A vivid and eye-opening account of the first all-black ballet company Dance Theatre of Harlem. This memoir follows the rise and fall of Arthur Mitchell, who formed the company. But the novel is about the lives DTH touched, especially five women ballet dancers who went on to shine the lamp forward for other dancers of color. The story starts with the assassination of Martin Luther King and starts again during Covid, when the five women get back together to tell their story, and this novel is a product of that meeting. DTH began in the ‘60s and moves through the social and cultural upheavals following.
This is a brilliant, inspiring book about sisterhood, about hard work and owning your art, and striving for perfection. It’s filled with laughter and tears, saints and sinners. I wish someone would make a series about these women in those times. This is a story that I couldn’t put down and once I finished it, will never forget it.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC: This was a fascinating account of the ballerinas who were the principal dancers for the Dance Theatre of Harlem and whose account and history was lost. There was so much racism in the classical ballet world and black ballerinas where told they were more welcome in modern dance. Arthur Miller founded the company and gave these ballerinas and education and the opportunities to be principals in the company, but over time, their stories were lost to history. This book remedies that oversight. Even now, they are not mentioned in the long history on the Theatre's website, although there are photos. They were nameless, but not anymore. Recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance e Copt of Swans of Harlem by Karen Valby in exchange for an honest review.

I found this book well written and interesting. The book starts by making sure we all know that Misty Copeland was not the first important Black ballerina, and continues to explore the development of Dance Theater of Harlem, the groundbreaking work of Arthur Mitchell and five of the most influential Black dancers of the time. It was moving to see how they supported one another while, like in so many other areas of American art, history and culture, Black dancers were marginalized and ignored. This book sets to right that wrong and bring these artists back into the light where they belong.

Four stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

I loved this book. It is steeped in history. I feel like most people familiar with ballet even in a passing way know who Misty Copeland is and realize how whitewashed ballet is as an art form. Knowing that there was an entire history of Black ballerinas that I'd never been aware of was eye opening. Reading the experiences of the swans of Harlem was touching and made me want to know more.

A history of the Dance Theatre of Harlem and it's founder Arthur Mitchell. There are interviews and recollections with the original members as well as current dancers. It is also the history of Black Americans in ballet. A welcome addition to the ballet memoir library and highly recommended, especially for dancers and dance lovers who have felt disenfranchised with the 'whiteness' of ballet.

What a phenomenally written book. I was so engrossed and entertained and I learned so much. I knew about Dance Theater of Harlem but I had no idea of the history of the black ballerinas. This is such an important part of not just dance or even arts history, but American history. These stories need to be told, these trailblazers deserve to be recognized and honored. This is such an important book and I’m so glad that it exists. I hope so many people are intrigued by the title and the cover and learn from it.

4.5 stars (Bumping it up because of the book's importance.)

I both listened to and read along to the narration. When my daughter was young, Misty Copeland was one of her favorite ballet dancers, and she even had a chance to meet her in person. Like most people, we believed that Misty Copeland was the first black woman to knock down walls and make it as a prima ballerina. This book tells a different story, but without taking away from all that Misty Copeland has accomplished. In fact, at the end, these five ballerinas are brought together at an event with Copeland that has them all in tears of gratitude.

This story tells us partly about Arthur Mitchell, the man who founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem (something I had never heard of before), but the focus is on the ballerinas Lydia Albarca, Gayle McKinney-Griffith, Shelia Rohan, Marcia Sells and Karlya Shelton, which is an important distinction. While there was genuine love between Mitchell and the dancers, he had demons of his own, which often led to difficult relationships. The Dance Theatre of Harlem was his one true love, and that's something that was evident from the stories these women now tell. While these five women are not the only incredible dancers that came from Dance Theatre, they were groundbreaking ballerinas who were there at the start, the ones who danced internationally, who danced for the queen and the president, and who later formed the 152nd Street Black Ballet Legacy Council to bring back these stories and preserve them for later generations. The first three women listed above were founding members and Marcia Sells and Karlya Shelton came in the next generation. They came from different backgrounds and different parts of the country, but what they had in common was a strong desire to dance ballet regardless of what society was telling them, that black people could not dance ballet.

Besides telling their stories, they talk about their fellow dancers, including the danseurs, the men who kept them safe on the stage. While there were some issues with jealousy, for the most part, these women talked about how they supported each other over the years, because if they didn't, who would? Some of these women hadn't talked for years, so the frank conversations they had about what they each thought back then was so eye-opening for them and it was also healing. Lydia was Mitchell's muse, but never his prima, because his vision of his company was that there not be primas--they were all dancers on equal footing. Of course, that's not really what happened--he had his favorites, and he took things personally if they didn't fit his mold. As mentioned before, his company was his real love and he protected it to the point of tunnel vision, not letting others more skilled in various aspects of running a company take charge. This was particularly interesting because these women got together decades after that time and were able to see through the lens of history to better understand what it was they had all gone through.

