Kda web logo
Photo86 web

Kern Dance Alliance and Kern County Library Celebrate 10 Years of Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY with Record Growth, New Anniversary Initiatives, and Expanded Community Reach

Kern Dance Alliance (KDA) and Kern County Library proudly announce the launch of the 10th anniversary season of Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY, running July 6 – August 1, 2026, at libraries, schools, and community centers across Kern County.

This milestone year celebrates a decade of bringing stories to life through the arts while introducing special commemorative offerings and building on the program’s success.

All Books in Motion events are free and family-friendly. Families can attend one show or visit multiple performances throughout the summer to experience the diversity of the program. Every child receives one free book per show, giving families the exciting opportunity to collect up to all 12 books to build their own home libraries and reinforce literacy goals at home. “For ten years, Books in Motion has brought beloved children’s stories to life through the magic of the arts, inspiring thousands of young readers across Kern County to connect reading, creativity, and physical expression,” said Andrea Hansen, Executive Director of KDA. “This anniversary season we’re making it even more special with new ways for families to participate and be celebrated.”

Photo5 web
420A7721 web
420A8999 web

BOOKS IN MOTION BIBLIOGRAPHY

Children will experience 12 beloved children’s books including Aloha, Hawaii, Coco, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Bluey: Bob Bilby, The Sleeping Beauty, The Princess and the Frog, Team Up! (Toy Story), I Got The School Spirit, I Am Enough, If I Ran Your School, and The Ugly Duckling through live performances and dynamic dance performances with many multilingual performances in English, Spanish, and ASL.

10th ANNIVERSARY TOUR SCHEDULE

The full 2026 tour schedule is available now at kerndance.org/BIM and features 50 performances at 24 locations in communities across Kern County from Delano to Rosamond.

Upcoming Shows:

July 6 @ 2:00 pm – Beale Library: “The Sleeping Beauty” by Bakersfield City Ballet

July 7 @ 2:00 pm – Baker Library: “I Got The School Spirit” by Liberty High School Dance Team

July 8 @ 2:00 pm – Southwest Library: “Coco” by Ballet Folklorico Huaztelcalli

July 9 @ 2:00 pm – Northeast Library: “The Princess and the Frog” by DAT Krew Academy

July 10 @ 3:00 pm – Rathbun Library: “Bluey: Bob Bilby” by Spotlight Dance Academy

July 11 @ 10:30 am – Arvin Library: “I Am Enough” by Lions Elite

 

10th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIONS

• Kern County Board of Supervisors Proclaim July as Books in Motion Month – On July 14 at 9:00 am at the Kern County Board of Supervisors Meeting in the Kern County Administration Building.

• Books in Motion Commemorative Library Card – The countdown is on until the public can add the newest specially designed Books in Motion library card to their wallet. Sign up for this special keepsake launching this summer to celebrate 10 years!

• Books in Motion Summer Reading Challenge – Children are invited to participate in the Books in Motion reading challenge designed to encourage a love of reading throughout the summer. Participants who complete the challenge will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the coveted “Books in Motion Champion Reader” t-shirt.

• FREE Books, Crafts, and 10-Year Anniversary Stickers – Provided to every Books in Motion participant to build their home libraries and celebrate the festivities!

BOOKS IN MOTION PARTNERS + SPONSORS

This year’s program is presented by KDA and the Kern County Library and features performances by 12 local dance organizations: Aloha Entertainment by Polynesian Spice, Bakersfield City Ballet, Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli, Civic Dance Center, DAT Krew Academy, J&M Dance Center, McLaughlin Dance Collective, Spotlight Dance Academy, Spotlight Academy of the Arts, Sosa Creatives Dance Academy, Lions Elite, and Liberty High School. The program is made possible through the generous support from the California Arts Council, 23ABC, Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation, Amicus Foundation, Blue Zones Project, Kern County Library Foundation, Valley Strong, Ability Central, California Resource Corporation (CRC), and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Additionally community partnerships include the Independent Living Center of Kern County, Russo’s Books, and Shafter Library and Learning Center

Photo22 web
Photo8 web

BOOKS IN MOTION IN KERN COUNTY SCHOOLS

The program continues its valued partnership with Panama Buena Vista Unified School District, where Books in Motion and all 12 featured books will be highlighted at multiple school sites from June 16 – July 7.

