a book about dancing. It is a story about giving every child a chance to dance!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Charlotte, NC – Monday, November 7, 2017 – Kimberly Pace Smith, founder of “A Chance to Dance,” and Tammi Keen of Civin Media Relations have teamed up to share the story of the world-renowned dance group in an inspirational children’s book promoting inclusion, friendship, and kindness.
A Chance to Dance: Singing in the Rain, illustrated by Jason Cheeseman-Meyer, tells the story of Reagan, an eight-year-old little girl with autism who just wants to be free to be herself and dance in a place where she feels safe and happy. Her mom decides to start “A Chance to Dance,” a class where all children are included. Based on the true story of the North Carolina dancers who are proving to the world that they are not limited by their diagnoses, this book shows just how much children can accomplish when they're given a chance and treated with kindness.
A Chance to Dance, recently featured on the Today Show and in Southern Living Magazine, evolved from Reagan's Wish, a non-profit organization founded in 2013 by Kim Smith on behalf of her daughter who was diagnosed with autism. While Reagan's Wish initially focused on technology, Kim knew every child possessed and deserved multiple ways to express themselves. As the daughter of a dance teacher, dancing was part of Reagan's DNA, but as a differently-abled child, her opportunities to express herself through dance were limited. Then the idea for A Chance to Dance was born, and through the incredible generosity of Miss Donna's School of Dance, and amazing creative children, supportive parents, and caring volunteers, the dream of a fully inclusive dance class where every child can truly belong became a reality.
Civin Media Relations specializes in the creation of books that highlight the capabilities and positive contributions of people with different abilities, challenges, or perspectives. Founded in 2012, CMR has produced more than two dozen books with several additional titles ready to launch during the 2017 holiday season.
A Chance to Dance: Singing in the Rain is now available at www.civinmediarelations.com, www.achancetodance.org, and at Amazon.com, along with a companion coloring/activity book, and a large print edition.
About the Authors
Kimberly Pace Smith is a mother to three beautiful daughters, who are described as her most precious treasures. Reagan, her youngest, was diagnosed with autism at 18 months old and although she had suspected it, hearing those words, “Your child has autism,” made it real. Four years later, knowing that she wanted to do something in a small way to bring joy to her daughter and others like her, Kim believes that God gave her a vision that became the best leap of faith she’s ever taken. “Being a dance teacher is more than just teaching children to dance, it’s about giving them independence to learn and interpret their surroundings through the magic of music and dance while making new friends with their volunteers and other dancers. It’s my hope that this book will help inspire others to embrace and include others regardless of their differences.”
Tammi Croteau Keen, co-owner of Civin Media Relations, enjoys redefining the fairy tale in her children’s stories. Her first book, Can’t Bring Me Down, was a finalist for the Montaigne Medal for most thought- provoking book of 2016. The book is dedicated to her buddies from I Run 4, a group that pairs runners with people with different abilities. Tammi is an Army National Guard Public Affairs officer and works full-time for the federal government as an analyst and a personal and professional development coach. She holds bachelor's degrees in music education and English/creative writing, and a master's degree in music.
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For more information, press only:
Todd Civin, 978-502-1453 [email protected] www.civinmediarelations.com
Tammi Keen, 940-315-4535 [email protected] www.civinmediarelations.com
For more information on A Chance to Dance, visit www.achancetodance.org