Author: Srividhya Venkat
Illustrator: Kavitha Ramchandran
Publisher: Yali books
In this story, Srividhya Venkat effortlessly weaves together a strong storyline, likable characters, and an important message- that Dance is for everyone.
Since I was a child I have been enamored by Bharat Natyam. As a child, I would watch friends and relatives dance and float away on a magical journey as the Tha Ki Ta Ta Ta Ka Dhi Mi resounded from the Vridangam (drums) and the dancer’s bells. Even though I didn’t learn this art form as a child, I picked it up as an adult and continue to take lessons to this day. I can completely relate to this little boy who is enraptured by his sister’s dance class, but is conflicted about learning it himself. “Do boys dance?” he asks himself. Thankfully he has a Grandfather, a dancer himself, who shows him that yes, boys too can dance.
Yali books always puts out books that don’t just entertain but make you pause and think. This one is no exception. Illustrations by Kavitha Ramdhandran are vivid, and detailed and capture the spirit of dance.