The Swans of Harlem

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At the center of this narrative are five pioneering Black ballerinas who were the first principals of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Their remarkable achievements during the Civil Rights movement included performances for royalty and icons, yet their legacy was largely forgotten. Lydia Abarðca, a trailblazing prima ballerina, and her fellow dancers, known as the Swans of Harlem, faced the challenge of erasure from history. This vivid account unveils their extraordinary journeys, celebrating their contributions to ballet and reclaiming their rightful place in its history.