PROVEN IMPACT + GROWTH

Since launching in 2016, Books in Motion has reached more than 20,000 children, distributed 15,000 free books, and brought 76 children’s book titles to life through dance. More than 1,000 artists have participated over the decade. The 2025 season delivered the strongest numbers yet: • 50 performances across 20 sites • 5,141 participants • 5,595 free books given away • 235 artists from 12 dance organizations Participant surveys showed powerful results: • 91.7% said the performance inspired them to read • 89.0% said it inspired them to dance • 72.1% were repeat attendees “We know that not everybody learns the same way… Books in Motion really helps us in that effort,” noted Genevieve Egana, Kern County librarian.

BOOKS IN MOTION PRESS KIT

High-resolution photos, videos, graphics, and the printable 2026 tour calendar are available HERE.

ABOUT KDA

KDA is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the arts throughout California’s Central Valley. Since 2015, KDA has served over 200,000 people through their diverse programs and services. In 2025, KDA was named America’s Outstanding Dance Education Organization of the Year. Learn more at kerndance.org.

ABOUT KERN COUNTY LIBRARY

Kern County Library is dedicated to building community and cultivating opportunities for Kern County residents, by connecting people, ideas, information, and technology.

Photo11 web
Shopping Basket

Jen Thompson

Vice President | Board Member

Jennifer Thompson is a proud Bakersfield native who fell in love with dance before she even started school. She grew up training under the guidance of renowned local instructor Georgia Peck, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for movement and expression. Jennifer pursed her academic education with equal enthusiasm, earning both her BA and MA in English from National University. For over 20 years, she has worked as an English teacher with the Kern High School District, where ahe has inspired generations of students with her love of literature and language. Recently, she has decided to begin a new chapter-transitioning from teaching English to teaching dance. She is thrilled to channel her passion into helping build and strengthen the fine arts program, where she can continue to inspire students through the transformative power of the arts. In addition to her work in education, Jennifer has proudly served as a board member with Kern Dance Alliance for the past four years. She loves the opportunity to bring dance to her community, spreading joy and encouraging creative expression in people of all ages. Outside of the classroom and studio, Jennifer has raised two grown children who are now pursuing their own passions-a journey that continues to inspire her both personally and professionally. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, diving into a good book, and-of course-continuing to take dance classes herself.

Marcie Hronis

President | Board Member

Marcie Hronis is a distinguished author, dedicated arts advocate, accomplished business proprietor, and renowned interview specialist who resides in the vibrant community of Bakersfield, California.

With a dance career spanning nearly two decades, Marcie honed her craft through rigorous classical ballet training under the esteemed Royal Academy of Dance, achieving the pinnacle of her dance education with a distinction in the Advanced II examination. Marcie’s artistic journey included a passion for modern dance, where her formative training was shaped by the profound influences of Lester Horton and Martha Graham.

As the proprietor of Marcie Hronis Communications, she has garnered accolades and recognition as an award-winning interview coach, serving a diverse clientele across the nation.

Marcie is a published author, having penned the highly acclaimed vegan cookbook titled “Believe it or Not” available worldwide on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Wal-Mart.

Furthermore, Marcie has assumed the esteemed position of President of Kern Dance Alliance, stepping into this role in 2023 following the legacy of Andrea Hansen. Her enduring commitment to the organization is exemplified by her role as a founding board member. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role as one of the co-creators of ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY, Kern County’s exclusive adaptive dance program in collaboration with the League of Dreams.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Marcie shares her life with her husband, Demetri, and together, they are parents to two children. Both of their children are engaged in pursuits ranging from classical dance, singing, and piano, to the expressive world of painting.