Michaela DePrince, a professional dancer who won hearts around the world, has passed away at the age of 29.
This leading ballerina was featured in the 2021 film “Coppelia.” She also appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” AT&T's 2012 Spotlight Performance and in Beyoncé’s 2016 Emmy-nominated musical film “Lemonade.”
The “Cowboy Carter” singer released a statement about DePrince's passing.
“Rest in peace Michaela Mabinty DePrince. Your courageous journey and beautiful dancing as one of the world's greatest ballerinas will remain with us forever,” Beyoncé wrote. on his website,
Her legacy extends beyond dance.
DePrince was an orphan who escaped violence during her traumatic childhood. She became a public figure in the ballet world and worked as a humanitarian, advocating for children affected by conflict and violence.
His shocking demise was announced by him. Instagram Account He died on Friday, September 13; however, the cause of his death has not been revealed.
The caption shared by her team began, “Rest in power: Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince.”
“With great pain in our hearts, we mourn the passing 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,” the announcement said.
“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.”
He wrote that DePrince “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 too short, his talent and legacy will shine brightly for generations to come in the hearts of all who have been touched by his story,” the statement added. “Love and prayers to his chosen family, friends and all who loved him.”
The Post has reached out to DePrince’s reps, Beyoncé and “DWTS” for comment.
DePrince grew up in Sierra Leone, Africa, and first saw the image of an American ballet dancer while in an orphanage.
In 2012, he told associated Press That’s “exactly the person she wanted to be.”
“I lost both my parents, so I stayed there (the orphanage) for about a year and I was not treated very well because I had vitiligo,” she said. “We were ranked by number and number 27 was the least favorite and that was my number, so I got the least food, the least clothes and what not.”
DePrince said she walked for miles without shoes until she reached a refugee camp. She and two other girls were eventually adopted by a New Jersey couple, allowing her to move to the United States at age 4.
She found solace in dance and got admission into a prestigious college Rock School for Dance Education He studied in Philadelphia, but faced discrimination along the way.
According to the Associated Press, when DePrince was rehearsing for “The Nutcracker” at age 8, someone reportedly told her, “I'm sorry, you can't do this. America isn't ready for a black girl ballerina.”
At the age of 9, a teacher reportedly told her mother, “I don't like putting money on black dancers because their breasts and hips get bigger when they get older.”
He didn’t let anything stand in the way of achieving his dreams.
DePrince earned a bachelor's degree Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of American Ballet Theatre and worked Dance Theatre of Harlemwhere she was the youngest principal dancer in the theatre's history.
She danced all over the world, joining the Junior Company of Amsterdam. Dutch National Ballet In 2013 he was awarded the Prize of the Dutch National Ballet and in 2014 the Dutch National Ballet Prize.
DePrince opened the doors to Hollywood by starring in Beyoncé's musical film.
The dancer released her memoir, “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina,” in 2016. The book sparked talk of a biopic Madonna will take over as director,
The Material Girl, who adopted four of her six children, told DePrince's side of the story.
“I was deeply moved by Michaela’s journey as an artist and an activist who understands the challenges of adversity,” Madonna said at the time. “We have a unique opportunity to shine a light on Sierra Leone, and Michaela has a chance to be a voice for all the orphans she grew up with. I'm honored to bring her story to life.”
In 2021, DePrince became a second soloist at the Boston Ballet and performed the leading role in the 2021 ballet film “Coppelia.”
