The Swans of Harlem by Karen Valby

The Swans of Harlem

Dive into Forgotten Ballet History with Diverse Narrators

★★★★☆ 4.7 (4 ratings)

Free with Audible trial. Cancel anytime.

Listen to a Sample

Hear Karlya Shelton-Benjamin, Sheila Rohan, Lydia Abarca Mitchell, Marcia Lynn Sells, Khadija Tariyan McKinney G., January LaVoy's narration on Audible.

Play Sample on Audible

About This Audiobook

The Swans of Harlem takes you on a remarkable journey through the untold story of five Black ballerinas who broke barriers in the world of ballet for over half a century. Karen Valby masterfully weaves together their personal lives and professional triumphs, revealing a legacy that was nearly lost to history. This audiobook is brought to life by a diverse cast of narrators, each adding nuance and authenticity to the narratives. Their performances breathe new life into this forgotten chapter, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in dance, African American history, or the intersection of art and societal change.

Tags: Ballet HistoryAfrican American BiographyInspiring NarrationArtistic SisterhoodHistorical Audiobook

Why Listen to The Swans of Harlem?

  • Expert narration by Karlya Shelton-Benjamin, Sheila Rohan, Lydia Abarca Mitchell, Marcia Lynn Sells, Khadija Tariyan McKinney G., January LaVoy brings every character and scene to life across 10h12m of immersive audio.
  • Bestseller-quality story from Karen Valby, rated 4.7 stars by 4 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
Start Listening Free
AE

Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

Immerse yourself in the captivating stories of five Black ballerinas whose lives intertwined with ballet's high society. The narrators' performances are stellar; Karlya Shelton-Benjamin brings a warmth to the older ladies, while Khadija Tariyan McKinney G.'s voice is spirited and vibrant as the younger dancers. However, some sections feel slightly rushed, which detracts from the emotional depth of the narrative. Despite this, The Swans of Harlem remains an essential listen for anyone looking to uncover hidden histories in dance and art. It's both inspiring and thought-provoking, making it a must-listen.

Download: The Swans of Harlem

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Swans of Harlem by Karen Valby is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Karlya Shelton-Benjamin, Sheila Rohan, Lydia Abarca Mitchell, Marcia Lynn Sells, Khadija Tariyan McKinney G., January LaVoy with a runtime of 10h12m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.