The Wind at My Back: Resilience, Grace, and Other Gifts from My Mentor, Raven Wilkinson

by Misty Copeland, Susan Fales-Hill (Primary Contributor)

From celebrated ballerina and New York Times bestselling author Misty Copeland, a heartfelt memoir about her friendship with trailblazer Raven Wilkinson which captures the importance of mentorship, shared history, and honoring the past to ensure a stronger future.

Misty Copeland made history as the first African-American principal ballerina at the American Ballet Theatre. Her talent, passion, and perseverance enabled her to make strides no one had accomplished before. But as she will tell you, achievement never happens in a void. Behind her, supporting her rise was her mentor Raven Wilkinson. Raven had been virtually alone in her quest to breach the all-white ballet world when she fought to be taken seriously as a Black ballerina in the 1950s and 60s. A trailblazer in the world of ballet decades before Misty’s time, Raven faced overt and casual racism, hostile crowds, and death threats for having the audacity to dance ballet.

The Wind at My Back tells the story of two unapologetically Black ballerinas, their friendship, and how they changed each other—and the dance world—forever. Misty Copeland shares her own struggles with racism and exclusion in her pursuit of this dream career and honors the women like Raven who paved the way for her but whose contributions have gone unheralded. She celebrates the connection she made with her mentor, the only teacher who could truly understand the obstacles she faced, beyond the technical or artistic demands.

A beautiful and wise memoir of intergenerational friendship and the impressive journeys of two remarkable women, The Wind at My Back captures the importance of mentorship, of shared history, and of respecting the past to ensure a stronger future.
 

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Art, African American, Biography Memoir

240 pages, Hardcover

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

Misty Danielle Copeland (born September 10, 1982) is an American ballet dancer for American Ballet Theatre (ABT), one of the three leading classical ballet companies in the United States. On June 30, 2015, Copeland became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history.

Reviews

[Mai H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a casual ballet fan. We saw The Nutcracker at the Houston Ballet as a family more times than I can count. Like every other millennial, I became mildly obsessed with Swan Lake after Black Swan. There are various styles of ballet. The Vaganova method remains my favorite. I hope to make it to the Mariinsky Theatre one day.

With that all said and done, American ballet is still showstopping. I appreciate that it's slowly growing more diverse. Misty is the first African-American principal ballerina at the American Ballet Theatre. I hadn't realized this wasn't quite an autobiography, but rather a reflection on her friendship with Raven Wilkinson, her mentor and pioneer. Raven's story is an empowering one. She was a ballerina at the height of segregation. Because she could not perform safely in the South, she eventually left the US to perform in Europe.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

[Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for The Wind At My Back: Resilience, Grace, and Other Gifts from my Mentor Raven Wilkinson by Misty Copeland and Susan Fales-Hill read by Misty Copeland.

This is an amazing tribute by Misty Copeland, to a woman who helped pave the way for her and she ultimately mentored Misty. Raven Wilkinson was a black ballerina in the 50’s and 60’s in America. She had to deal with racism and death threats while touring around the country. Misty touches on some of the difficult things she has had to face and the relationship she built with Raven Wilkinson.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Misty Copeland's love letter to her mentor the late Raven Wilkinson. She brings Raven's story to life along with her own through this book and how they blazed a trail for African American ballet dancers. Misty Copeland was the first African American principal dancer for American Ballet Theatre (ABT). She writes that, "Ballet brought us together and bonded us in a way that nothing else could have. I love you, and you will forever be the wind at my back." What an amazing tribute!

One of my favorite stories included in this book is where Misty takes the initiative to hug a young girl in the audience after a performance and her mom thanks Misty for noticing her daughter. Misty wanted to reinforce the idea of the possibility for brown girls to realize their dreams to become ballet dancers.

Misty reflects that, "People come to see ballet for the escape. For the experience of being moved through our movement and artistry, not to score us on the technicality of what we do. This is why ballet is not a sport."

I wholeheartedly agree and I am very excited to have tickets to a performance of the American Ballet Theatre in Chicago this spring!

[Diana N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great tribute to those who helped pave the way before us! Misty not only tells her story and struggles, but tells her mentor Raven's struggles as well.

I really enjoyed hearing Raven's journey in ballet in a world that was even more challenging than today due to racism. Enough so that she wasn't safe and had to dance overseas. Her relationship with Misty was really a beautiful friendship to see. Raven was such a guiding force in Misty reaching her goals.

This book really embodies perseverance and is an example to little girls out there that they can reach their dream too, no matter the color of their skin! Every little step forward makes a difference for the future!

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was…not good. Trite, sophomoric, simpering, shallow, repetitive, and overflowing with cliches. It’s a shame. I like Misty Copeland and was interested in hearing this story. But ballet, and not writing, is definitely where her artistic talent lies.

[Phoebe (readandwright) Wright]

Incredible blend of story telling, history, and resilience. Highly recommend the audio!

