Michaela deprince

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, known for her remarkable journey from war-torn Sierra Leone to international ballet stardom, tragically passed away at the age of 29 last week. Just 24 hours later, her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, also passed away, leaving the family and the world in mourning.

Michaela DePrince, a principal soloist with the Boston Ballet, captured hearts with her inspiring story of resilience and determination. Having overcome incredible odds, she became a beacon of hope in the dance world, known for breaking barriers and redefining what it meant to be a ballerina.

On September 14, the DePrince family took to Facebook to share the devastating news, revealing that Michaela had passed on September 10, and Elaine, 77, died the following day during a routine procedure in preparation for surgery. The family clarified that the two deaths, though only a day apart, were unrelated. “Michaela died before Elaine, and Elaine did not know of Michaela’s passing at the time of her procedure,” they wrote, adding that Elaine had already suffered the loss of three children many years ago and, by the grace of God, was spared the pain of losing a fourth.

Elaine DePrince was instrumental in Michaela’s life, adopting her from an orphanage in Sierra Leone and nurturing her love for ballet. Together, they embarked on an extraordinary journey, with Michaela rising to prominence as a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. Their bond was profound, and their untimely passing has left a void in the hearts of those who followed their story.

Michaela’s legacy as a trailblazer in ballet and her impact on the arts community will not be forgotten. The world grieves not only the loss of a talented artist but also the passing of her mother, who stood by her side through triumph and struggle. Their story, one of love, resilience, and inspiration, will continue to resonate for years to come.

The post Ballerina Michaela DePrince’s Adoptive Mother Passes Away Within 24 Hours Of Her Daughter first appeared on The Source.

The post Ballerina Michaela DePrince’s Adoptive Mother Passes Away Within 24 Hours Of Her Daughter appeared first on The Source.

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the internationally acclaimed ballet dancer who rose from the ashes of war-torn Sierra Leone to grace some of the world’s most prestigious stages, has passed away at the age of 29. The tragic news was announced on her personal Instagram page by a family spokesperson, though the cause of death remains undisclosed.

DePrince’s family described her death as “sudden,” with her sister, Mia Mabinty DePrince, expressing profound heartbreak. “I am in a state of shock and deep sadness. My beautiful sister is no longer here,” Mia shared. The family’s statement also hailed Michaela as an “unforgettable inspiration,” whose influence spanned across the globe.

Michaela DePrince’s life was one of resilience and triumph. Born in 1995 in Kenema, Sierra Leone, she faced unimaginable adversity early on, losing both parents during the country’s brutal civil war. At just three years old, she was sent to an orphanage, where she was treated harshly due to her vitiligo, a skin condition that caused depigmentation. Despite these challenges, DePrince’s spirit remained unbroken.

She was adopted by an American couple and moved to New Jersey, where her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, fostered her burgeoning love for ballet. From there, Michaela’s talent and determination led her to incredible heights. She became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and gained further recognition when she appeared in Beyoncé’s Lemonade. In 2021, she joined Boston Ballet as a second soloist and, remarkably, made an appearance on Dancing with the Stars at just 17.

Her artistic prowess was matched by her humanitarian work. Michaela advocated passionately for children affected by conflict, using her platform to raise awareness and offer hope. A spokesperson for DePrince described her as someone whose artistry “touched countless hearts” and who lived a life of “grace, purpose, and strength.”

Tributes have poured in from across the ballet world and beyond. Misty Copeland, one of the most prominent American ballerinas, expressed her sorrow, writing, “Despite being told the ‘world wasn’t ready for Black ballerinas,’ she remained determined and made big strides.”

DePrince’s family is now grappling with an additional heartbreaking loss—the passing of their mother, Elaine DePrince, around the same time as Michaela’s death. The double loss has left her family and the ballet community reeling.

Michaela DePrince’s career shattered barriers for dancers of color and challenged the rigid stereotypes within the ballet community. She was not just a dancer; she was a symbol of hope, resilience, and boundless talent. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

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The post Ballet Star Michaela DePrince Passes Away at 29, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Inspiration first appeared on The Source.

The post Ballet Star Michaela DePrince Passes Away at 29, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Inspiration appeared first on The Source.