SKU: 14936118601

The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History

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The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking HistoryA MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK The forgotten story of a pioneering group of five Black ballerinas and their fifty year sisterhood, a legacy erased from historyuntil now. This is the kind of history I wish I learned as a child dreaming of the stage! Misty Copeland, author of Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy Utterly absorbing, flawlessly researchedVibrant, propulsive, and inspiring, The Swans of Harlem is a richly drawn portrait of five courageous

A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK • The forgotten story of a pioneering group of five Black ballerinas and their fifty-year sisterhood, a legacy erased from history—until now.

“This is the kind of history I wish I learned as a child dreaming of the stage!” —Misty Copeland, author of Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy

“Utterly absorbing, flawlessly-researched…Vibrant, propulsive, and inspiring, The Swans of Harlem is a richly drawn portrait of five courageous women whose contributions have been silenced for too long!” —Tia Williams, author of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde

At the height of the Civil Rights movement, Lydia Abarca was a Black prima ballerina with a major international dance company—the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a troupe of women and men who became each other’s chosen family. She was the first Black company ballerina on the cover of Dance magazine, an Essence cover star; she was cast in The Wiz and in a Bob Fosse production on Broadway. She performed in some of ballet’s most iconic works with other trailblazing ballerinas, including the young women who became her closest friends—founding Dance Theatre of Harlem members Gayle McKinney-Griffith and Sheila Rohan, as well as first-generation dancers Karlya Shelton and Marcia Sells.

These Swans of Harlem performed for the Queen of England, Mick Jagger, and Stevie Wonder, on the same bill as Josephine Baker, at the White House, and beyond. But decades later there was almost no record of their groundbreaking history to be found. Out of a sisterhood that had grown even deeper with the years, these Swans joined forces again—to share their story with the world.

Captivating, rich in vivid detail and character, and steeped in the glamour and grit of professional ballet, The Swans of Harlem is a riveting account of five extraordinarily accomplished women, a celebration of both their historic careers and the sustaining, grounding power of female friendship, and a window into the robust history of Black ballet, hidden for too long.

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SKU: 14936118601

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Melissa
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Cute, Comfortable, Light-Weight Shoes, Perfect for School
Size: 11 Little Kid, Color: Pink/Lavender, Size: 11 Little Kid, Color: Pink/Lavender
These have turned out to be great everyday shoes for my 5 year old. She normally wears a size 10, but since that size wasn’t available, I ordered the 11 expecting her to grow into them. I was pleasantly surprised that they already fit her pretty well. There’s still a little extra room in the toe area, but the shoes fit securely around her ankles so they don’t feel loose or slip off while walking or playing. She says they’re very comfortable and loves how easy they are to slip on by herself. The lightweight design is nice for everyday wear, and they’ve held up well so far despite being worn almost daily. They've become her favorite shoes to wear! Also the pink/lavender color is really pretty in person. Overall, I’m very happy with them and would order again.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2026
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Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shoe well made
Size: 13 Little Kid, Color: Pink/Lavender, Size: 13 Little Kid, Color: Pink/Lavender
Really good shoes at a fair price. My daughter loves the pink and purple gradient colors. Really beautiful. Shoes have proven themselves very durable. She's been wearing these a few times a week for the last couple months and they still look new aside from some dirt stains. Fit perfectly. Very comfortable. This is always her first pick in the morning when she's getting dressed. Good breathability you can wear these in hot summer weather without sweaty feet. Versatile shoe looks good enough to wear out and about or exercise in.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026
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Kevin Keegan
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 3
Runs large
Size: 7 Big Kid, Color: White
Runs very large.
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Lou
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
a little roomy for narrow feet.
Size: 6 Big Kid, Color: Black/Black
Nice shoes. My little one has narrow feet so they are a little lose. Overall, a nice shoe.
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KNE
Waukegan, US
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comfortable
Size: 7 Big Kid, Color: Black/Black
super comfortable!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026

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