Black ballerina Michaela DePrince is no longer with us, she passed away this week. And while her family is tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding her death, many of her fans are speculating that she may have taken her own life.
Michaela was one of the most talented ballerinas in the world. But her life was full of pain and struggle
Macayla was born to a Muslim family in Sierra Leone, and lost her parents during the country's brutal civil war. Her father was shot and killed by rebels when she was three, and her mother died of starvation shortly thereafter.
The child was taken to an orphanage where she was treated very badly. She was often malnourished, abused and ridiculed as “the child of the devil” because she had a skin disease called vitiligo which causes discoloration of the skin. She fled to a refugee camp after the orphanage was bombed.
In 1999, at the age of four, she and another girl, also named Mabinty, later renamed Mia, were adopted by Ellen and Charles DePrince, a couple from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and moved to the United States.
She studied and became a ballet dancer, dancing with the Boston Ballet.
This week, Michaela's adoptive mother dies, leaving her parentless again. And a few days later, Michaela was found dead in her home.
DePrince rose to prominence in 2011 after starring in a documentary called First Position, which featured her and other young ballet dancers as they prepared to compete in the Youth America Grand Prix. In 2013, DePrince danced with the Dance Theatre of Harlem as the youngest dancer in the company's history, and in 2013, was a soloist with the Dutch National Ballet.
“With great pain in our hearts, we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired so many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet and beyond,” her family wrote.
“Her life was defined by grace, purpose, and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage to overcome unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us. She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter what the obstacles, beauty and greatness can emerge from even the darkest places.”
“Although his time with us was short, his talent and legacy will shine brightly for generations to come in the hearts of all who have been touched by his story. Love and prayers to his chosen family, friends, and all who loved him.”
May God finally give peace to his soul.
