The Secret River is originally a children's fantasy book by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, author of The Yearling. Published in 1955, The Secret River received a Newbery Honor Award. The first edition, illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Leonard Weisgard, was issued after Rawlings' death.

The book was revised and reissued in 2009 with illustrations by Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillon. The new edition received an international children's book design award in 2012.

The Secret River is the only book Rawlings wrote specifically for children. The story of young Calpurnia, who goes on a quest to find a magical river and catch fish for her starving family and friends, it has two themes common in Rawlings' writing, the magic of childhood and the struggle of people to survive in a harsh environment. (wikipedia.org)

The Secret River Storybook Ballet is very special to us. Over 25 years ago, a 10 year old little girl read the book by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and thought what a great ballet it would be. That little girl was Ms. Shalyn! Ms. Shalyn’s mother, Ms. Vicky, never let the idea die and when they opened Victoria’s School of Dance (or VSDance) together in Dunnellon, Ms. Shalyn began writing, designing, and scoring The Secret River Ballet.

With the help of Ms. Shalyn’s husband’s Grandfather, Jim Barker, they created and built the props and set. Ms. Vicky worked with a seamstress to create the costumes, and they ordered lights and hired a professional lighting technician to teach Ms. Shalyn’s husband, Mr. Patrick, how to install and use them.

The Secret River Storybook Ballet premiered in Fall 2006. Although VSDance’s doors have closed, The Secret River Ballet Company will carry on the legacy of the Fall Ballet that started it’s journey on Dunnellon Middle School’s stage 15 years ago.

ACT I

Calpurnia is a little girl who lives in a tiny, sleepy town with her mother and father, and her dog Buggyhorse, in Central Florida. Their little town has fallen on hard times. Calpurnia’s father, who sells fish at the local market, can’t catch any fish so Calpurnia decides she she’s going to catch some fish. She and Buggyhorse venture deep into the forest to Mother Albirtha, the local medicine woman, to ask her where to they can catch some fish. Mother Albirtha tells Calpurnia about the Secret River, and how to get there. Calpurnia is surprised by her directions, but follows them anyways and finds the Secret River!

ACT II

On her way back home, Calpurnia and Buggyhorse come across some Florida animals that she assumes might have fallen on some hard times too. She is a nice little girl, so she decides to share some of what she found at the Secret River. After that, she is captivated by the beauty of the Florida forest at night, illuminated by the full moon. Flowers and birds seem to dance and glow in its moonlight and help her and Buggyhorse find their way home.

Calpurnia returns to see Mother Albirtha to thank her for her help and to ask her how to find the Secret River again. To Calpurnia’s surprise, Mother Albirtha tells her the Secret River is in a most special place, always.