A Time To Dance

A Time To Dance

YA fiction
Imagine you have lived to dance since early childhood. You've
just experienced the euphoria of winning a very important competition
and being adored by the audience--even boys! For once you actually
think you're beautiful. On the way home you are in a traffic
accident. You wake up in the hospital to find out that part of your
right leg has been amputated. That's the plight of Veda, protagonist
of Padma Venkatraman's A Time To Dance.
The kind of dance is probably not one you're familiar with. The
book is set in India. Bhudist Bharatanatyam dance is both an art form
and worship. Just learning about this faith which is both different
from and ethically and similar to Christianity is enthralling.
The human drama, however, is quite compelling. Veda has studied
dance since early childhood, becoming very good and setting her heart
on it as a career. Her mother's determination that she choose
something more useful like medecine or engineering only strengthens
her motivation. After the accident she is not about to give up on her
dream, even if she has to take classes with half her size beginners
and find ways to adjust to her new disability.
This book is full of soul. It was inspired by the lives of real
world dancers who overcame physical disabilities. It gives us a rare
glimpse at the strength and beauty of the human spirit.
On a personal note, oh my gosh, writing about dancing reminds me I
forgot to write about the adult prom. It was a fundraiser for Orono
Library Foundation. A real life fairy godmother scored me a ticket.
It was amazing. Lots of friends were there. Decor was lovely. The
dance music was energizing. The refreshments were classy enough for a
tea party at Buckingham Palace. The punch was in crystal wine
glasses. It was one amazing evening! I went home with orchids and
white roses feeling like Cinderella.
A great big shout out goes out to all who worked behind the scenes to
make that enchanted evening happen.
Julia Emily Hathaway


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