Art transcends all boundaries. It is a form of expression that cannot be curtailed for certain section. Srividhya Venkat conveys home this point in her work Dancing in Thatha's Footsteps, with beautiful illustrations from Kavita Ramchandran.
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The way Varun is enamoured with Bharathanatiyam has been portrayed well, in that he manages to hear and see the adavu in everything around him. He is consumed by the love for this exquisite dance, but is held back by the admonishments of those who believe dance to be unsuited for males. Not so his Thatha, though. Once himself a dancer, the latter is resolute to prove Varun's fears wrong, even if it means he himself as to wear the chilangas once again.
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As a work of children's fiction, this book is bound to spike the attention of its intended audience with the artwork and story it provides. The underlying message is the cherry on the cake. In an age where we have many male dancers in the professional sphere, the subject of the book may seem redundant. Yet there is a stark contrast in the society's views with respect to a man who pursues a classical dance form, and the one who follows something contemporary. This book then, hopefully will be able to make a dent in the barrier of such opposition.

Thanks to NetGalley and Yali Books for the opportunity to read and review this delightful children's picture book.

Dancing in Thatha's Footsteps by Srividhya Venkat is refreshing in two major ways. First, it makes a bold statement against strict gender roles. Secondly, it gives the reader a look into the culture of the Tamil people. Bharatanatyam is a classical dance from India. Varun and his Thatha (grandfather) escort his sister Varsha to her dance class. Varun is fascinated by the tempo and dance steps, but dancing is for girls, not boys! Luckily his Thatha shows him that dance and culture is for everyone!

An absolutely lovely book, I highly recommend it.

Dance is for everyone.

That is what Varun learns, when he finds, after joining his sister's dance class because he is bored, that he loved the rhythm and beat, and the moves.

But his friends tease him about it, so he tries to stop, but he has the sounds of the dance in his heart, and wants to dance, no matter what.

So he is conflicted, until his grandfather, his Thatha, comes to the dance class, and perfoms a dance. then Varun realizes that boys can dance too.

Great message about doing what you love, no matter what your gender is.

<em>Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.</em>

This book has a good message that dancing is not just for girls. I especially liked how the Grandfather learned the dance as well so the boy woudn't be as embarassed. I think kids would need a background in the cultural aspects of the book to understand it.