Michaela DePrince

2024 - 9 - 13

The Ballerina Who Danced Through Adversity: Remembering Michaela DePrince

Michaela Mabinty DePrince Ballet - Beyoncé - Boston Ballet - Dance Theatre of Harlem - Diversity in Arts - First Position - Humanitarianism - Michaela DePrince - Orphan Advocacy - Sierra Leone - Michaela Mabinty DePrince

Michaela DePrince, celebrated ballerina and humanitarian, tragically passed away at just 29. Her inspiring journey from Sierra Leone to the world stage reminds us of the power of resilience!

Michaela DePrince, a trailblazing ballerina and humanitarian known for her remarkable story, passed away at the tender age of 29. Born in Sierra Leone, Michaela faced unimaginable challenges in her early years, being orphaned during a brutal civil war that engulfed her homeland. She was adopted by an American family, which led her to a new life in New Jersey where she discovered her passion for dance. DePrince's tenacity and undeniable talent propelled her to stardom, earning her the title of the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and later a soloist for the Boston Ballet. Her inspiring story was captured in the 2011 documentary "First Position," which showcased her meteoric rise in the competitive world of ballet.

Throughout her illustrious career, Michaela DePrince was not just a dancer; she was a beacon of hope and resilience. Her performances captivated audiences and she was celebrated for her stunning portrayals in productions like "Coppelia." In addition to her artistic achievements, she left an indelible mark as a humanitarian, advocating for underprivileged children and aspiring dancers from marginalized backgrounds. DePrince's impact extended beyond the stage, as she used her platform to inspire and uplift those facing hardships, always reminding them that their circumstances do not define their future.

Her recent collaborations included dancing in Beyoncé's powerful music video for "Freedom," showcasing her remarkable skill while connecting her voice to social issues. As the dance world mourns the loss of this phenomenal talent, her family and the Boston Ballet expressed their profound sorrow, celebrating her extraordinary life and achievements. Communities across Canada and the globe are coming together, paying homage to a woman who not only broke barriers as a Black ballerina but also inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles they face.

Michaela DePrince’s legacy as a pioneering figure in ballet will continue to resonate, reminding us of the beauty of overcoming adversity. As a final tribute to her spirit, remember that her journey is a compelling reminder for everyone out there: just keep dancing, no matter the challenges you may face! Besides ballet, one striking fact about Michaela is that she was also an accomplished author, sharing her life story through children's books in hopes of empowering the younger generation to find their own voice. As we celebrate her life, one can only hope that her courage and determination will inspire others to dance through their own storms!

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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.

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Image courtesy of "nj.com"

Ballet star Michaela DePrince dead at 29. Dancer with remarkable ... (nj.com)

DePrince, from New Jersey via Sierra Leone, was featured as a teen dancer in the documentary 'First Position.'

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Image courtesy of "PEOPLE.com"

Michaela DePrince, a Sierra Leonean American Ballerina for Boston ... (PEOPLE.com)

Michaela DePrince's family and Boston Ballet issued statements following the 29-year-old ballerina's sudden death.

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Image courtesy of "Hollywood Life"

Michaela DePrince: 5 Things to Know About the Ballerina Who Died (Hollywood Life)

Ballerina Michaela DePrince has died at the age of 29, her cause of death has not yet been determined.

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Image courtesy of "New York Post"

'Coppelia' ballerina Michaela DePrince, who performed with ... (New York Post)

DePrince was an orphan who escaped a childhood of violence to become a public figure in the dancing world. She was also a humanitarian.

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Image courtesy of "LiveNOW from FOX"

Michaela DePrince, star ballerina, dies at 29 (LiveNOW from FOX)

Michaela DePrince, the star ballerina and author who escaped war-torn Sierra Leone to become the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, ...

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Image courtesy of "TheGrio"

Black ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince has died at 29 (TheGrio)

Defying the odds as a Black ballerina, the dance world mourns the loss of Michaela Mabinty DePrince.

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 "E! Online"

Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dead at 29 (E! Online)

Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who was a principal soloist for the Boston Ballet, has died at age 29, her family shared Sept. 13.

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Image courtesy of "Page Six"

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, dancer in Beyoncé's 'Freedom' music ... (Page Six)

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, the dancer known for performing in Beyoncé's "Freedom" music video, died at the age of 29.

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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 "Purdue Exponent"

Celebrated ballerina Michaela DePrince dead at 29 (Purdue Exponent)

Michaela DePrince, 29, who was orphaned during Sierra Leone's civil war before moving to the United States and defying the odds to become a celebrated ...

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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 ...

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.

Celebrated Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dead At 29 (Barron's)

Michaela DePrince, 29, who was orphaned during Sierra Leone's civil war before moving to the United States and defying the odds to become a celebrated ...

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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 "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, ...

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Image courtesy of "WCVB Boston"

Boston Ballet mourns former dancer, advocate for diversity (WCVB Boston)

"She really was an advocate for what ballet can be, as a much bigger art form and a much bigger source of inspiration and hope for people."

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 "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.

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

'Far too brief': Ballerina Michaela DePrince, who danced for ... (USA TODAY)

Michaela DePrince, a world-famous ballerina, died at the age of 29. The details surrounding her sudden death are not immediately known.

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Image courtesy of "Le Figaro"

Décès à 29 ans de Michaela DePrince, danseuse étoile et rescapée ... (Le Figaro)

Le monde de la danse perd une étoile. Michaela DePrince, une rare danseuse étoile noire de ce niveau, orpheline de la guerre civile en Sierra Leone et adoptée ...

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Image courtesy of "BFMTV"

Mort à 29 ans de Michaela DePrince, danseuse étoile de Sierra ... (BFMTV)

La danseuse étoile Michaela DePrince est morte à l'âge de 29 ans. Les causes de sa mort n'ont pas été dévoilées.

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Image courtesy of "Le Parisien"

Michaela DePrince, danseuse étoile du Sierra Leone adoptée aux ... (Le Parisien)

Orpheline de la guerre civile en Sierra Leone puis abandonnée par son oncle, elle avait été recueillie dans un orphelinat de son pays et adoptée par un ...

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Image courtesy of "L'Obs"

Michaela DePrince, danseuse étoile américaine, est morte à l'âge ... (L'Obs)

La ballerine vedette Michaela DePrince, adoptée par un couple américain, a dansé aux Pays-Bas, en Afrique du Sud et aux Etats-Unis.

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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 "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 ...

Sierra Leonean American ballerina Michaela DePrince has died at 29 (KNAU Arizona Public Radio)

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 "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 "Powell River Peak"

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, whose career inspired many after she ... (Powell River Peak)

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 "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 "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 "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 "Pique Newsmagazine"

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, whose career inspired many after she ... (Pique Newsmagazine)

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 ...

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.

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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 "WJCT NEWS"

Pioneering ballerina Michaela DePrince dies at 29 (WJCT NEWS)

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 "ABC News"

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, whose career inspired many after she ... (ABC 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 ...

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