{"title":"Karen Valby","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the captivating works of \u003cem\u003eKaren Valby\u003c\/em\u003e, an acclaimed author who brings history to life through her meticulously researched and compelling narratives. Known for her ability to weave intricate tales with a strong historical foundation, Valby's books offer readers an immersive journey into the past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of her standout works, \u003cem\u003eThe Swans of Harlem\u003c\/em\u003e, exemplifies her prowess in storytelling. This book transports readers to the vibrant and transformative era of the Harlem Renaissance, illuminating the cultural and social dynamics that shaped this pivotal period in history. Valby's vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters ensure that each page is both informative and engrossing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are a history enthusiast or simply appreciate a well-told tale, Karen Valby's collection is sure to captivate and educate. Her contributions to the History \u0026amp; Military category are not only insightful but also deeply engaging, making them a valuable addition to any reader's bookshelf. Immerse yourself in the past with Karen Valby's exceptional storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-swans-of-harlem-by-karen-valby-9781786582508","title":"The Swans of Harlem","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor fans of \u003ci\u003eHidden Figures\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'The kind of history I wish I learned as a child dreaming of the stage!' — MISTY COPELAND\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Vibrant, propulsive and inspiring' — TIA WILLIAMS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHarlem 1969; it's the height of the Civil Rights era and the community is still reeling from the assassination of Martin Luther King. Arthur Mitchell, the first Black principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, takes his protest to the stage and establishes the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Here begins the story of the five extraordinary women at the heart of this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBoth a group biography and a story of a particular time, \u003ci\u003eThe Swans of Harlem\u003c\/i\u003e 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. It is about the heart-breaking impact of the AIDS epidemic which claimed the lives of so many of the male dancers. It's about racism and activism through art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnd it's about the eternal glamour of ballet; these swans appeared at the grandest opera houses and theatres, dancing at the White House, and even for the Queen. Their fans included Mick Jagger, and they performed alongside the likes of Michael Jackson and Josephine Baker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut most importantly, it tells the universal story of female friendship, and in particular how these five young women formed a bond—while experimenting with different ways of dying ballet shoes and tights to match their skin tones—which still endures many decades later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46851267297516,"sku":"9781786582508","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/2354123482824.jpg?v=1759099505"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/karen-valby.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}