Michaela DePrince: War Orphan to World Stage Ballet Star
Michaela DePrince, born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone in 1995, embarked on an extraordinary journey from a childhood marked by war and hardship to becoming an internationally renowned ballet star.
Her life story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of dreams.
Early Life and Escape from War:
Michaela’s early years were tragically impacted by the Sierra Leone Civil War.
She lost both her parents at a young age and was left in an orphanage, where she was treated as an outcast due to vitiligo, a skin condition that causes depigmentation. She was even labeled “the devil’s child.”
Despite the dire circumstances, a glimmer of hope emerged when she found a magazine cover featuring a ballerina en pointe. This image ignited a dream within her to become a dancer.
At the age of four, Michaela and another girl from the orphanage, also named Mabinty (who would later be known as Mia), were adopted by an American couple, Elaine and Charles DePrince, and moved to the United States.
Ballet Training and Rising Star:
Once in the U.S., Michaela’s adoptive parents nurtured her passion for dance. She began training at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia, where her talent quickly became apparent.
She continued her studies at the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre.
Michaela’s career rapidly ascended. In 2011, she gained international recognition after being featured in the documentary “First Position,” which chronicled the lives of young ballet dancers competing in the Youth America Grand Prix.
This film brought her story to a wider audience and highlighted the challenges faced by Black dancers in the ballet world.
In 2012, she joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem, becoming the youngest principal dancer in the company’s history.
A year later, she was recruited by the Dutch National Ballet, where she swiftly rose through the ranks, being appointed a soloist in 2016.
She also performed as a guest artist with other renowned companies, including the English National Ballet.
Her repertoire included roles in iconic ballets such as Coppélia, The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake.
Beyond the stage, she appeared on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and in Beyoncé’s music video for “Lemonade.”
Advocacy and Legacy:
Michaela DePrince was a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in ballet, openly addressing the racial barriers she faced throughout her career.
She used her platform to inspire countless young dancers, especially those of color, to pursue their dreams despite societal stereotypes and challenges.
She also served as an ambassador for War Child Holland, an organization dedicated to supporting children affected by conflict, drawing from her own childhood experiences to connect with and uplift vulnerable youth.
Memoir and Passing:
In 2014, Michaela co-authored her memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, with her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince. The book further shared her inspiring journey and became a source of hope for many.
Sadly, Michaela DePrince passed away on September 10, 2024, at the age of 29 in New York City.
The cause of her death was not publicly disclosed. Her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, passed away just one day later.
Michaela DePrince’s life, though tragically short, left an indelible mark on the world of ballet and beyond.
She is remembered not only for her exquisite artistry and groundbreaking achievements as a ballerina but also for her powerful advocacy, her resilient spirit, and her unwavering message of hope.
Michaela DePrince’s career was marked by numerous significant achievements and milestones:
Early Training and Recognition
- Youth America Grand Prix: Michaela gained early recognition by competing in the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the world’s largest international ballet competitions. Her participation in the 2011 documentary First Position brought her story to a wider audience.
- Scholarships and Training: She earned a full scholarship to the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York City. This opportunity allowed her to train with some of the best instructors in the ballet world.
Professional Career
- Dance Theatre of Harlem: At the age of 17, Michaela joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem, becoming the youngest dancer in the company’s history.
- Dutch National Ballet: In 2013, she joined the Dutch National Ballet, where she quickly rose to the rank of soloist. Her performances were highly acclaimed, and she became known for her technical skill and expressive artistry.
- Boston Ballet: Michaela also danced with the Boston Ballet, further establishing her reputation as a leading ballerina.
Media Appearances and Advocacy
- Documentary and Media: Michaela’s story was featured in the documentary First Position, which followed her and other young dancers as they prepared for the Youth America Grand Prix. She also appeared on the television show Dancing with the Stars and in Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade.
- Authorship: Alongside her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, Michaela co-authored the memoir Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, which details her journey from Sierra Leone to the world stage.
- Humanitarian Work: Michaela served as a goodwill ambassador for War Child, an organization dedicated to helping children in war zones.
Awards and Honors
- Recognition: Throughout her career, Michaela received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to ballet and her inspirational story. Her perseverance and success have made her a role model for many aspiring dancers around the world.
Michaela DePrince’s legacy continues to inspire and motivate people globally, demonstrating the power of resilience and the impact of following one’s dreams despite the odds.
What was the cause of death for Michaela DePrince?
Michaela DePrince passed away in September 2024. As of now, the cause of Michaela DePrince’s death has not been publicly disclosed. Her family and representatives have requested privacy during this difficult time.
Michaela was a renowned ballerina who overcame significant challenges in her life, including surviving a civil war and orphanage life. She was known for her inspiring story and her contributions to the world of ballet.
Her passing was a significant loss to the ballet community and her fans worldwide, who remember her for her incredible talent and inspiring life story.
Who did Michaela DePrince get adopted by?
Michaela DePrince was adopted by Elaine and Charles DePrince, an American couple.
They brought her to the United States in 1999, where she was able to pursue her passion for ballet.
The DePrinces provided her with a loving home and the support she needed to overcome her early life challenges and thrive in her career.
Is Michaela DePrince still a ballerina?
Michaela DePrince was an active ballerina until her untimely death in September 2024.
She had danced with several prestigious ballet companies, including the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Dutch National Ballet, and the Boston Ballet.
Her career was marked by numerous achievements and she was widely celebrated for her artistry and resilience.
What skin condition did Michaela DePrince have?
Michaela DePrince had vitiligo, a condition that causes the loss of skin color in patches.
Despite facing discrimination and challenges due to her skin condition, she persevered and became a successful and celebrated ballerina.
Her story has inspired many people around the world to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles they face.
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