Spelvin was born in Houston, Texas. As a child, Spelvin fell victim to an attack of polio, but she recovered enough of her mobility to become a Dancer. She began her professional career as a chorus girl in New York City and was featured in the Broadway productions of Cabaret, Guys and Dolls, Sweet Charity, and The Pajama Game. She also worked in theater as a Choreographer, Director, and lighting technician in a number of musicals. She made her first movie, The Twilight Girls, a softcore lesbian film, in 1957.