Sierra Leonean ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who appeared on the television show “Dancing with the Stars” and in Beyonce‘s music video album “Lemonade,” died Friday at the age of 29, her family said.
The news of his death was announced on his personal Instagram page, then confirmed by his family in a joint statement on Facebook.
No cause of death was given.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beautiful sister, Michaela Mabinty DePrince. Michaela touched so many lives around the world, including our own. She was an unforgettable inspiration to all who knew her or heard her story,” her family said in a statement.
Several members of the ballet community mourned Ms. DePrince, including American ballerina Misty Copeland, who posted on social media a video of Ms. DePrince dancing as well as an excerpt from Ms. Copeland’s book, “Black Ballerinas.”
“Despite being told that the world was not ready for black ballerinas or that black ballerinas were not worth investing in, she remained determined, focused, and began to make great strides,” Copeland wrote.
Ms DePrince was born Mabinty Bangura in Kenema, Sierra Leone on January 6, 1995. She was placed in an orphanage at the age of three by her uncle during the civil war.
In her book, “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina,” she describes how she was isolated from other children because of her vitiligo, a skin pigmentation disorder, and suffered from malnutrition.
She was adopted in 1999, at age four, by a New Jersey couple, Elaine and Charles DePrince, who enrolled her in ballet classes. At age 14, Ms. DePrince won a scholarship to study ballet at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School.
She rose to fame after starring in the 2011 documentary “First Position,” and has performed around the world, joining the famed Boston Ballet as a second soloist, as well as serving as a lecturer.
– What impact did Michaela DePrince have on the ballet community?
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Sierra Leonean Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dies at 29: Remembering a Life of Triumph and Inspiration
The ballet world is mourning the loss of Sierra Leonean ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who passed away on Friday at the age of 29. DePrince, who rose to fame after appearing on the television show “Dancing with the Stars” and in Beyoncé’s music video album “Lemonade,” was a trailblazer in the world of ballet, breaking barriers and inspiring countless young dancers around the world.
A Life of Perseverance and Determination
Born Mabinty Bangura on January 6, 1995, in Kenema, Sierra Leone, DePrince’s life was marked by hardship and adversity from a young age. During the Sierra Leone Civil War, her uncle placed her in an orphanage at the age of three, where she was subjected to physical and emotional abuse. Despite these challenges, DePrince found solace in dance, and her determination and passion eventually earned her a spot at the Keystone Girls Foster Home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Rise to Stardom
DePrince’s talent and hard work paid off when she was accepted into the prestigious Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia. She went on to train at the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and later joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
In 2013, DePrince became one of the first black women to join the Dutch National Ballet. Her unique style, which blended classical ballet with modern flair, earned her critical acclaim and recognition in the ballet world.
TV Appearances and Music Video Features
DePrince’s talents extended beyond the ballet stage. She appeared on the television show “Dancing with the Stars” in 2013, where she wowed audiences with her athletic and artistic abilities. She also featured in Beyoncé’s visually stunning music video album ”Lemonade,” released in 2016.
Inspiring a Generation
DePrince’s life story, which she shared in her memoir “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina,” has inspired countless young dancers around the world. Her journey from war orphan to star ballerina is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and hard work.
Tributes from the Ballet Community
The news of DePrince’s passing has sent shockwaves through the ballet community, with many prominent dancers and choreographers paying tribute to her life and legacy. American ballerina Misty Copeland, who has been a long-time admirer and mentor to DePrince, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, including a video of DePrince dancing and an excerpt from Copeland’s book “Black Ballerinas.”
“Despite being told that the world was not ready for black ballerinas or that black ballerinas were not worth investing in, she remained determined, focused, and began to make great strides,” Copeland wrote.
A Life Cut Short
DePrince’s family announced her passing on her personal Instagram page, without disclosing the cause of death. In a joint statement on Facebook, they remembered her as an “unforgettable inspiration to all who knew her or heard her story.”
As the ballet world mourns the loss of this talented and trailblazing young dancer, her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and inspired. Michaela DePrince’s story is a testament to the power of dance to transform lives and bring people together, and her memory will continue to inspire generations of dancers to come.
Keywords: Michaela DePrince, Sierra Leonean ballerina, “Dancing with the Stars”, Beyoncé, “Lemonade”, Misty Copeland, Black Ballerinas, ballet community, dance inspiration, ballet world, trailblazer.
Her book “Life in Motion,” praised her as a beacon of hope for aspiring dancers everywhere.
Sierra Leonean Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dies at 29: Remembering a Life of Triumph and Inspiration
The ballet world is in mourning following the sudden passing of Sierra Leonean ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who died on Friday at the age of 29. DePrince, who rose to fame after appearing on the television show “Dancing with the Stars” and in Beyoncé’s music video album “Lemonade,” left an indelible mark on the ballet community with her inspiring story and remarkable talent.
DePrince’s family announced her passing on her personal Instagram page, which was later confirmed by her family in a joint statement on Facebook. While the cause of death was not disclosed, tributes have been pouring in from around the world, celebrating DePrince’s remarkable life and achievements.
From War Orphan to Star Ballerina
Born Mabinty Bangura in Kenema, Sierra Leone on January 6, 1995, DePrince’s early life was marked by adversity. She was placed in an orphanage at the age of three by her uncle during the civil war. In her book, “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina,” DePrince described how she was isolated from other children due to her vitiligo, a skin pigmentation disorder, and suffered from malnutrition.
However, her life took a dramatic turn when she was adopted in 1999, at age four, by a New Jersey couple, Elaine and Charles DePrince. Her adoptive parents enrolled her in ballet classes, which became her passion and escape.
Rise to Fame
DePrince’s talent and determination quickly paid off. At age 14, she won a scholarship to study ballet at the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. Her breakthrough came in 2011 when she starred in the documentary “First Position,” which showcased her remarkable journey from war orphan to aspiring ballerina.
DePrince went on to perform with some of the world’s most renowned ballet companies, including the Boston Ballet, where she rose to the rank of second soloist. She also became a sought-after lecturer, sharing her inspiring story with audiences around the globe.
Impact on the Ballet Community
DePrince’s impact on the ballet community cannot be overstated. She was a trailblazer, shattering barriers and challenging stereotypes along the way. Her story inspired countless young dancers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue their dreams in the face of adversity.
American ballerina Misty Copeland, who wrote about DePrince in
