The Swans of Harlem (Adapted for Young Adults): Five Black Ballerinas, a Legacy of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History

by Karen Valby

A full accounting of five incredibly talented Black ballerinas from The Dance Theater of Harlem, founding members among them, that illuminates their hard-fought, historic, and overlooked contributions to the world of classical dance at a time when racism shut out Black dancers from major dance companies.

It was true until only recently, their past achievements had been erased—that’s what happened to five Black ballerinas, members of the groundbreaking Dance Theater of Harlem. At the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, Lydia Abarca, who dance critics praised effusively, was the first Black prima ballerina of this major dance company, performing lead roles in the most iconic ballets. She was also the first Black ballerina to grace the cover of Dance magazine.

Alongside fellow founding members Sheila Rohan and Gayle McKinney-Griffith, and first-generation dancers Karlya Shelton and Marcia Sells, these swans of Harlem shone a bright light on the depth of Black professional classical dancers. Their grit, determination, and exquisite artistry propelled them to dizzying heights, but over the decades, their trailblazing and triumphs were largely forgotten. Now these ballerinas and longtime friends are giving voice to their stories on and off stage—reclaiming a past so that it is finally recorded and acknowledged.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, African American, History, Middle Grade

288 pages, Hardcover

Published January 14, 2025

Reviews

[Louis Muñoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+++! What an inspiring book. Review to come, but I just have to say that this audio adaptation for young adults is impressive on every score. I especially appreciated the brief audio inclusions from some of the pioneers featured in this book.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good! I hate that their story was so largely untold. So glad they're getting their flowers now. As for work and ToB, I would love to see someone else read it. I enjoyed it, but I'd like to know what they think since it's more memoir and less narrative. ETA: The author of this is not Black and she specifies this in the beginning of the book. However, I chose to read and review this because the women of this book are the ones who came to her to ask for her to tell their story. (You can see that
Here)

[Caitlynn Baysinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending made me so emotional??

I wanted to be intentional during Black History Month this year, and learn something new about black history. Like most people, the first black ballerina that I had ever heard of is Misty Copeland. I quickly learned that there were hundreds of black ballerinas before her.
It was interesting to learn about the history of black women and men in ballet, and in dance in general. This book proved what we already know is true; that there is so much black history that the general public is unaware of!
I am glad that I took time to learn something new!

