On September 13, 2024, the shocking news of Michaela DePrince’s passing devastated the dance world. The loss of this inspiring ballerina was announced on her official instagram page sending shock waves through the dance community.
Michaela DePrince's story is one of extraordinary resilience, talent, and determination. From an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone to the stages of some of the world's most prestigious ballet companies, she overcame immense adversity to become an inspiration for many aspiring dancers and was a symbol of hope.
Born on January 6, 1995, as Mabinty Bangura, Michaela DePrince's early years were marked by tragedy and hardship. Orphaned during the brutal civil war in Sierra Leone, she faced not only the loss of her parents but also severe discrimination within the orphanage. Suffering from vitiligo, a condition that causes depigmentation of the skin, she was labeled "Devil's Child" by caretakers who believed she was cursed.
Amidst the despair, a turning point came when she found a tattered magazine with a picture of a ballerina en pointe on the cover. The image ignited a dream within her—a desire to become a ballerina, symbolizing beauty, grace, and freedom.
In 1999, at the age of four, Michaela was adopted by Elaine and Charles DePrince from New Jersey. The DePrince family nurtured her passion for dance, enrolling her in ballet classes shortly after her arrival in the United States.
Michaela's talent quickly became evident, but her journey in the ballet world was not without obstacles. She faced racial discrimination and skepticism from those who doubted a Black girl could succeed in classical ballet. Teachers and peers sometimes dismissed her potential, and she was once told that audiences weren't ready for "black ballerinas."
Undeterred, Michaela channeled these challenges into fuel for her ambition. She trained rigorously at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia and later attended the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre in New York City.
Michaela's breakthrough came when she was featured in the 2011 documentary "First Position," which followed six young dancers preparing for the Youth America Grand Prix. Her performance captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing not only her technical prowess but also her emotive expression and powerful stage presence.
She debuted with the Joburg Ballet in South Africa as a guest professional and soon after joined Dance Theatre of Harlem. The following year, she moved to the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam. Most recently, she graced the stage with the Boston Ballet.
DePrince was featured on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” at the age of 17. She appeared in music videos for various artists including Beyoncé and Madonna as well as starred in the live-action animated film adaptation of the ballet "Coppélia" in 2021.
Beyond the stage, Michaela DePrince became a vocal advocate for diversity in ballet and a spokesperson for war orphans and children affected by vitiligo. She co-authored the memoir "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" with her adoptive mother, sharing her inspiring journey with the world.
Michaela's story has resonated with many, leading to appearances on talk shows, features in magazines, and speaking engagements. She worked with charitable organizations to support education and arts programs for underprivileged children, using her platform to effect positive change.
Michaela DePrince's journey from adversity to acclaim serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of following one's passion. She not only achieved personal success but also opened doors for future generations of dancers from diverse backgrounds.
Her story encourages us to challenge stereotypes, embrace inclusivity, and believe in the transformative power of the arts. Michaela will forever remain a beacon of hope and a shining example of what can be accomplished with unwavering determination and support.
The DePrince Family has released two statements official statements:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/mMx3uKvGp1X2o99i/
The Family is also asking for donations to War Child, an organization that Michaela served as an abassador for. For more information and to make a donation, please visit www.warchild.net.
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