4 stars

Having some background in classical ballet myself, I was very curious to read the stories of these early prima ballerinas, all the more so after having read Misty Copeland's story. (I never achieved any of the company roles they speak of - my interest was genuine, but it wasn't my life.)

I was heartbroken over the lack of respect and honor given to these women simply because of the color of their skin. The writing was vivid enough for me to see the extensions, the grace, the suspension these mistresses of dance commanded while on (and off) stage. Oh, to be able to see some recordings and really soak in the beauty they've brought to ballet.

Parts of the book felt a bit redundant, but hearing each woman's story was refreshing as well as challenging. These women are ballerinas, but they are also warriors, determined to fight for what is right, and rightly theirs. A quote that summed the book up well, even if it was focused on Arthur Mitchell is this: "He wasn’t a Black man who dared to dance ballet. He was a dancer who dared ballet to see and celebrate his Blackness." This. 100% this.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

Wow! Such a tour de force and engrossing read! Five fine ballerinas of color lost to the annals of history. That is, until now.

Karen Valby has done a spectacular job of recounting the lives of five amazing women of grace and inordinate strength. Women who endured hardship, pain, humiliation, and loss - all for the sake of their passion - to be a classical dancer. Through the courage and sheer grit of these women, today's women of color can rise to even greater heights in the classical ballet world. They were the pioneers of the Ballet Theater of Harlem and set the course for so many dancers to follow in their footsteps. These are their stories and they're worth every moment spent in the pages of this inspiring book.

The writing is solid and the research vast. The reader really gets to know each of the celebrated dancers; their motivations, challenges, fears, desires and depth. They are smart, dedicated and driven artists. As hard as each dancer is on themself, driving themselves toward perfection, collectively they lift one another up and have created a life-long bond and support system. Their devotion to their art and to one another is inspiring. But their stories don't end when they step off the stage at the end of their dance careers. The lives they step into when the footlights dim are equally inspiring, if not even more so.

This was an engaging, inspiring and beautifully delivered story of five amazing women. I'm glad I got the chance to meet them and hear their compelling stories.

I am grateful to Pantheon Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Pantheon Books
Publication date: April 30, 2024
Number of Pages: 304
ISBN: 978-0593317525

I don't know anything about ballet, so I found this book very interesting. It is especially interesting because the topic is the first black ballerinas. The story details each of the five women who were trailblazers under the direction of Arthur Mitchell. Unfortunately, until this book was published, those five women and the ones that followed, were a part of a forgotten history. Whether you are familiar with ballet or not, The Swans of Harlem is a wonderful book. You learn about the women and men who danced across stages in the USA and in Europe. You learn some history and some culture. The only item I wish the author had included was a photo of the women being interviewed.
Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of #theswansof harlem.

As an African American, I feel cheated when parts of our history or unknown or not talked about. Growing up, the only two African American dancers I knew of were Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison and Arthur Mitchell. Later it was Misty Copeland. I believe any young Black person who is interested in ballet, needs to learn about these five extraordinary women and their contributions to the art and the opportunities made possible because of them. The author did amazing research. Bravo.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the incredible story of the first black ballerina dance company. Unfortunately, these courageous women and man have been mostly forgotten. At the height of the Civil Rights movement, black ballerina dancers were not really accepted. Ballerina dancer Arthur Mitchell started the Dance Theatre of Harlem for these talented dancers. This story mostly centers on five of these dancers and their lives.
I really liked this story! I found myself going to google to learn more about these fascinating women. I even found some video clips. I enjoyed learned more about these talented dancers.

The Swans of Harlem was an excellent nonfiction book about five of the first Black ballerinas and founding members of the Dance Theater of Harlem starting in the 60's. The author covered the history of DTH through these women and how they came back together Hearing these ladies' stories was so inspiring and moving—some continued careers in the arts, others left dance altogether. The book was incredibly vivid and filled with so much detail.