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of narrative nonfiction, and this stands up well with some of my favorites. The stories are dramatic, personal and emotional, keeping the reader invested in the history. I'm always curious about adaptations for youth, and what is left in or left out. The only flaw I can see in this case is a few instances when it is difficult to keep the different characters straight. Mostly people are referred to by their last names, which is clear and easy, but occasionally, usually when quoting, first names are used, and I was forced to stop reading and look up who this person was. However, the book is still readable and the story is an important one. Even for readers less interested in dance specifically, the narrative of a "first" at something outshining and even erasing, however unintentionally, those that came before in the eyes of history is an important one to acknowledge and discard.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s increasingly important to reclaim or revisit parts of history by adding to the traditional narrative of how certain events happened. Because of this need to highlight those hidden or overlooked historical figures, this Young Adult adaptation of the author’s earlier book for adults about the Dance Theatre of Harlem and five of the ballerinas who made their mark in ballet, long a bastion of white dancers with certain body types, is revelatory. The fact that there was quite a lot of coverage of the recent retirement of Misty Copeland, considered by many to be the first Black ballerina, only serves to make this story even more timely since this undoubtedly talented woman was NOT the first. Building on a newspaper story she wrote that identified and profiled the five dancers featured here—Lydia Abarca, Sheila Rohan, Karlya Shelton, Marcia Sells, and Gayle McKinney-Griffith—the author relates their experiences with the dance company and its founder, Arthur Mitchell, as well as their lives after they left the company. Something of a perfectionist with a strong, demanding personality, he was also brilliant and creative but torn between his responsibilities to raise funds for the company and his artistic endeavors. Even so, his troupe was impressive even though the individual members never received the acclaim and financial rewards that others would later on. It’s clear that capturing these women’s stories was a labor of love for the author, whose love for ballet is also evident in the well-written, engaging text. Because each woman is unique and their stories unfold chronologically except for the Prologue, there are a few jarring shifts in the narrative. Still, theirs are important stories, reminding readers that what they think to be true is not always so and that even in the case of someone like Mitchell, there was racism, colorism, and sizeism, to overcome. Unfortunately, the lack of a reference or source list makes me question this book for our award. There’s an index, but teen readers would surely want to explore more and examine other stories similar to these. It’s problematic that a nonfiction book about hidden stories and one that seeks to reclaim part of ballet’s history wouldn’t include references. Still. despite that absence, these women's stories are well worth reading and they deserve the recognition this book seeks to bring to them. While I do think the author researched this story--(p. 9-11) in which she describes Zoom calls during three years--she fails to specify the dates, times, interviews, and other references that went into crafting the story. This one is a 3.5 for me.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What about grandma?”, a powerful line uttered by Black prima ballerina Lydia Abarca’s grandchild Hannah. The book seeks to answer this exact question for readers who have never heard of the five Black ballerinas who broke the racial barriers in Harlem and globally. Most of us have heard of Misty Copeland, now almost a household name and certainly the first Black ballerina to achieve such a status. However, in this adaptation of her 2024 adult book, Karen Valby calls on us to correct a history that has left out Lydia Abarca-Mitchell, Gayle McKinney-Griffith, Sheila Rohan, Marcia Sells, and Karlya Shelton-Benjamin. We are taken through the early lives of these women and how the impacts of the assassination of MLK and the fight for civil rights deeply impacted their young minds and influenced their love of dance. Joining the Harlem School of the Arts (which would become the Dance Theatre of Harlem) under the direction of Arthur Mitchell began a lifelong journey for these women. The book takes us into their careers, even highlighting personal stories such as Marcia Sells’s struggle with body image and the pressure to lose weight. The book is filled with black-and-white photographs of the ballerinas at different stages of their lives. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Mary Garback · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book amends a recent segment of ballet history that was erased. Five black ballerinas literally worked themselves to the bones (of their toes, anyway) and sacrificed themselves on the altar of ballet. Karen Valby tells their stories, allowing them to regain their legacy as the first black prima ballerinas in the U.S.
As a neophyte to the world of ballet, I was surprised to find that I enjoyed reading the book (I’d assumed there’d be technical info that’d leave me floundering). Hopefully it will encourage young ballet dancers of color now and in the future to pursue their dreams. I received an ARC copy of this book from a Goodreads promotion; this is my personal opinion, which I’m freely sharing.

[Kate Mester · Rating 4 out of 5]

My pick for the book club with niece, because she does ballet and just got her first point shoes. Great discussions from this book, I learned a lot, as did she, and am glad this founding five are telling their stories (and others', even at the end, they find the story of another Black ballerina before them). Even though this is the YA version of the adult book, I think the writing is still pretty adult and the audience for this is still likely college/adult rather than younger YA. Read Cicely Tyson's memoir and forgot about her connection with DTH, so that was a nice - oh yes - connection to make here. Especially appreciated how the Reverence section brought us back to modern day and shining a light on their legacy, I teared up.

[Cierra Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an inspiring story about black women paving the world for ballerinas. The stories and experiences they each had to endure to prove to the world that they were just as powerful and worthy as their white counterparts. I found myself rooting for them, yelling when they encounter racism. The sickening things people thought they could say to another human being.

I hate it.

It was beautiful to hear these women’s stories. To let their voices be heard. The women who paved the way. Inclusion is important. The only problem I had was it was hard to follow which story was who. I listened to the book, so it could just be me. The stories were good.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As we began to consider texts for summer reading, I dove into this adapted-for-YA nonfiction piece. I found the history fascinating. The fact that these amazing athletes and artists did so much to advance dance, but I had never heard these women's names was saddening, but also clearly indicated the need for this story to be written. We decided not to move forward with this text as a summer reading selection because it isn't so much a story as an accounting of these five women's lives and we felt it might be challenging for students to write about, but it was an extremely compelling read and I'm glad I had the opportunity to learn more about these artistic pioneers.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating account of many of the unknown first Black ballet dancers. The book got better as it progressed (and as it shifted the focus from Arthur Mitchell to the dancers in his company). To persevere through so much hate and prejudice and then be completely erased from history as the world embraced Misty Copeland must have been so disheartening, so I am really glad they are getting some belated recognition.

