Book SummaryThe Wind at My Back, by Misty Copeland

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Wind at My Back

Mentorship and Inspiration From Wilkinson to Copeland

Raven Wilkinson's Legacy and Mentorship of Misty Copeland

This section highlights the profound influence that Raven Wilkinson, a pioneering Black ballerina who broke barriers in the 1950s, had on the life and career of ballet icon Misty Copeland. Copeland, the author, emphasizes how Wilkinson's story and personal guidance served as a source of strength, inspiration, and belonging, helping her to navigate the challenges of being a Black woman in a historically white-dominated art form.

Raven's Influence on Misty's Pioneering Career as a Black Ballerina

Raven Wilkinson's journey as the first Black ballerina to be contracted by a prominent ballet company, Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, deeply impacted Misty Copeland's own groundbreaking career. Wilkinson's experiences during the Jim Crow era, when she faced segregation and threats of violence while touring in the South, served as a stark reminder of the systemic racism inherent in ballet and the immense obstacles that Black dancers had to overcome. Copeland recognizes the parallels between her and Wilkinson's journeys as Black women striving for excellence in a field that often questioned their belonging and limited their opportunities. Witnessing Wilkinson's resilience despite the hardship she endured instilled in Copeland purpose and determination to push past adversity and pave the way for future generations of Black ballerinas.

Wilkinson's personal mentorship further shaped Copeland's artistic development and approach to her craft. Through their conversations, Wilkinson encouraged Misty to delve deeper into her roles, understand the motivations behind her characters, and establish emotional connections with them. She emphasized the importance of taking ownership of those roles and bringing her unique perspective and experiences to her performances. Wilkinson's influence instilled in Misty a feeling of confidence and a belief in her own ability to break barriers and redefine what it meant to be a Black ballerina on the world stage.

Context

• This company was one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the mid-20th century, known for its international tours and high artistic standards. Being contracted by such a company was a significant achievement for any dancer, and even more so for a Black ballerina during that era.
• This period in U.S. history, roughly from the late 19th century until the civil rights movement of the 1960s, was characterized by laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States. These laws created separate public facilities for Black and white people and were a manifestation of systemic racism.
• By breaking barriers, both women have inspired a new generation of dancers, showing that perseverance and talent can lead to success despite systemic obstacles.
• Seeing someone who looks like you succeed in a field where you are underrepresented can be incredibly empowering. Wilkinson's success and mentorship provided Copeland with a tangible example of what was possible, reinforcing her belief in her own potential.
• Establishing an emotional connection with a character allows dancers to transcend technical execution and engage audiences on a deeper level, making performances more memorable and impactful.
• Emphasizing individuality in performances helps challenge and dismantle stereotypes, allowing for a broader range of stories and characters to be portrayed on stage.

Raven Wilkinson's Support: Motivation Behind the Scenes for Misty

Misty Copeland repeatedly expresses the unwavering support she received from Raven Wilkinson, describing her as "my sustaining force." The author uses this evocative metaphor to convey the sense of strength, encouragement, and validation that Wilkinson provided during her professional life. Starting from their initial meeting at the Studio Museum in Harlem, Wilkinson became a constant source of inspiration, urging Copeland to chase her aspirations, speak up for herself, and always follow her dreams. Copeland shares how Wilkinson attended all her performances during her breakthrough seasons, offering heartfelt praise and guidance, and served as a sounding board for her doubts and anxieties.

Wilkinson's role in Copeland's life went beyond just professional guidance; she also provided emotional support and helped Copeland navigate the complexities of balancing her career with personal life. Copeland shares Wilkinson's beneficial influence on her choice to rekindle her relationship with Olu, emphasizing how Wilkinson recognized his supportive qualities and encouraged their reunion. Even during Wilkinson's later years, as she battled crippling lung disease and became increasingly isolated, she continued to be a source of strength for Copeland, offering words of encouragement through phone calls and reminding her of her purpose and the impact of her journey on future generations of Black ballerinas.

