In the world of ballet where grace meets discipline, Denver’s Karlya Shelton stands as a testament to perseverance, talent and breaking barriers. As a Black ballerina and one of the original dancers with the esteemed Dance Theatre of Harlem, Shelton’s journey through the realm of ballet is not just a story of personal accomplishment but also a narrative of challenging norms and reshaping perspectives. Shelton is featured prominently in the new book “The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and the Reclamation of Their Groundbreaking History,” by Karen Valby set to be published on April 30. In “The Swans of Harlem,” Valby eloquently weaves together the narratives of these five extraordinary women, highlighting their individual triumphs and collective impact on American ballet. Through their perseverance and artistry, they shattered barriers, defied expectations and left an indelible mark on the world of dance.
Shelton was born in Denver in 1957 and began her dance career at four years old. Born into a period when ballet was often perceived as a predominantly white art form, Shelton’s introduction to dance came through her mother’s nurturing guidance.
“My mom took me to ballet classes on the weekend to see if I was interested,” Shelton said. “I didn’t think about it being a white art form. I just knew I liked to dance.”
However, as Shelton delved deeper into her passion, she began confronting the stark realities of racial barriers within the ballet world.
“Where I was dancing, there were a couple of Black girls that came in and left. Nobody ever stayed very long,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Shelton embraced the opportunity to excel, driven by her love for the art and the thrill of overcoming obstacles. As she matured in her craft, Shelton became increasingly aware of the systemic biases within the ballet community. Her experiences shed light on the prevalent racial prejudices that hindered opportunities for Black dancers during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.
“It wasn’t until much later that I realized I never got to do Clara in the Nutcracker,” she said. “But it didn’t occur to me until I was much older that it was because I was Black.”
Determined to carve her path in the art form, Shelton found solace and opportunity in the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a pioneering institution founded by the legendary Arthur Mitchell. Shelton auditioned for the company at 17. She was offered scholarships at both the Dance Theater of Harlem and the School of American Ballet. Shelton embarked on her journey with the former after her 18th birthday.
“I think the biggest challenge is finding a place to dance,” Shelton said, emphasizing the scarcity of opportunities for dancers of color at the time. “That’s why Arthur Mitchell created the Dance Theatre of Harlem, so that people like me and my colleagues had a place to dance ballet.”
At the dance company, Shelton found a platform for her talent and a community that embraced diversity and innovation.
“We took it and we added some more flavor to it and made it ours,” she said.
Shelton’s journey was not without its triumphs, from captivating performances for esteemed audiences—like Queen Elizabeth II at London’s Royal Opera House and then-President Ronald Regan and the First Lady at the White House—to challenging the traditional repertoire with bold and diverse productions.
“We were very fortunate to do pieces that other companies didn’t,” she said, highlighting Dance Theatre of Harlem’s groundbreaking approach to storytelling through ballet.
As Shelton reflects on her legacy and the future of Black ballet, she remains steadfast in her commitment to preserving history and fostering inclusivity.
“We want to make sure that our history is accurately recorded and preserved,” Shelton said, underscoring the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of Black dancers to the world of ballet.
Reflecting on her experience with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Shelton spoke fondly of the familial atmosphere cultivated within the company. Despite the challenges and demanding expectations set by their mentor, Arthur Mitchell, Shelton highlighted the unwavering support and camaraderie shared among company members.
“Our relationships still stand the test of time,” she said, reminiscing about shared experiences and encounters with luminaries such as Lena Horne and Sidney Poitier. Shelton noted that these interactions enriched their personal journeys and reinforced the sense of community within the dance world.
Shelton’s journey from a young dancer navigating the complexities of racial bias to a seasoned performer commanding the stage with grace and determination is a testament to her unwavering dedication. Her upcoming involvement in events alongside the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Spring Concert on May 22, as well as a solo book event at Tattered Cover on May 25, further solidifies her status as a luminary in the ballet community.
“Why wouldn’t you want to expand your audience by including people that other people can identify with on stage?” Shelton said advocating for broader representation in ballet performances. Shelton urges artistic directors and company leaders to embrace diversity, not only for the sake of inclusivity but also to enrich the art form.
Amid discussions about the future, Shelton stressed the importance of preserving ballet’s rich history. In an era where certain aspects of history are often overlooked or suppressed, Shelton emphasized the need to accurately record and cherish ballet’s heritage.
“Ballet dancing, especially, is a very short-lived career,” she said, highlighting the physical demands of the art form. Acknowledging the toll it takes on the body over time, Shelton advised aspiring dancers to make the most of their youth while pursuing ballet.
“There’s so much to discover about dance and, you know, do your best to explore it,” she said. ”Be sure to have a plan b. If it doesn’t work out, what will you do?”
As Shelton continues to inspire and uplift through her artistry and advocacy, her journey represents a beacon of hope and resilience for aspiring dancers and admirers alike. With each graceful movement, she reminds us of the power of perseverance, the beauty of diversity, and the enduring legacy of those who dare to dream.
