Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who performed with Beyoncé and was considered by many to be a trailblazer, has died at the age of 29.
A spokesman announced her death personal Instagram page Her family said in a statement that she was an “unforgettable inspiration to all who knew her or heard her story.”
The cause of death was not given.
DePrince has had a remarkable journey from the suffering of an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone to numerous accolades in the world of international dance.
Her family said Her death was “sudden,” he added, “Michaela touched so many lives around the world, including ours.”
Numerous honors were received, including from other members of the ballet community.
“Despite being told that ‘the world is not ready for black ballerinas’ or that ‘black ballerinas are not worth investing in,’ she remained determined and focused and made great progress,” said American ballerina Misty Copeland. wrote on social media.
DePrince was born in Kenema, Sierra Leone in 1995 and was sent to an orphanage at the age of three after her parents were killed during the civil war.
She has spoken in the past about how she was considered a “child of the devil” in the orphanage because she suffered from vitiligo, a disease that causes patches of skin to lose their pigmentation.
But at the age of four, she was adopted by an American couple and moved to New Jersey. Her adoptive mother quickly noticed her passion for ballet and enrolled her in classes.
After graduating from high school, she rose to fame and made history as the youngest principal dancer in the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
DePrince has performed all over the world, including in Beyoncé’s music video album “Lemonade.”
In 2021, she joined the prestigious Boston Ballet as a second soloist and, at the age of 17, played the lead role in the television show Dancing with the Stars.
As a committed humanitarian, DePrince also campaigned for children affected by conflict and violence.
Her spokesman wrote that her art had “touched countless hearts” and her spirit had “inspired many and left an indelible mark on the world of ballet and beyond.”
They added: “Her life was marked by grace, determination and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts and her courage to overcome unimaginable challenges will inspire us forever.”
“She was a beacon of hope for many and showed that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can emerge from even the darkest places.”
