Michaela DePrince

2024 - 9 - 14

From Orphan to Ballerina: A Heartbreaking Goodbye to Michaela DePrince

Ballet - Beyoncé - Dance Theatre of Harlem - First Position - Michaela DePrince - Sierra Leone

The ballet world mourns the loss of Michaela DePrince, a trailblazing dancer whose journey from war-torn Sierra Leone to the world stage inspired many.

The ballet community is in mourning following the unexpected death of Michaela Mabinty DePrince at just 29 years of age. Born in war-torn Sierra Leone, Michaela's early life was anything but easy; she was orphaned at a young age due to the brutal civil war, but her remarkable journey took a pivotal turn when she moved to the United States. In 2011, she won hearts around the globe as a sixteen-year-old star in the ballet documentary 'First Position,' showcasing her incredible talent and resilience. She grew up to become a force in the world of ballet, shining as a second soloist with the Boston Ballet and captivating audiences across the globe with her grace and skill.

Michaela not only danced with prestigious companies like the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Dutch National Ballet but also graced stages alongside pop sensation Beyoncé, appearing in the 'Lemonade' music video. Her performances transcended ballet, bridging the world of classical dance with contemporary artistry. Beyond her impressive accolades, DePrince was a beacon of hope and an inspiration, advocating for underprivileged children through her philanthropic work. Her legacy goes far beyond her dance; she reminded us that dreams can be achieved regardless of the circumstances.

The news of Michaela's passing came as a shock, with her family yet to release details surrounding the cause of her death. Ballet fans and aspiring dancers alike have taken to social media to express their grief and admiration for Michaela, sharing videos of her performances that showcase her stunning talent and vibrant spirit. Tributes have poured in from her colleagues, friends, and admirers, all highlighting how she broke barriers and became a symbol of perseverance.

As we honour Michaela's memory, it's important to remember that she was more than just a ballerina; she was a humanitarian and a voice for the voiceless. Michaela's story has inspired many around the world, and her impact will never fade. Did you know that Lorraine Hansberry, the first African-American woman to write a play performed on Broadway, often drew on her own experiences as a Black woman during the civil rights movement? Let Michaela’s journey remind us of the power of art and storytelling to change lives. Ballet may be a world of poise and precision, but it also reflects the raw, powerful stories of those who dare to defy the odds.

Furthermore, in addition to her riveting dance performances, Michaela has actively engaged with youth through dance workshops, empowering young girls worldwide to believe in their potential and follow their dreams. If the vibrant artistry showcased in her performances is any indication, Michaela’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, proving that even in a world filled with challenges, beauty and grace can prevail. As the curtain falls on this remarkable life, we celebrate Michaela DePrince—the dancer who leaped from hardship to fame and forever enchanted our hearts.

Sierra Leonean American nallerina Michaela DePrince has died at 29 (Delaware First Media)

In 2011, audiences were captivated by a 14 year old, originally from war-torn Sierra Leone, dancing in the ballet documentary First Position.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Trailblazing ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince dies at 29 (The Guardian)

Sierra Leone-born DePrince, who moved to US as a child, danced with Boston Ballet and performed with Beyoncé.

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Michaela DePrince death: Ballet star who danced for Beyoncé dies ... (The Independent)

An orphan of war in Sierra Leone, DePrince moved to the United States while still an infant and went on to perform with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Dutch ...

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Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Celebrated ballerina Michaela DePrince dead at 29 (FRANCE 24)

DePrince, a second-soloist in the Boston Ballet, had an acclaimed career dancing with the Dutch National Ballet and the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

Trailblazing ballerina Michaela DePrince dies suddenly aged 29 (Daily Mail)

DePrince's family have not offered a cause of death for the young dancer, who won waves of fans by sharing her story as an orphan who escaped violence in Sierra ...

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Image courtesy of "Metro"

Michaela DePrince ballerina known for starring in Beyonce video ... (Metro)

Michaela DePrince, known for appearing in Beyonce's Lemonade video and Dancing With the Stars, has died at age 29.

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Image courtesy of "NBC 10 Philadelphia"

Michaela DePrince, trailblazing ballerina and humanitarian, dies at 29 (NBC 10 Philadelphia)

Michaela DePrince, a trailblazing ballerina and humanitarian who trained in Philadelphia, died at the age of 29.

