Karen Valby Livres

The narrative highlights the remarkable journeys of five Black ballerinas from The Dance Theater of Harlem, emphasizing their significant yet often overlooked contributions to classical dance. It explores their struggles against racial barriers in a field dominated by discrimination, showcasing their talent and perseverance as founding members who paved the way for future generations. This account serves to celebrate their legacy and the impact they had on the dance community during a pivotal time in history.

Both a group biography and a story of a particular time, this is a book about ballet, the enduring allure of ballet for young girls, and about how these pioneers broke into a world that was closed to them and changed ideas of what a classical dancer could be.