Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who moved to america from an orphanage in conflict-ridden Sierra Leone and graced a number of the world’s most prestigious levels, died aged 29. Her dying was introduced on her private Instagram web page by a household spokesperson, although the reason for dying has not been disclosed.
“Michaela touched so many lives internationally, together with ours,” her household shared in a press release, describing her dying as “sudden.” Her sister, Mia Mabinty DePrince, expressed her devastation, stating, “I’m in a state of shock and deep disappointment. My stunning sister is now not right here.”
Tributes from the ballet world and past have poured in, with American ballerina Misty Copeland writing, “Regardless of being instructed the ‘world wasn’t prepared for black ballerinas,’ she remained decided and made large strides.” DePrince’s life and profession shattered obstacles for dancers of color, difficult stereotypes within the ballet group.
Born in 1995 in Kenema, Sierra Leone, DePrince’s formative years was marked by tragedy. She misplaced each mother and father in the course of the nation’s civil warfare and was despatched to an orphanage at age three, the place she was mistreated attributable to her vitiligo. DePrince was later adopted by an American couple and moved to New Jersey, the place her adoptive mom nurtured her love for ballet. She went on to turn into the youngest principal dancer on the Dance Theatre of Harlem and carried out in Beyonce’s Lemonade.
In 2021, she joined Boston Ballet as a second soloist and appeared in Dancing with the Stars at simply 17. DePrince was additionally a devoted humanitarian, advocating for youngsters affected by battle.
Her spokesperson mentioned her artistry “touched numerous hearts” and her life was outlined by “grace, goal, and energy.” DePrince’s legacy, they added, will proceed to encourage future generations.
DePrince’s household can also be mourning the lack of their mom, Elaine DePrince, who handed away across the similar time.