Karen Valby’s The Swans of Harlem is part historical nonfiction, part group memoir that recounts the lives of five women and their contemporaries as Black ballerinas in the Dance Theater of Harlem. I always love reading history that focuses on a unique subject, and this dance theater and the company members in it were something I knew nothing about. The five women, who formed the Legacy Council, and directly recount their experiences to Valby, express their frustrations that people think Misty Copeland is the first Black prima ballerina. Let it be known that this is not coming from Copeland herself, who makes an active effort to bring awareness to the women who came before her. But it justifiably hurts these women that they were part of a revolution in who could be a ballerina, and so much of that history has either faded in memory, or in my case, was something I never knew about to begin with. Not to take anything away from the women, but the relationship they each had with company founder Art Mitchell and the expectations he had of them was fascinating too. A man of exceptional talent and unbounded ambition, Mitchell had his own prejudices, preferring tall, very slender, light skinned ballerinas, something devastating to those who could never fit that mold and talents were relegated to short cast. It’s a brutal, ultra competitive world that I wouldn’t want to be a part of as a white woman, and I would have an advantage if I was talented enough, purely because of the color of my skin. You know these women had to really love it to dance for years when so many odds were stacked against them. And yet these women during their time at Harlem Dance Theater had something that Misty Copeland hasn’t had for much of her career-each other. As they reconnect and recount their stories, they realize there are other Black ballerinas whose stories are fading into the shadows, and we’re running out of time to preserve them for the future. This was a great book that explored history I wasn’t aware of directly through the memories of the women who experienced it. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Lydia Abarca became a black prima ballerina with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. The first all black company, DTH became a home and haven for dancers. It showed black dancers that they were not alone and that they were artists. Featuring multiple of these first-generation dancers this book outlines their careers, families, and lives.

Although this book was a bit slow, it is an extremely important read. The history of black ballerina’s has largely been forgotten. These women were trailblazers and fierce fighters. They knew the stereotypes present in the ballet world and defied them with their heads held high.

When Misty Copeland, who was born in 1982, was touted as the first Black ballerina, several women who had danced with the Dance Theater of Harlem were dismayed, since they all had been ballet dancers in the 1960’s. Much of the book is the author’s interviews with these women, and they tell of the disturbing discrimination they experienced when ballet was considered a “whites only” profession. It’s hard to imagine that they were forgotten even though not only had one of them had been on the cover of Dance magazine, but they had also performed for Queen Elizabeth. This book ensures that their contributions will not be forgotten again. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Karen Valby's "The Swans of Harlem" isn't just a book; it's a time machine, transporting you straight to the intoxicating heart of 1920s New York City. The Harlem Renaissance spills off the pages in vibrant color – the jazz clubs thrumming with life, the flappers defying convention with their bold style, and the speakeasies humming with the secrets of an era on the cusp of reinvention.

Valby's prose dances with the exuberant rhythm of the time. You'll practically hear the clink of champagne flutes and the infectious beats of jazz echoing through the streets. Her captivating writing paints a portrait of a time defined by the clash of tradition and rebellion, where figures like the enchanting Josephine Baker and the magnetic Langston Hughes became cultural icons.

Prepare to be swept into a whirlwind of glamorous parties, secret trysts, and audacious fashion that sets society ablaze. "The Swans of Harlem" is a captivating blend of fact and fiction, a tribute to the larger-than-life personalities who reshaped American society. Get ready for scandalous whispers, forbidden romances, and enough drama to fuel a thousand gossip columns.

Whether drawn by the allure of history or seeking a captivating story, Valby's novel delivers an experience as intoxicating as the era itself. So dim the lights, dress in your finest attire, and prepare to be transported into a world of dazzling personalities, artistic revolution, and the electrifying spirit of the Jazz Age.

This book is a great tribute to the founding dancers of Dance Theatre of Harlem and their work with Arthur Mitchell. I had not heard of these five ballerinas like many others, so I am grateful for this important account of them. After reading their stories, I’m excited to look for footage of them dancing, perhaps at the Library for the Performing Arts, as mentioned in the book.

