Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the extraordinary ballerina who rose from the hardships of Sierra Leone’s civil war to global stardom, has passed away, leaving the world of dance and sports in profound shock. Her death, recently announced on social media, has not yet revealed a cause, but the outpouring of grief speaks to her impact on countless lives.
DePrince, also a Nike ambassador, inspired thousands with her story of resilience and her remarkable achievements in ballet. She shattered barriers as a Black ballerina, becoming a symbol of hope and inclusion in a field that had historically marginalized dancers of color.
Who Was Michaela Mabinty DePrince?
Born in Sierra Leone, Michaela lost her parents during the country’s brutal civil war and was adopted at the age of four by an American family, Elaine and Charles DePrince. Despite a childhood marked by trauma, Michaela found her passion in ballet, excelling in an art form where she often faced racial discrimination.
Through determination and talent, she became a prominent figure, advocating for more visibility of dancers of color in classical ballet. Her adoptive family supported her every step of the way, helping her pursue her dreams.
A Life Defined by Dance
Michaela’s rise to fame began with her appearance in the 2011 documentary First Position, which showcased young dancers preparing for the Youth America Grand Prix. She then made history as the youngest member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem before joining the Dutch National Ballet in 2013, where she shone as a soloist. Her fame grew beyond ballet when she appeared in Beyoncé’s Lemonade visual album in 2016, broadening her reach to a global audience.
Throughout her career, Michaela never forgot her roots. She was committed to humanitarian efforts, dreaming of opening a dance school in Sierra Leone to help underprivileged children. In 2015, she published her memoir Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, sharing her powerful journey of overcoming adversity.
Nike’s Tribute
Nike, where DePrince served as an ambassador, expressed their sorrow in a heartfelt statement:
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Michaela Mabinty DePrince. She was an incredible athlete who inspired us and people worldwide to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. She was a beloved member of the Nike family, and her story will continue to live on through her remarkable work with disadvantaged youth.”
An Icon and Inspiration
Michaela’s sister, Mia DePrince, expressed the family’s grief: “Since we were children in the orphanage, Michaela and I dreamed of becoming dancers. Today, that light that inspired so many is no longer with us, but her legacy of strength, beauty, and courage will live on.”
Michaela DePrince’s life remains an enduring symbol of perseverance, hope, and transformation. Despite the challenges she faced—ranging from war to racism—she achieved her dreams and inspired others to do the same. Her story is a testament to the power of art to transcend obstacles and change lives.
What Did Michaela DePrince Die Of?
As of now, the cause of Michaela DePrince’s death has not been publicly disclosed. Her family has not shared further details, leaving the circumstances of her passing a mystery at this time. The announcement was made on her social media, but no additional information has been provided.
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