(Reviewed by JD Jung)
At the start of the Covid 19 pandemic, five original dancers from the Dance Theater of Harlem formed the 152nd Street Black Ballet Legacy Council. Lydia Abarca, Gayle Mc-Kinney-Griffith, Sheila Rohan, Marcia Sells, and Karlya Shelton embarked on a journey to reclaim their rightful place in the narrative of ballet. They got together online weekly to “write themselves back into history”.
One incident that prompted this was that Lydia Abarca’s daughter couldn’t find anything about how her mother aided in breaking the color barrier in ballet over fifty years ago. In fact, she was the first black ballerina to be on the cover of Dance Magazine.
The Swans of Harlem delves deep into the dancers’ personal and professional lives, unraveling the intricate tapestry of their experiences—from childhood aspirations to the arduous path to becoming ballerinas, to current- day. It sheds light on the barriers they faced as black girls aspiring to excel in a predominantly white dance form, as they were often shoved towards modern dance instead of ballet. Despite the odds, they persevered, buoyed by the unwavering support of their families. As we read on, we learn that there were black ballerinas before them who were virtually forgotten.
Readers gain insight into the company’s rich history, its trials and triumphs, and the indelible mark it left on the world of dance. Their interactions with the late founder and director Arthur Mitchell, both positive and negative, offer a look into the complexities of mentorship and leadership. We learn how difficult it is financially to just keep a dance company afloat.
One section of the book pays homage to their dance partners who died of AIDS—a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.
The Swans of Harlem will resonate with readers irrespective of their familiarity with ballet. It serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of reclaiming one’s narrative, and the transformative potential of ballet in transcending barriers and inspiring change.
