Dancing in Thatha's Footsteps is a charmingly lighthearted story about Varun, a boy who wants to learn to dance (specifically Bharatanatyam, a classical dance originating from India) like his sister. But dance isn't for boys. Right?
Venkat addresses this question through easy-to-understand writing accompanied by visually pleasing illustrations.

As the story progresses, the reader watches as Varun's grandfather tries to convince him to follow his dream of dancing, despite Varun's doubts that dancing is just for girls. It's an inspiring story perfect for boys (and children of all genders) everywhere who feel pressured and forced toward gender norms/roles.

I imagine this book would also be great for teaching children about different cultures. Bharatanatyam originates in India, and many Indian-American families practice this dance. I loved the fact that extra information was included in the back of the book, and I enjoyed learning something new while reading the story.

All in all, I would recommend Dancing in Thatha's Footsteps to families and young children everywhere, especially those who love to dance.

4.2 Stars
One look at the title, and I knew I had to read this one. The author tackles the issue of dance and gender quite well in this cute book. Despite some of the famous classical dancers being men, this lovely art form is not considered masculine enough for boys. Kathakali is probably one where men are prominent.
The book shows a young boy, Varun is attracted to the rhythm of dance beats and finds himself wanting to learn Bharatanatyam. After he’s ridiculed and laughed at for it, the boy finally finds enough confidence when his thatha (grandfather) dances and displays his talent.
The book reminded me of a dance program at a wedding from more than 17 years ago. A father-son duo performed Dasavataram on stage, and it was mesmerizing! I still remember it.
The author mentions how dance is seen more as an activity rather than an art form. Indian classical dance is graceful and expressive (be it the mudras or the facial expressions). The sound of the anklets in sync with the musical beats is the best thing one can listen to.
Though the book is more enjoyable for Indian-Americans, it can be read by a wider audience as well. I love how the students in the dance class belong to different ethnicities. The illustrations are just as good and suited for the target audience. The Indian in me wants something more desi.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Yali Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This book made my heart smile! I loved it so much. I especially learned loving about a dance that was special to another culture and seeing how that connected a family beautifully through generations. I really loved how the story focused on a boy who wanted to dance but was embarrassed. Great book.

“Dance isn’t for boys”. How often have we heard this? No other art form has as much of a gender discrimination as dance does. This little book seeks to destroy that idea and proclaims correctly that dance, like any other art form, is for everyone.

The story has little Varun struggling with his desire to learn Bharatanatyam and overcoming his reluctance with the support of his grandfather and the dance teacher. It is quite nicely written, and you will feel Varun’s pain and confusion. I also loved the idea of having photographs of real-life Bharatanatyam dancers at the end, including those of male dancers. That was a perfect addition to the story.

The story will surely inspire children to rethink gender discrimination within hobbies and about following their hearts rather than listening to outdated ideas. It also provides an inside look at one of the oldest dance forms in India, and how it helps Indian-Americans to stay connected to their roots.

It is so heartening to see that such beautiful books about another culture are being published in America. The overall language is quite simple and easy to understand. There are some Tamil words used in the story but the glossary at the end of the book provides the pronunciation and meaning of these words appropriately. While the characters are predominantly Indian-American, there are children from other cultures in the dance school. So the story can be read by every reader, though I feel that because of its strong cultural focus, it might be a little challenging for those of non-Indian ethnicities to follow.

Can’t skip mentioning the illustrations. The sketches are quite simple and allow you to focus on the story without creating distractions. I loved how the illustrator snuck in the “Black Lives Matter” slogan and the rainbow flag within the background of the very first page. Kudos!

Thank you, NetGalley and Yali Books, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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.