The ballerina’s death was announced on Sept. 13, while her mother’s death was revealed the following day.
Michaela DePrince: A Life of Resilience and Ballet Excellence
Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a groundbreaking ballerina, passed away at 29. DePrince’s journey from war-torn Sierra Leone to international ballet fame showcased her resilience. Orphaned and neglected, she found hope in a ballerina photo, sparking her passion for dance. Adopted by an American family, she trained rigorously, overcoming bias and vitiligo to become a renowned ballerina. Notable achievements include performances with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Dutch National Ballet, as well as Beyoncé’s Lemonade. Her advocacy for children in war zones cemented her legacy beyond ballet.
A Shared Loss
The timing of Michaela DePrince’s passing, just a day after her adoptive mother’s death, has been a profound loss for those who knew them. Elaine DePrince passed away suddenly on September 11 during a routine procedure related to a forthcoming surgery, as confirmed by family spokesperson Jess Volinski. The DePrince family’s grief is shared by the global ballet community, which mourns the loss of both a remarkable dancer and the mother who supported her journey.
From Sierra Leone to Ballet Stardom
Born in Sierra Leone during its civil war, DePrince lost her parents and was placed in an orphanage where she faced neglect. Despite these hardships, a magazine photo of a ballerina sparked her dream. After being adopted by a family in New Jersey, she pursued ballet, starting classes at age four. Her talent and determination helped her rise above adversity and break racial barriers in a predominantly white industry.
Breaking Barriers in Ballet and Overcoming Adversity
Throughout her career, DePrince faced significant challenges, particularly as a Black ballerina. She encountered teachers who doubted her abilities and societal biases, especially with her vitiligo, a skin condition that causes pigment loss. Nevertheless, she remained determined, pushing herself to achieve her dream. “I knew I wanted to do this, and [that] this was my passion,” DePrince once said, emphasizing her relentless pursuit of her goals despite critics.
Achievements in Dance and Cultural Impact
DePrince made history by becoming the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem at just 17 years old. She went on to join the Dutch National Ballet and later performed for Beyoncé in her visual album Lemonade. Her influence extended beyond ballet, as she appeared in British Vogue and starred in campaigns with Nike, all while continuing to excel in her dancing career.
Advocacy and Legacy
Beyond her ballet achievements, DePrince was a passionate advocate for children affected by war and violence. She served as an ambassador for War Child Holland, supporting mental health and well-being for children in conflict zones. Her memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, and her children’s book Ballet Dreams continue to inspire future generations. Though her life was tragically cut short, Michaela DePrince’s story of perseverance and triumph will continue to resonate with people worldwide.