[LAPL Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ballerina Misty Copeland was the first Black ballerina to become a principal ballerina in the American Ballet Theatre. In her autobiography, Life in motion: an unlikely ballerina, she wrote about her early life and how she became involved in ballet, and was accepted into American Ballet Theatre. In itself, her early life was one of struggle, but in ballet she found her calling. She has written many other books about her life and about what it takes to become a professional ballerina. Those books, for adults and children, can be found here. In this new book, she documents and pays homage to performers of color who laid the foundation for her entree into this very rarified world of dance. It is about her relationship with Raven Wilkinson, a ballerina from another era, with whom she had the great fortune and opportunity to work. Very little has been written about this talented, remarkable ballerina.

Anne Raven Wilkinson became the first Black ballerina in the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, for which she was eminently and professionally qualified. However, that did not mean her role as performer was an easy one, depending on where the company performed in the United States. The meeting between Raven and Misty would be important and potent for both of them, professionally and personally. Raven followed Misty’s career and performances, and said, “Every time you step on that stage, I’ll be the wind at your back.”

The world of ballet is replete with illusion: the story and themed created works; also the dancing which looks effortless and beautiful belies years of training, daily classes and hours of rehearsals for professional dancers. Ballet dancers have more strength and stamina than football and soccer players, only they never reveal how hard they are exerting themselves. No heavy breathing, no giving in when it is necessary to dance with an injury. Performances take place and the show goes on.

Reviewed by Sheryn Morris, Librarian, Literature & Fiction

[Cookie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read any other work by Misty Copeland and I'm interested to read more of her work. This one was pretty good. It focused on Copeland's mentor/mentee relationship with Raven Wilkinson, and a little bit on Copeland's struggle to to the top as a Black ballerina.

Although I enjoyed this one, it went too quickly for me. I wanted a deeper dive into the topics and experiences.

⚠️: death of a loved one, racism

I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher via libro.fm

[HR-ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Misty's memoir of her good/ bad experiences
as a black ballerina. She & her mentor, Raven Wilkinson,
who Misty met as an adult, had parallel journeys, to be
validated as excellent black ballerinas. And competed
w/ mostly white dancers for better/more interesting
ballet roles. Some choreographers tried to limit these
2 ladies to modern dance, not their preference or training.

Raven was a ballerina w/ the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo,
the Dutch National Ballet etc. Starting in the 1950s. She
had some frightening encounters in "the Jim Crow" South.

The American Ballet Theatre employed Misty as a corps de
ballet member (x 6 years), promoted her to soloist & 15 yrs.
from her start w/ ABT, promoted her to principal ballerina.
She danced in "Firebird" as the principal even though she
had severe pain in her legs & shins. She needed surgery.
This reminded me of a pro athlete playing injured. In the
'off season' she volunteered at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Misty worked w/ a theatre coach to become even better.
Most ballet patrons don't credit ballet dancers on the
acting aspect required of ballet.

Misty the introvert had to leave her comfort zone to inform
the artistic director of their troupe that she deserved a ballet
role. Bravo!

Misty later mentored young ballerinas. She's also had
several successful children's books. And a documentary.

Edited to correct.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Misty Copeland has written several memoirs about her career. This book focuses on her mentor, the Black dancer Raven Wilkinson, who was never completely accepted in the ballet world, but is very supportive of Copeland. We learn of Copeland's struggle to finally be promoted to principal dancer with ABT and how she deals with the discrimination, both real and perceived. Unfortunately, Copeland has a stress fracture of her leg just as she is being given leading roles. She recovers and goes on to dance Swan Lake with a steel rod in her leg, but she is already old for a principal dancer and her career is about to wind down. Copeland had a difficult childhood and one feels that she does not yet have the ability to understand how all of this fits together with her experiences as a black dancer breaking barriers, but also receiving accolades for being a trail blazer.

[wellreadtraveler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audio and I enjoyed learning more about the whole ballet world and hearing the authors story. I've watched a few documentaries on the subject and know these women and men work so hard to obtain their goal in the fast paced cut throat world of dance. I respect the authors story and opinions however it took over the story for me which is why I gave it a 3 stars

[DaShay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! ❤️

[Jody Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely tribute to Raven Wilkinson, a ballet dancer who had a huge impact on the career of Misty Copeland. I loved reading about the world of ballet, the life and career of Misty Copeland and the impact of Raven Wilkinson on her dancing. This story explores their initial meeting, their friendship and their final goodbye. This book sent me to youtube to watch Misty Copeland dance the various ballets mentioned throughout the book. Ballet is always breathtaking to watch but reading all that goes on behind the scenes and the toll it takes on the body makes what they do even more phenomenal. Misty danced part of a season with 4 stress fractures! I was happy to read about her personal life and to learn she had a life beyond ballet, full of love and family.

[Kaitlyn (ktxx22) Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 more accurately.

[Kathy Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I nice tribute to a little known trailblazer counterpointed with advances in Misty's career.

[Heather Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Misty Copeland’s memoir Life in Motion and it was one of those memoirs where I struggled with the writing style and pacing, but found her story fascinating. Since this work has a co-writer, I was curious to see if it came together better.

Copeland was a prodigy and the first Black female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. This book addresses how many believed she didn’t deserve to be in the room, how isolating that is, and also how it made Copeland question if she had what it took. These reflections led her to write about her own career and her mentor Raven Wilkinson, the first Black woman to receive a contract with Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in 1955.