They also talk about the loss of many of their danseurs to the AIDS epidemic and the government's failure to address it quickly enough, as it first showed up among the gay population, and then was much more prevalent in the African American population. Throughout they talk about how the only reason Lydia's grandchildren knew she was such a prominent dancer was because her family had told her over the years. Yet, they knew very little about her life during that time because she didn't talk about it. But they talk about how this history was basically hidden away and forgotten, and even Misty Copeland had never heard of these black ballerinas who danced all over the world, dancing for prominent figures. This is part of what this council wants to change, both through this book and through their organization.

Overall, I found this book compelling, fascinating, angering, and inspiring. I've seen videos of these women talking now (you can check out some interviews, zoom calls, etc., on their website) and they are impressive. I hope their story will inspire generations of young girls to reach for their dreams of dancing.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"A proper teaching of history seems to be a problem in this country. There's a stubbornness there. Or an unwillingness. There's been so much African American history that's been denied its proper place in the annals of our country. It's really important that while we have the opportunity and a platform, we set the record straight. There have been Black ballerinas for a long time, and the fact of that takes away from no one." -Karlya Shelton

I think that says it all.

A beautiful, necessary book that's worth your time.

Whatever interesting book about this 5.Young black Cancers who are valerinas. You're all danced for the theater of harlem. . There was a young man who started the company He was very strict With the dancers. They all came from different backgrounds.And they all wanted to dance but the white companies would not Let them dance.. The principal dancer's name was LYDI. A baby ARC She has light Skin and she grease covers of black magazines. She also danced with bob F u s on broadway. That was really interesting.How these different women came from different backgrounds and they all have overcome The difficult obscures. They traveled all over the world. I like when they decided to take their dance Tights and Make them brown to match their skin. Was really interesting, how they had overcome a lot Prejudiced against them.. I'm They have to try so hard because they had to raise money.Especially could because nobody was helping them so they have to get grant As they grew it was really interesting to see how things could change in the world. These women were the forefront to be dancers.
In a white world. I learned a lot about these women. They came from all different backgrounds. Some came from Cleveland some came from Denver, Colorado. I liked how the book was designed as well. Because everybody had IA say in it with their own chapter. So you could see how they interact with this Story. It was very hard when they went down South because they do not like black people.So the whites have problems going to see them. I think the world has changed now. And this is a really positive view to show how people can overcome obstacles when things are thrown in their way.

The Swans of Harlem tells the little known story off five black ballerinas during the late 60s and 70s. This was still a time where even the thought of a professional black ballet dancer was unheard of. Each one has a different dream - buying a house for their parents, living in NYC as prima ballerinas, and maintaining the grit of living through racism.

Was overall a good book and touched on a subject I have never heard of.

I do not know much about ballet in general and would have said Misty Copeland was the first known black ballerina. How wrong I would be. The history of the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the founding ballerinas is important for so many to see the determination of young black girls striving to fulfill their dreams. Making their dreams a reality and forming a life long sisterhood under the tutelage of Arthur Mitchell is art history that needed to be told. Thank you to the author and The Swans for sharing their story. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this fascinating book.

For me this was a beautifully written introduction to the Swans of Harlem (Lydia Abarca, Gayle McKinney-Griffith, Sheila Rohan, Marcia Sells, and Karlya Shelton) and the creation of the Dance Theatre of Harlem founded by Arthur Mitchell.

Like many others, I considered Misty Copeland to be the first black ballerina, but these women were breaking barriers and forging paths even before Copeland was born! It’s sad how there identities and accomplishments have been buried and almost forgotten. In this book, we get first hand accounts from these incredible women.

This is an important of history that everyone should familiarize themselves with. This book is definitely worth reading.

This was such a poignant book. I had, of course, heard of The Dance Theatre of Harlem, but wasn't aware of its storied history, as well as its ground-breaking rearing of such important women in the dance world. These were stories that needed to be told, and Ms. Valby did so with such grace, honesty, and care. These women are only now realizing the paths they have forged for other black ballerinas. They have moved on from dance to do other things, but remain connected to one another and the dance world. This book ensure their contributions will not be forgotten.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

“The Swans of Harlem” is a profound and compelling narrative that offers an illuminating glimpse into the often overlooked history of the first Black ballerinas. As someone who grew up as a ballerina, I found this book to be an essential read, offering both heartbreaking and inspiring insights into the lives of these pioneering dancers.

The book meticulously chronicles the challenges and triumphs of Black ballerinas who, despite their exceptional talent and dedication, were frequently denied opportunities solely because of their skin color. Through personal stories and historical context, “The Swans of Harlem” sheds light on the systemic racism that plagued the ballet community, highlighting how these artists fought against the odds to pursue their passion and pave the way for future generations.

