Michaela DePrince dies at the age of 29
Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who performed with Beyoncé and was regarded by many as a trailblazer, died at the age of 29.
A representative revealed her death on her personal Instagram profile, and in a statement, her family said she was a “unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story”.
The reason of death has not been stated.
DePrince has made an incredible journey from suffering as an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone to receiving multiple prizes in the realm of international dance.
Her family described her passing as “sudden,” adding: “Michaela touched so many lives around the world, including ours.”
Tributes have been flooding in, especially from members of the ballet community.
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Dickson Ndiema attacked her with fuel just under a week ago outside her home in neighboring north-west Kenya, near where she trains.
“Despite being told that the ‘world wasn’t ready for black ballerinas’ or that ‘black ballerinas weren’t worth investing in,’ she remained determined, focused, and began making big strides,” said American ballerina Misty Copeland on social media.
DePrince was born in 1995 in Kenema, Sierra Leone, and was placed in an orphanage when she was three years old after both of her parents died during the civil war.
She has previously spoken about how she was labeled a “devil’s child” at the orphanage because she had vitiligo, a disorder in which patches of skin lose pigment.
She was adopted at the age of four by an American couple and brought to New Jersey. Her adoptive mother instantly recognized her passion for dance and enrolled her in classes.
She rose to prominence after graduating from high school, becoming the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
DePrince has performed over the world, notably on Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” music video album.
She joined the famed Boston Ballet as a second soloist in 2021 and appeared on the TV show Dancing with the Stars when she was only 17.
DePrince, a passionate humanitarian, advocated for children affected by conflict and violence.
Her representative stated that her skill “touched countless hearts” and that her spirit “inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond”.
They said, “Her life was distinguished by grace, purpose, and strength. Her steadfast dedication to her art, humanitarian efforts, and bravery in facing enormous trials will always inspire us.She served as a beacon of hope for many, demonstrating that beauty and greatness can emerge from the darkest of circumstances.