It’s a critical look at how those who are “first” carry both a burden and an opportunity. While I enjoyed seeing the friendship between them, I felt some sections jumped too quickly from one topic to the next. The first third dragged, but after that it’s a fast and interesting read. Overall, I wanted a deeper dive.

3.5 I received an arc from NetGalley

[Maame Serwaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read. I loved learning about the relationship between Misty and mentor Raven. I feel like we don’t often get to read books dedicated to people’s relationships with their mentors and how it made them who they are today. Even though I’ve never met Raven I learned so much from her advice and the history of black ballerinas that has been erased for so long.

Misty was so emotionally vulnerable and honest about her challenges such as lack of support from peers as a black ballerina and anxiety because of perfectionism. This book is a love letter to the amazing black ballerinas who never received the credit they deserve. As a fan of Misty I’m so grateful she shared her experiences with us and is honoring Raven is such a beautiful way.

[Lisa McMillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misty Copeland continues to make herself relevant on and off the stage with her voice. Writing the the story of her mentor and dear friend... Raven Wilkinson. There is so little in print about this historical ballerina, I am thankful that Misty chose to share her with the world.

"The Wind At My Back" also includes additional relevant historical events that occured during both Raven and Misty's lifetime. I appreciate that Misty Copeland shared details facts about Raven Wilkinsons legendary career in such a personal way. She shared the incredible detailed facts about Raven Wilkinson, through the lens of her mentorship and friendship.

This book allows the reader to get up close and personal with both of these legendary black ballerinas. I am so thankful for both of their unique stories. This book is about more than ballet, it is about big dreams of brown ballerinas and the challenges they faced that connects to historical events.

[Nicole (Bookiesandtea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misty Copeland is an inspiration to many young ballerinas of color that can see themselves as dancers in these roles!

When I first started reading, The Wind at My Back, I thought it was going to be more of a memoir of Misty's life. However, I was pleasantly surprised this book was more of a "love letter" to her mentor, Raven Wilkinson!

I had never heard of Raven Wilkinson before and listening to how she was such a pioneer in the ballet world was amazing! Misty weaves together her story along with Raven's on how they both advocated for African American ballet dancers and bringing attention to the disparities associated with the roles, techniques, and prejudices they both faced.

But what was the most endearing to me throughout this whole book was how much Misty and Raven's relationship became so much more than just a mentor/mentee partnership. Their relationship is one that you hope for in a mentor, someone who will lift you up, be there for you, and give you hard truths even when you are blinded by everything else!

"𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒖𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆. 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌."

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only do we get to hear about Ms. Copeland's troubles and triumphs in the world of ballet but also get to find out about the struggles of Raven Wilkinson who was one of the first black ballerinas in the United States. Misty makes a good point about how little has changed in the ballet world in the last 50 years and how sometimes black ballet dancers are judged more by the color of their skin than on their technical prowess in the profession. There were people who stood by the two ballerinas along the way and it seems most of their fellow performers stood by their sides.
That still did not diminish how hard their journeys were and how even today, especially on social media, how nitpicky and condescending some people can be.
When Misty found out about Raven she was astounded by her story. When she and Raven finally meet it is the start of a mentorship and friendship that helps Misty with her doubts and troubles.
This is a wonderful look at how one person can positively impact another's life and how that impact is passed on to another generation.

[Molly Keegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opening on Justice Jackson’s confirmation hearing for her seat on the Supreme Court was poignant, in a broad sense because of the connection of being a monumental “first” and because I recently finished Justice Jackson’s memoir. I honestly didn’t really know what story this book was going to tell, I just grew up a fan of Misty Copeland so when I saw the book sitting in a store, I bought it. And what a beautiful story this book told. To learn of the relationship between Misty Copeland and Raven Wilkinson felt so personal and special, and was precisely what I hope to gain when reading a memoir.

[David Alonzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a memoir of Misty Copeland, the first African-American principal ballerina of the American Ballet Theatre, but alongside this is the account of the career of Raven Wilkinson, the first African-American to sign with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo.

Though their careers were decades apart, there are many parallels of obstacles that both faced due to their race.

[Elizabeth Biggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved following Misty’s journey in the ballet world and this book is no different. I started it as a physical book and finished as the audiobook. I wish I had listened to entire thinking because Misty narrates it. Her passion when she reads is evident and made me love the book more. And I’m not a big audiobook person!

[Lauren Fanella · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Abby Moriarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

very inspiring

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well done memoir about a black ballerinas struggle in a predominantly white art form.

Thank you @grandcentralpub for the complimentary copy

[Lyndsey Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's about so much more than ballet.

[Kaelan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this one, but it's an extremely light read. Raven Wilkinson seemed like a lovely and supportive person, but I think that's really all I got out of this.

[Margo Anos Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

we watch these artists perform and rarely know the difficulties they faced to get to the apex of their craft. misty was thankfully supported by a wonderful mentor, which is this story.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I e read in a long time. So much to learn of who I am and how to put all that in what I do. To be a leader.