One of the most impactful aspects of the book is its exploration of the AIDS pandemic and its impact on the ballet world. The narrative does not shy away from the harsh realities faced by the community during this time, providing a raw and honest depiction of the fear, stigma, and loss experienced by many. This adds another layer of depth to the book, demonstrating the resilience and strength of these dancers in the face of multiple adversities.

“The Swans of Harlem” is more than just a history lesson; it is a tribute to the courage and perseverance of the first Black ballerinas. Their stories are not only a vital part of ballet history but also a reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality and recognition in the arts. This book is a must-read for everyone, offering invaluable lessons on resilience, artistry, and the unyielding spirit of those who dance against the currents of prejudice and discrimination.

The Swans of Harlem, detailing a group of five pioneering black ballerinas is as much about the wiped away past of those who brought this style to a wider audience, as it as about community and sisterhood. While initially I had some trouble getting into the story and keeping everyone straight, this is an important read about the ways in which we completely erased these women from the history of ballet. I had a newfound respect for ballet after reading this.

To be honest, I didn’t think I was going to enjoy this book. I was right. I didn’t like it, I LOVED it! I knew nothing about the ballet world or the history of black people in it. I found myself searching for videos of the women in the book and videos of the performances. It really is a marvel to see these performances. History has forgotten the contribution of the Dance Theater of Harlem. Thank you to Netgalley, Pantheon and Karen Valby for this eye-opening book.

What an amazing book!! WOWSERS!!

What a horrible stain on our history that these amazing women, and all they accomplished and all of their hard work had [until recently] just been regulated to the back of the closet [so to speak] and essentially forgotten by everyone EXCEPT the women themselves. Bravo to the author for writing these amazing women's stories and opening their lives and accomplishments to new generations. Also, kudos to these women for being willing to revisit a time in their lives that was both exhilarating and often so taxing and heartbreaking, all so girls of color, all over the world, can see that their dream is completely possible.

Filled with history, personal stories, and all the joys *AND* perils of ballet [even more so due to their skin color], this was such a great story from page one, and I am so very glad I read this!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Karen Valby, and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is both profoundly depressing and a joyful celebration of the lives of these women who broke trail for young black dancers. The prima ballerinas of the Dance Theatre of Harlem found lives performing the art they loved, but at an unbelievably high cost. Their stories are inspirational and uplifting, and they deserve all honors for their sacrifices to the art of ballet.

As McKinney-Griffith says, "A proper teaching of history seems to be a problem in this country. There’s a stubbornness there. Or an unwillingness." She is talking about black dancers, but she speaks a larger truth about black history, and the history of other marginalized people.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a book I would not have probably picked up on my own, but I was offered it as an ARC.
I was absorbed into this story, the ballet, the dancers & all they had to do to be recognized as professional ballet dancers regardless of the color of their skin.

We follow the lives of the main 5 female dancers who danced with the Dance Theater of Harlem under the direction of Arthur Mitchell. He is also a very huge part of this story.

These dancers, there are many along the way, were dancing long before Misty Copeland was even born. Dancing across the country & around the world- a black dance company with dancers who danced as children & teens in other dance companies but we never given the opportunity to be a fully accepted dancer. This is where Arthur Mitchell sees a need & starts the Harlem dance company.

I will not do this story justice. It was beautiful, sad, infuriating & I learned so much.

While I was reading, one of the main 5 women passed away, I gasped when I read the news. These were such strong & determined women. It was a slow read, but not in a negative way- there was a lot to take in, some interesting history & sad times also.

Amazing amount of research went in to the writing of this book- great job Karen Valby

Wow... what an incredible story about some of the unsung pioneers of dance. As a former recreational ballet dancer I have followed the rise of Misty Copeland, Michaela DePrince, and other dancers of color within the professional space. I knew loosely of other dancers who broke the color barriers years ago but was unaware of the details and exactly how influential these early dancers were. This story was an insightful tale of the early beginnings of the Dance Theater of Harlem, its founder Arthur Mitchell, and his early Primas.

Hearing the stories of the five women who the book focuses on truly shows how many barriers they have to overcome to even be offered the opportunity to perform on a stage. From the company's humble beginnings in a run down NYC building to touring Europe and performing for socialites and political figures, Arthur Mitchell was fully dedicated to making sure that his dancers were offered opportunities to prove that black dancers could perform classical and contemporary repertoire to the highest levels. Valby's narrative does not gloss over the dark sides of the professional dance world and social climate- from eating disorders and alcoholism, to the AIDs crisis and colorism. Mitchell was a dedicated director but a tough one and did not shy away from reprimanding his dancers, favoritism, and snubbing those who he felt went against him.

Overall, this book brings to the spotlight a critical piece of history that has been hidden for too long. The efforts of the "Swans" to ensure that their legacy is not forgotten is done justice in Valby's work and I hope that their work will continue to be discussed as a major part of the history of ballet.