Sierra Leonean ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince passed away at the age of 29, as announced on her Instagram page and confirmed by her family. No cause of death was given. DePrince overcame challenges in her early life, being brought to an orphanage during the civil war in Sierra Leone, and later adopted by a New Jersey couple. She faced isolation and malnourishment due to her vitiligo condition.
DePrince’s rise to fame began when she was awarded a scholarship to study ballet at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at age 14. She starred in the documentary “First Position” in 2011 and joined the acclaimed Boston Ballet as a second soloist. DePrince also made appearances in TV shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and Beyonce’s “Lemonade” music video album.
Members of the ballet community, including Misty Copeland, mourned her passing. Copeland highlighted DePrince’s determination and perseverance in the face of adversity, as detailed in Copeland’s book “Black Ballerinas.” DePrince’s family described her as an inspiration to many and emphasized her impact on those who knew her or heard her story.
DePrince’s legacy as a ballerina, advocate, and motivational speaker has left a lasting impression on those who knew her and the ballet community. Her journey from war orphan to star ballerina serves as a testament to her resilience and determination.
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