Inspirational Ballerina Michaela DePrince Passes Away at 29

From War Orphan to Dance Star, Her Life Shined with Hope and Talent

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a celebrated ballerina who appeared in Beyoncé’s ‘Lemonade’ visual album, has passed away at the age of 29. Her death was announced on her official Instagram page, with a heartfelt tribute to her remarkable life.The post remembered DePrince for her grace, purpose, and strength. “The announcement highlighted her steadfast dedication to ballet, her humanitarian work, and her remarkable bravery in facing incredible hardships. “She served as a shining example for many, proving that even the toughest challenges can give rise to beauty and greatness,” it read.The cause of her death has not been disclosed.

DePrince’s sister Mia expressed her deep sadness and shock over the loss.

DePrince was a trailblazer in the ballet world. She made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and danced with the Dutch National Ballet and the Boston Ballet, where she was a second soloist. Her talent was showcased to a broader audience with a notable cameo in Beyoncé’s ‘Lemonade’ video. DePrince had initially thought Beyoncé’s offer was a joke but was honored when the singer personally praised her.

Born during Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war, DePrince faced immense hardship early in life. After losing both parents her father killed by rebels and her mother dying of starvation DePrince was sent to an orphanage. There, she endured mistreatment due to her vitiligo, a skin condition that causes lighter patches of skin. Despite these challenges, including witnessing violence and being attacked herself, DePrince’s spirit remained unbroken.

At just three years old, DePrince was inspired by a ballerina’s image on a magazine cover she saw outside the orphanage. Although she didn’t know what ballet was, she kept the magazine cover and dreamed of becoming a dancer like the one in the photo.

After being adopted by a family from New Jersey, DePrince’s love for ballet was nurtured. Her sister Mia recalled their early days, saying, “From the very beginning of our story back in Africa, Michaela and I used to make up our own musical theater plays and act them out.”

DePrince’s dedication to ballet led her to receive a full scholarship to the American Ballet Theater’s summer intensive at age 13, followed by another scholarship at the Youth America Grand Prix, the world’s largest ballet competition.

Despite facing racial prejudice and being discouraged from ballet at a young age, DePrince’s determination never wavered. “I’m still trying to change the way people see black dancers,” she said, pushing through challenges to show that Black ballerinas can achieve greatness.

In 2014, DePrince co-authored a memoir titled Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina with her adoptive mother and became an ambassador for War Child Holland, advocating for children in war-torn areas.Her family asked that in her memory, donations be made to War Child Holland, an organization she deeply valued.DePrince’s life story is one of resilience and inspiration, demonstrating that even in the darkest circumstances, hope and beauty can prevail.