Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes

In a vibrant picture book, a girl explores her love of dancing and cultural identity, inspired by the real-life collaboration between Bharatanatyam icon Rukmini Devi Arundale and ballerina Anna Pavlova. Paro faces challenges in ballet but embraces her unique style, highlighting themes of creative flexibility and navigating cultural intersections.

Format: Hardback
Length: 36 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2022
Publisher: Annick Press Ltd

In a captivating picture book, a young girl delves into the depths of her love for dancing, intertwining it with her cultural identity. The story echoes the real-life collaboration between the legendary Bharatanatyam icon Rukmini Devi Arundale and the renowned ballerina Anna Pavlova.

Born into a family of dancers, Paro finds herself captivated by the graceful movements of Bharatanatyam. Alongside her mother, she practices this ancient art form, cherishing the rich traditions and intricate footwork. However, as Paro embarks on a new journey of learning ballet, she faces a dilemma. Unlike her classmates, who exude a fairy-like grace, Paro struggles to replicate the same level of expertise. The contrasting styles of ballet and Bharatanatyam create a sense of distance and doubt within her. Can she truly embrace both dance forms and find her unique place within the world of dance?

Anu Chouhan's vibrant and energetic illustrations bring the story to life, emphasizing themes of creative flexibility and navigating the intersections of different cultural identities. Through her illustrations, Paro's journey becomes a testament to the power of embracing one's uniqueness and finding beauty in diversity.

As Paro continues to practice and explore her passion for dance, she discovers that her cultural background and her love for ballet can coexist harmoniously. She learns to appreciate the distinct qualities of each dance style and finds ways to blend them, creating a unique and captivating performance. Through her journey, Paro not only discovers her own voice as a dancer but also celebrates the rich tapestry of cultural heritage that surrounds her.

The story of Paro serves as a reminder that dance is a universal language that transcends boundaries and celebrates the diversity of human experiences. It encourages readers to embrace their passions, explore their identities, and find their place in the world, no matter how different they may seem.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 222 x 267 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773216157