Big Dance

Poppa tells Pippa that everyone ‘has a dance inside them’ even Pippa, and she must find her dance before the Big Dance takes place.  Pippa is a bit perturbed at this idea because she has not danced before.   Poppa shows her what all the other animals are doing in their dances, and each one is different.  There are the chickens, who stomp when they dance, the rabbits who do a Ribbon Dance because one of them uses a wheelchair, and she waves the ribbon for the others to dance between.  The cow trots for her dance, and a kitten dances with leaves.  Each of them is different, and yet they all love dancing together.  When Pippa tries to find a dance for herself, she keeps falling over and in disgust, she announces that the ‘Big Dance is nonsense’.  Well, the others say, perhaps it is, but it’s fun to do because we do it all together, and if everyone doesn’t participate, then it can’t be the Big Dance at all.  Pippa isn’t convinced, but when the music starts, she can’t help herself; she begins to move all of her own accord, and becomes happily involved.  This parable about how the inhabitants of our world must find themselves in a big dance whether they want to be in it or not, and that each individual has to find their own way in, may not be apparent on first reading, which is why this story should be used in a school context or with a carer who can help understanding along.  Of course, it can be read as a straightforward book about dancing with others.  Your choice.  The swirly pictures of pastel animals are fun and engaging.