Sierra Leonean ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, known for her incredible talent and determination, has passed away at the young age of 29. The news of her passing has left the dance world and fans worldwide devastated.
Born in Sierra Leone in 1995, DePrince’s life was marred by tragedy from a young age. She lost both of her parents to the country’s civil war and was forced to flee her home with her uncle. At the age of four, she was adopted by a Dutch couple and moved to the Netherlands.
Despite the hardships she faced, DePrince found solace in ballet. She was introduced to the art form through a magazine that she found in a garbage can. Mesmerized by the dancers on the cover, she knew that she wanted to become a ballerina.
With her new family’s support, DePrince began her training at the age of five. She quickly excelled and by the age of eight, she was accepted into the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre. Her talent and determination caught the attention of the late Russian-American dancer and choreographer, Rudolf Nureyev, who became her mentor.
DePrince’s hard work and dedication paid off when she was offered a full scholarship to the prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem. She also became the first African-American dancer to be accepted into the Dutch National Ballet’s prestigious Junior Company.
Her talent and passion for ballet caught the attention of the world when she appeared on the hit TV show ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in 2016. Her graceful movements and captivating performances earned her a spot in the finals, solidifying her place as a rising star in the dance world.
DePrince’s talent was not limited to the stage. She also appeared in Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’ music video album, showcasing her versatility and ability to captivate audiences in different mediums.
Despite her success, DePrince never forgot her roots and was passionate about using her platform to bring awareness to important issues. She was a strong advocate for girls’ education and spoke out against the use of child soldiers in her home country.
Her inspiring journey and determination to succeed against all odds have touched the hearts of many and served as a reminder that nothing is impossible with hard work and perseverance.
In a statement released by her family, they described DePrince as a “ray of light” and a “true inspiration.” Her loss is deeply felt by the dance community and her fans, who have flooded social media with messages of love and support for her family.
Fellow ballerina and close friend, Misty Copeland, paid tribute to DePrince on Instagram, saying “She was a beautiful dancer and an even more beautiful person. Her light will continue to shine on through all of us who were lucky enough to know her.”
DePrince’s legacy will continue to live on through her powerful performances and her impact on the dance world. She has paved the way for future generations of dancers and her determination and passion will continue to inspire others to follow their dreams.
DePrince may have left this world too soon, but her spirit and legacy will live on forever. She will always be remembered as a talented ballerina, a fierce advocate for important causes, and above all, a beautiful soul.
Our deepest condolences go out to DePrince’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. May her memory be a blessing and may she rest in peace.