THE WIND AT MY BACK Resilience, Grace, and Other Gifts from My Mentor Raven Wilkinson

In a memoir almost as graceful as her dancing, author/narrator Misty Copeland delivers an elegant account of how she made history when she became the first Black principal ballerina with the formerly all-white American Ballet Theatre company. Copeland's voice lifts with delight as she speaks of her mentor, Raven Wilkinson (19352018), the first Black woman contracted to dance with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Copeland recounts anecdotes of how she and Wilkinson persevered in a profession that had been closed to Black dancers. Copeland stresses the importance of her friendships, her mentorships by other struggling Black dancers, and the bond of their shared history. Today, she dedicates her energy to ensuring that young Black dancers are treated with integrity and dignity. Inspiring listening. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2022]