[Cindy Belden · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story deserves 4 stars but the editing was not great. I don't know if it was how it was edited down for young adults or just poor editing from the beginning. My primary issue was referring to a person by their first name and in the next paragraph referring to the same person by their last name, which changed after the person married. It was very confusing and detracted from the story and characters. I still recommend reading it but choose the original version not the young adult.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Valby tells a story of spectacular fortitude and grace in The Swans of Harlem. This book shares the stories of five Black ballerinas who danced with Dance Theater of Harlem. Valby combines their stories with other sources to give a sense of what being a ballet dancer was like for Black women in the second half of the 20th century. This is the type of book that made me want to look up so much more information and see images and videos of the performances of these incredible women.

[Kelsey Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book while browsing in a bookstore and I’m so glad I picked it up. This book tells the stories and gives a history of Black ballet dancers in NYC, which unfortunately but unsurprisingly has not been discussed much. I didn’t realize this was a book adapted for young adults, so wish I had picked up the original version.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlem Ballerinas

If they don't record their history, who will. This book is the story of the black ballerinas that came before Misty Copeland. It tells their stories and their history. It's a good read.

[Danica Lamphere · Rating 5 out of 5]

A world I never knew

I knew of Misty Copeland but not of Arthur Mitchell or the swans. I lived in Harlem for years and I love the constant historical significance. A book that gives every woman her grace and due. Highly recommend

[Addyson Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good, it really gave me an insight into the way that a black womens history gets pushed aside and I loved the way they formatted this book. I think it was just long for me personally but I did enjoy the book.

[Tomiko Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important reclamation of the history of black ballet dancers. I found the YA version first, but now I’ll have to look at the original, too.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly writing book that tells a beautiful and necessary story!

[Olivia Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I would have given it 5 stars, I just thought the writing was really simplistic. Then I learned it had been adapted for young readers ...

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved listening to this with my daughter

[Sarah Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I don't typically read non-fiction, but I adore ballet so much hence why I read it. It was an enjoyable read!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend this important part of dance history. These are important stories that needed to be told and need to be heard.

[Tawanza Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a WEALTHY HISTORY into the lives of ALL THESE HISTORICAL WOMEN!!!♥️♥️♥️♥️ Narration is 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Ansley Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really really good. Flew through it. Even though the author was white I thought she did a good job. Really eye opening. I feel like I can’t criticize it. 4.5

[Chavet Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book!!

[Tabitha J · Rating 4 out of 5]

The swans of Harlem by Karen Valbey is about five Black ballerinas: Sheila Rohan, Lydia Abarca, Karlya Shelton, Marcia Sells, and Gaylel McKinney-Griffith. These women broke down racial barriers in the all-white ballet world and showed us what perseverance can do. This book shows that if you have determination and perseverance, you can put your mind to it. You can do anything
In 1969, Arthur Mitchell founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem; this was the first-ever all-Black ballet theater. The Dance Theatre of Harlem was helpful in integrating Black dancers into an all-white ballet world. In the very beginning, the Dance Theatre of Harlem welcomed anybody who would come. Back then, the dance world was very segregated. No professional companies would hire any Black dancers at all, no matter how good they were. This book is important because it tells the stories of ballerinas that nobody really knows about. When you think about Black ballerinas, you mainly think of Misty Copeland, whom people call the first Black prima ballerina, but that's not true. She was the first principal dancer to be hired at ABT, American Ballet Theater, but the actual first Black prima ballerinas were these five women, and they are often overlooked.
In the beginning of the Dance Theatre of harlem they had to overcome many challenges, like the lack of spaces with the correct flooring or bars, and so they had to fund everything, and in the beginning, they were dancing in a garage. Over time, they got bigger, better spaces with actual floors but it happened decades later. They toured often and internationally, both in the US at in other countries. They were known as some of the best dancers out there. Arthur Mitchell, the founder and leader of the Dance Theatre of Harlem often mixed classical ballet with African dancing
This book changed my thinking about just the ballet world how exclusive it is because I didn't know that before and I think that needs to change because it is still. But what was interesting about this book was that these women did so much in their lifetimes and were so amazing and monumental in the Dance World and yet people never hear about them, and they're Their story is never told to anybody and the only person you hear about is Missy Coplin
One of the parts of the book that I enjoyed was the author's writing style. It was emotional but informative, told you the facts but also made you feel something. One thing i liked was It felt like a story but it was also not fiction i liked how it included interviews and things the dancers had said in real life and that made it feel more personal connected to them It was very powerful.
i would recommend this book to dancers people who are interested in history enjoy learning i think anyone who's looking for an inspiring story it's a book for them i think this book is still relevant today because problems like this are still relevant today and are still happening if that needs to change All in all this was a very good and interesting read