“The Swans of Harlem” by Karen Valby was an absolutely awesome Biography/Memoir of the original black women ballerinas of Dance Theatre of Harlem. Their story’s are incredibly powerful and their determination and sacrifice is something to celebrate even though we are very late in doing so. I must also mention that along with the personal stories of Marcia Sells, Sheila Rohan, Gayle McKinney-Griffith, Karlya Shelton-Benjamin, Lydia Abarca-Mitchell we also learn intimately about Arthur Mitchell the founder of Dance Theatre of Harlem. His influence and commitment to create a world class black ballet company is a legend all by itself. Misty Copeland has always said she was not “the First” but until now I’m afraid most of us had no idea about these amazing pioneers. I hope this book is read widely and a huge success, it deserves every one of the 5 stars I’m giving it!

Thank you NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy. I was really excited when I discovered this book and I really wanted to love it. With a daughter who is a dancer, I was really interested to learn this story. It was really interesting - it just read really slow to me. The beginning grabbed my attention, but it really slogged on through the middle. The ending was great too, so it was worth finishing, but it took me longer than it should have to get through this. All in all, a fascinating story and one that needed to be told - just could have been a hundred pages shorter. 3.5 stars.

As a graduate student in history who is researching and writing a dissertation on Cold War era ballet exchange tours, I knew ahead of time that this book would be one that I would immensely enjoy. I am delighted to say that I was not disappointed. "The Swans of Harlem" is beautifully written and serves as a true love letter to five of the founding generation ballerinas of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. From my research, I've encountered quite a few books on NYCB, ABT, and other NY based ballet companies, but very few on DTH. Through the stories of Lydia Abarca, Gayle McKinney-Griffith, Sheila Rohan, Karlya Shelton, and Marcia Sells. readers of "The Swans of Harlem" will be providing with an intimate and in-depth look into the world few have ever been afforded access to. Learning about how these five women battled through to defy the odds leaves me in awe. They are pioneers in every sense of the word and I dearly hope that more people will become aware of who they are and the path they trailblazed. 10/10 brilliant stars.

Thank you so much to Net Galley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, Pantheon books for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I highly recommend the book "Black Swans: A History of African Americans in Ballet". It's an absolute must-read for anyone who wants to uncover the untold stories of black women in ballet. This book is truly captivating and I was blown away by the sheer talent and perseverance of these individuals. I couldn't put it down, and I found myself Googling images of these incredible dancers to see their graceful movements in action. Even though I received a review copy from Netgalley, I can honestly say that I would've paid full price for this book. Don't miss out on "Black Swans: A History of African Americans in Ballet" if you're looking for an inspiring and eye-opening read.

Bravo! Literally on my feet with a standing ovation for this book. A detailed and thoroughly engaging story of five young black women who were recruited for The Dance Theatre of Harlem, a ballet company that was loaded with talent, but struggled to raise money to pay their dancers, pay their staff, pay their landlord, find a decent place to practice and find acceptance in a world that preferred its ballerinas to be white. Talented young women whose history was practically unwritten until Misty Copeland became the first black female principal dancer with the ABT. Ms. Copeland does recognize and honor Lydia, Gayle, Sheila, Karlya and Marcia in her own book.

TDTOH was founded and run by Arthur Mitchell. He recognized talent, he could develop talent. He was also determined to have things his way. No one was going to tell him how to run HIS company. He was petty, mean, unreasonable, histrionic and scattered. His ballerinas endured grueling practice schedules with stingy pay. Lydia was the first black ballerina chosen for the cover of Dance magazine. She usually danced the coveted main character. Yet the five women developed a strong bond, a sisterhood. There was no jealousy. Time moved on. Misty Copeland was declared the first black prima ballerina and Lydia Abarca’s young granddaughter asked, “But what about Grandma?”

