Celebrate National Ballet Day with Steena Hernandez!

Hi, readers, writers, and ballet lovers, too! Today is National Ballet Day - a day that celebrates ballet and its cultural significance. What better way to celebrate than with debut author, Steena Hernandez, and her new book Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers! Lupita, a Latina dancer’s, ballet recital is fast approaching, only she feels something is wrong. The music is perfect, and her moves are strong, but her peach ballet slippers don't match her skin tone. Can Lupita find a pair of slippers to dance with her? Want to know more about Steena and her debut book, PLUS want a chance to win you own signed copy? Read on...

Q: Hi, Steena! Thanks so much for joining #SeasonsOfKidLit! We’re thrilled to host you and hear all about your beautiful and inspiring debut picture book, Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers. Can you tell us more about how your story came to be? 

A: Hi, I’m so happy to be here! The first version of Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers started in a writing contest, SunWriteFun, held by author Karen Greenwald. I wrote about two ballet slippers, one the traditional pink shade, and the other one brown, and they spoke to one another in a factory where ballet slippers were made. They had a discussion about their distinct color differences. I didn’t know it would become a full picture book, until Karen suggested I try turning my entry into one. I’m glad I took the chance, and soon I had a full manuscript. I shared it with critique partners, and I had several drafts before I entered it into the Las Musas mentorship program, where author Jennifer Torres was my mentor. Soon after that, I pitched the story and got two offers for publication. 

I love how Karen's contest kick-started your career as an author. Thanks for sharing!

Q: Your book follows Lupita as her big ballet recital is drawing near. Everything is going smoothly except for her peachy ballet slippers that don’t match the color of her skin. So, Lupita searches for the right pair to dance with her.

What an amazing premise for a picture book! Can you share more about your book and the inspiration behind it? 

A: I started dancing ballet at the age of three and danced all through middle school and high school, where I was the only Latina in my dance company. It wasn’t until I attended a dance convention when I first saw a group of dancers “pancaking” their slippers. Pancaking ballet slippers is a process where dancers of darker skin tones apply makeup/foundation to the traditional pink slippers in order to obtain the elongated lines. I was intrigued, and often wondered if my slippers should match me too. In the story, Lupita searches for her perfect pair of slippers that will dance with her for her big recital day. Does she try her own way of pancaking her slippers? I hope you’ll read the story and find out how Lupita solves her own problem. 

Q:  Why is this story important to you and what do you hope young readers will take away from the story? 

A: It wasn’t until 2018 that manufacturers started creating ballet slippers for dancers of darker skin tones. That wasn’t that long ago! My hope is that readers can gain a better understanding of the challenges dancers of color have faced over the years and that they can see themselves reflected in the story. At the heart of the book is a love of dance, but I hope that no matter what extracurricular activity a child may be involved in, that they take away the main message, “everyone deserves to shine.”

Q: What is your favorite spread in the book and why? And what did you love most about working with the illustrator? 

I LOVE the spread where Lupita dreams and dances with the lions. I have always been fascinated with my dreams and was so happy with the way Melissa Castillo brought out the whimsical and free feeling of the moment. It was amazing to see the story come to life with Melissa’s beautiful art, and it was my favorite part of the process. I also adore the cover so much and have been gifted earrings and a necklace with the gorgeous artwork. I enjoy wearing them at book events! 

Thanks, Steena! I can't wait to check out that spread - it sounds magical! Readers, to check out more of Melissa's beautiful artwork, take a peek at the spreads below.

Q: Do you still dance today?  

I love it when I’m asked if I still dance today. I haven’t danced in many years, and since becoming a mother of two kids that I homeschool, time is precious. However, since publishing this book, I’ve decided to start practicing again. My dance shoes are old and worn, but they still fit. I think it’s never too late to start up again, or to reimagine a dream that’s still in your heart. 

BONUS QUESTION: What’s one thing you’d like everyone to keep in mind for National Ballet Day?

Since it’s National Ballet Day, I’d love to share ways of bringing awareness to ballet and its cultural significance. The day is a reminder of ballet’s rich history and its impact on the arts. You can observe this day and inspire new generations of dancers by supporting local ballet companies, attending performances, or even by reading books that represent and honor ballet.

Q: Would you like to leave a tip or a treat for our readers?

A: On this special day, I’d love to leave a tip and a treat! 

Tip: Tap into your inner child: Put on your dancing shoes and dance to your favorite song like no one is watching. You’d be surprised what this can do for the “sole.” (Pun intended!) 

Treat: I’d love to give away one signed copy of Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers!

Wow, thanks again for joining us and for such a spectacular tip and treat! It was a pleasure getting to know you more, hearing more about your book, and celebrating National Ballet Day with you!

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter to win Steena's amazing giveaway, 1) share this post on social media and 2) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by! Dance-themed GIFs are appreciated and welcomed.

Giveaway winners will be drawn on or about 2/21!

Books will be shipped in the US only.

About Steena Hernandez:

Steena Hernandez is a writer, avid reader, and life-long dreamer. Through performance, she's always been a storyteller at heart. She received her BFA in theatre, music, and dance from Texas Tech University and toured in shows, including the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, RENT the Broadway tour, USO, and more. After becoming a mom of two, she decided to turn some of her adventures into stories. She’s been writing children's stories ever since.

For more about Steena, check out the below links:

My website is www.steenahernandez.com

IG/Threads: steenahernandez

X: hernandezsteena

Bluesky: @steenahernandez.bsky.social

To purchase Steena's book on Amazon, or to leave a review for it, click here.

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