Sierra Leonean American nallerina Michaela DePrince has died at 29 (WNIJ and WNIU)

In 2011, audiences were captivated by a 14 year old, originally from war-torn Sierra Leone, dancing in the ballet documentary First Position.

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Michaela DePrince, who went from orphan to ballerina, dies at 29 (Reuters)

Sierra Leonean ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who starred in TV show "Dancing with the Stars" and Beyonce's "Lemonade" music video album, ...

Michaela DePrince, Who Went From Orphan to Ballerina, Dies at 29 (U.S. News & World Report)

(Refiles to remove extra word "ballerina" from headline). By Danielle Broadway. LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Sierra Leonean ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Michaela Mabinty DePrince: Sierra Leonean ballerina dies at 29 (BBC News)

A war orphan from Sierra Leone, DePrince moved to the US and ended up performing with Beyoncé.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Michaela Mabinty DePrince: a life in pictures (The Guardian)

From war orphan in Sierra Leone to international ballet star – the trailblazing Sierra Leonean-American ballet dancer has died aged 29.

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Image courtesy of "WNIJ and WNIU"

Pioneering ballerina Michaela DePrince dies at 29 (WNIJ and WNIU)

DePrince, born in Sierra Leone, lost both her parents during the country's civil war. She became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of ...

Sierra Leonean American ballerina Michaela DePrince has died at 29 (Delaware First Media)

In 2011, audiences were captivated by a 14 year old, originally from war-torn Sierra Leone, dancing in the ballet documentary First Position.

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Image courtesy of "Today's TMJ4"

Michaela DePrince, trailblazing ballerina in Beyonce's 'Lemonade ... (Today's TMJ4)

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a trailblazing ballerina from Sierra Leone who was featured in Beyonce's "Lemonade," has died at age 29, according to a post on ...

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Image courtesy of "Delaware First Media"

Pioneering ballerina Michaela DePrince dies at 29 (Delaware First Media)

DePrince, born in Sierra Leone, lost both her parents during the country's civil war. She became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of ...

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Michaela DePrince: Trailblazing ballet star dies suddenly at 29 (Sky News)

Ballet dancer Michaela DePrince was born in war-torn Sierra Leone and spent some of her early childhood in an orphanage before being adopted by a couple ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC News"

Michaela DePrince, a Sierra Leonean American ballerina for Boston ... (NBC News)

LOS ANGELES — Sierra Leonean ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who starred in TV show “Dancing with the Stars” and Beyonce's “Lemonade” music video album ...

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Image courtesy of "alloaadvertiser.com"

Michaela DePrince who left war zone to become a ballerina dies at 29 (alloaadvertiser.com)

Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who came to the United States from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone and performed on some of the world's ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Michaela DePrince: America's trailblazing ballerina dies at 29 (BBC News)

A war orphan from Sierra Leone, DePrince moved to the US and ended up performing with Beyoncé.

Sierra Leonean American ballerina Michaela DePrince has died at 29 (NPR)

In 2011, audiences were captivated by a 14 year old, originally from war-torn Sierra Leone, dancing in the ballet documentary First Position.

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, whose career inspired many after ... (St. Paul Journal)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who came to the United States from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone and performed ...

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Image courtesy of "KGOU"

Pioneering ballerina Michaela DePrince dies at 29 (KGOU)

DePrince, born in Sierra Leone, lost both her parents during the country's civil war. She became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of ...

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Image courtesy of "WVTF"

Pioneering ballerina Michaela DePrince dies at 29 (WVTF)

DePrince, born in Sierra Leone, lost both her parents during the country's civil war. She became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of ...

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Image courtesy of "Barry and District News"

Michaela DePrince who left war zone to become a ballerina dies at 29 (Barry and District News)

Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who came to the United States from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone and performed on some of the world's ...

Sierra Leonean American ballerina Michaela DePrince has died at 29 (WNIJ and WNIU)

In 2011, audiences were captivated by a 14 year old, originally from war-torn Sierra Leone, dancing in the ballet documentary First Position.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

A look at the career of ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who ... (The Guardian)

Sierra Leone-born Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who moved to the US as a child, danced with the Boston Ballet and performed with Beyoncé.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Tamara Rojo: 'Michaela Mabinty DePrince was an inspiration who ... (The Guardian)

The former artistic director of English National Ballet recalls the joy of working with a ballerina who reached an audience far beyond dance.

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