Read the book. Their individual histories are as moving as their dancing was. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. I rarely give a book a 5. The book is well written and she allowed the 5 women to tell their stories. Thank you.

Wow! Talk about interesting history that has not been shared widely--loved this look into the lives of several Black ballerinas form the 1970's and on. When the world was meeting Misty Copeland (amazing as she is), they were being cheated out of the history of the Black ballerinas that came before her. Even Misty Copeland didn't know their stories. They have stayed friends and have come together to share their stories now--and they are fascinating. I love dance history, and this delivers. I hope this book is read widely, so their history becomes well known to all dancers, as well as the general public.

FIVE STARS! What a gorgeous, honoring, vulnerable retelling of the stories of these incredible, history-making ballerinas. As someone who grew up in dance and had a knowledge of Misty Copeland, I'm so excited to learn about the ballerinas that came before her and paved the way for so many others. This was such a fast-moving, engaging nonfiction; truly some masterful storytelling done by the author. I'll be recommending this book to those who grew up dancing, have an appreciation for the artform, or those who would like to learn more about this beautiful and important part of Black history in the arts.

Lydia Abarca-Mitchell, Gayle McKinney-Griffith, Sheila Rohan, Marcia Sells and Karyla Shelton-Benjamin are not everyday names. Yet, they deserve to be known. As Black History Month concludes, they belong in the chronicles of the arts and of civil rights. They were among the founders of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Their story and that of others who danced and struggled with them is told in Karen Valby’s book, The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History

Each dancer is featured; her story much like the others, yet unique. They tell of their burning desire to dance, and not just to be a ballerina, but to be among their own. None of these girls – for they were girls when they started – had ever seen or imagined another woman of color dancing ballet. Being a star in a major company was therefore unimaginable. They had their chance in DTH. While Lydia is described over and over as an exquisite dancer and a beautiful woman, the others were all marvelous too.

They knew how lucky they were, and they loved ballet. Arthur Miller’s dance company was a source of pride for the dancers and the community. It showed people that Blacks could dance ballet, not just tap and modern dance, and Black men did not need to be restricted to sports like boxing and basketball.

Arthur Miller is described as a perfectionist and a severe task master who drove his students hard until they got things right - as he expected. He could be cool or silly. He is described as temperamental. He liked lighter-skinned, thin girls for leading roles. Curvier girls were ordered to lose weight, even if they were not overweight. Girls were skipping meals and forcing themselves to vomit in attempt to comply. In later years, we see emotional effects Miller’s heavy-handed approach had on his principal dancers. The years of relentless physical workouts through long hours of rehearsals and performances took a toll on their bodies as well.

Through it all, however, the women forged lasting friendships with one another. They persevered through tough financial times. They fought to be recognized as artists in a society that didn’t acknowledge their ability or their right to participate. And they stood their ground against a man, who chose them to work for him, with him, and then often did not give them the praise and approval they deserved. It was gratifying to see how the women overcame the obstacles they encountered throughout their careers and the aftermath and were able to recover and lead productive lives, raise families, and give back to further the careers of future ballerinas.

As a final note, the women describe their friendships with the danseurs, many of whom contracted HIV and did not survive. They express genuine affection and compassion for these men, who were their friends partners in dance for many years.

I received a digital copy of as an ARC in exchanThe Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking Historyge for my unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, Pantheon, and Karen Valby.

4 stars

I was given the opportunity to read this book via NetGalley. I learned a lot from this book. My past includes working with the performing arts. I had heard of the Dance Theater of Harlem but did not know much more than they were a dance troop. I was interested to learn about the history of Dance Theater of Harlem and the ballerinas that performed there. I liked learning about their lives and what they had to do to get into the troop and the best part was finding out what happened to them after they could not perform and that they were all still connected. I enjoyed the part with Misty Copeland and how she honors their contribution to her success.

I would recommend this book for people who are interested in performing arts, dance, and art groups from the 50-70's. This period was the source of a lot of art efforts. It was interesting to read about a group that has not really been publicized.