Noticing Dalila's frustration at not being able to dance any of the dances she tries--such as the Waltz, Irish jig, and tango--Dalila's grandmother takes her to a performance of the West African Troupe, where she finally discovers her place in the world of dance.
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3. When Dalila watches a television special about ballroom dancing, she declares, "Someday I'm gonna dance." Her grandmother, picking up on the girl's interest, proceeds to expose her to Irish jigs, country-line dancing, ballet, and tap. Dalila is inspired to try each of them, but her arms and legs will not cooperate. Finally, when she is ready to give up, her grandmother takes her to a festival where a West African troupe is about to perform. Dalila is entranced by the drums and the rhythm, and she dances joyously as everyone gathers around, caught up by her spirit and movement. The book is well written; the artwork is warm, homey, and filled with movement; and Dalila and her grandmother are lovingly depicted. On one level, this is an affirmative story about a young girl who has a dream and a loving relative who helps her to bring that dream to life. However, there is something troubling about it. Dalila, an African-American child, is hopelessly clumsy and inept?until she takes naturally to the African dance. The implication that she can succeed only at this particular form seems especially surprising since the grandmother has bent over backwards to introduce the child to all kinds of dance. It is difficult to dismiss this as just a minor flaw in an otherwise pleasant and attractive offering because it is such an integral part of the plot.?Anna DeWind, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Ages 4^-8. Dalila wants to dance. She tries to do the fox-trot with Gramma's broom, but it trips her. She can't keep her arms in place for the Irish jig. For country and western, she tries to kick up her heels, but she bruises her shins instead. A ballet performance holds her spellbound, but "I look more like a frog than a ballerina," Dalila says. Then Gramma takes Dalila to a performance of the West African Troupe; she is caught by the feelings and the music; and when the audience is asked to join in, Dalila is the center of the huge circle. Kroll's text is rhythmic and physical, and Carpenter's joyful oil paintings express the movement and playfulness of all the dancing as well as the close bond between the African American child and her grandmother. Kids will be caught by the wonder of each kind of dance performance, by the funny imitations and klutzy failures, and by the climax when Dalila finds her own way. Hazel Rochman
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More About the Author
Virginia Kroll is the author of over fifty books for children and winner of a 2004 Children's choice award. A former elementary school teacher, she lives in New York with her husband and has raised six children of her own.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dance discovery for beginning readers,
This review is from: Can You Dance, Dalila? (Hardcover)
"Can You Dance, Dalila?" is a wonderfully warm and humorous story of a young girl looking for the kind of dance that speaks to her. The illustrations convey just the right visuals for the character, and follow her search through various kinds of dance,
as the writing informs the reader about the style and dress of each genre. What comes through as well in this story is that we are all of us unique, and if we keep looking, we'll find the activity that is a natural fit for us.
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