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The Wind at My Back Summary The Legacy and Challenges of Pioneering Black Ballerinas

This section examines the struggles faced by Black ballerinas throughout history, concentrating on the discrimination and limited opportunities they've encountered within a predominantly white field. Copeland highlights Raven Wilkinson's experiences with racism and the exclusion of Black dancers from narratives within ballet as examples of the systemic challenges that still persist today.

Black Ballerinas Facing Discrimination and Limited Opportunities

Misty Copeland asserts that African American ballerinas have historically faced prejudice and limited opportunities in ballet, highlighting the systemic racism that has permeated the art form. The author links this discrimination to the broader societal context of racial inequality in America, where Black people have been forced into a subordinate status and denied full access to opportunities across various fields, including artistic pursuits. Copeland emphasizes that dancers who are Black are often discouraged from pursuing classical ballet, with claims that their bodies are not suitable for the discipline or encouragement to pursue modern dance, perceived as a "freer" and more "appropriate" style for Black...

The Wind at My Back Summary Misty Copeland's Path to Principal Performer

This section explores Misty Copeland's personal journey from a young girl with limited dance experience to becoming a principal dancer with ABT, highlighting the unique challenges she faced as a Black woman striving for excellence in ballet. Copeland focuses both on her struggles with injury and career uncertainty, along with her determination to prove herself, culminating in her historic breakthrough performances and promotion.

Copeland's Struggles as a Performer of Color Striving for Excellence

Despite being hailed as a prodigy early in her career, Misty Copeland experienced doubt and uncertainty as a Black ballet dancer in a predominantly white art form. The author constantly felt the pressure to prove herself, pushing through injuries and limited opportunities, motivated partly by the determination to excel for herself and also by the desire to create a path for Black dancers who came after her. Copeland recounts frequently feeling "forgotten" by the company and having to work harder than her peers to "earn her place" among ballet dancers.

Copeland's challenges were compounded by the lack of visible representation for ballerinas of color in the higher ranks of ballet...

The Wind at My Back Summary Ballet's Efforts to Address Race and Inclusion

This section focuses on the ongoing issues of racism and lack of diversity within the ballet world, highlighted by the Bolshoi Ballet's continued use of blackface and the backlash Misty Copeland faced for speaking out against this practice. Copeland emphasizes the need for meaningful dialogue and systemic change in ballet institutions, advocating for greater representation both on stage and in leadership roles.

Racism and the Ballet World's Lack of Diversity

Misty Copeland exposes the deeply embedded racism and lack of diversity that continue to plague ballet, despite the progress made in recent decades. She highlights the persistent use of blackface in productions of ballets like La Bayadère by renowned companies such as the Bolshoi Ballet, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the sensitivities of Black dancers and the harmful legacy of this practice. Copeland's experience calling out the use of blackface by the Bolshoi and facing a wave of racist attacks from Russian trolls and its leadership illustrates the resistance within ballet to confront its systemic issues and the silencing tactics used against those who dare to speak out.

Copeland emphasizes that this incident...

The Wind at My Back Summary Raven Wilkinson's Influence on Misty Copeland

This section explores the enduring legacy of Raven Wilkinson's experiences and mentorship on Misty Copeland's personal and professional evolution. Copeland highlights the profound connection she felt to Wilkinson's path and underscores her determination to carry on Wilkinson's work as an advocate for Black ballerinas.

Raven's Influence on Misty and Ballet as a Whole

Raven Wilkinson's impact on Misty Copeland and ballet as a whole transcends the typical mentor-mentee relationship. Wilkinson's experiences became a catalyst for Copeland's personal growth and ignited a sense of purpose within her, extending beyond her own artistry and into a broader realm of advocacy and social change.

Copeland recognizes that her accomplishments as a Black ballerina stand on the shoulders of those who came before her, particularly those like Wilkinson who endured the brunt of overt racism and segregation during the Jim Crow era. Wilkinson's unwavering commitment to her art form and refusal to deny her identity as a Black woman served as a model for Copeland's own navigation of the ballet world, inspiring her courage and resilience. By highlighting Wilkinson's story and emphasizing its...