Michaela DePrince

2024 - 9 - 14

From Orphan to Icon: The Inspiring Journey of Michaela DePrince

Art Advocacy - Ballet - Beyoncé - Boston Ballet - Dance Theatre of Harlem - Diversity in Arts - Inspirational Stories - Michaela DePrince - Sierra Leone

Celebrate the trailblazing spirit of Michaela DePrince, the ballet star who rose from the ashes of war to dance with the greatest!

In a tragic moment for the world of ballet, Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a trailblazing ballerina known for her inspiring journey from war-torn Sierra Leone to the stages of America, has passed away at the tender age of 29. Michaela first captured the hearts of audiences globally when she appeared in the documentary "First Position" at the age of 14. With her passion for dance igniting hope in many, she became a symbol of perseverance, showcasing that dreams can be realized regardless of one's beginnings.

DePrince was not just a dancer; she was a beacon of change, advocating for diversity and inclusivity within the ballet community. After migrating to the United States as an orphan, she honed her craft, joining prestigious companies such as the Boston Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and the Dutch National Ballet. Her performances were not merely technical, but emotional, allowing audiences to feel her life's story poured into every pirouette and jeté.

Adding to her impressive resume, Michaela even graced the stage alongside international superstar Beyoncé, performing in the singer’s groundbreaking visual album "Lemonade." This artistic collaboration highlighted her versatility and willingness to step beyond traditional ballet boundaries. Her commitment extended beyond performing; she was dedicated to advocating for underrepresented voices in the ballet world, inspiring future generations of dancers from diverse backgrounds.

The ballet community is mourning the loss of Michaela, with many reflecting on her profound impact. Her journey is a testament that through hard work and passion, not only can individuals overcome their circumstances, but they can also inspire others to chase their dreams fearlessly.

Did you know that Michaela was featured in a ballet documentary at just 14 years old? "First Position" captivated audiences by highlighting young dancers’ tenacity and talent. Additionally, Michaela’s story was celebrated in various platforms, reminding us all that art has the power to overcome barriers and create change — from stage to real life!

Sierra Leonean American nallerina Michaela DePrince has died at 29 (Delaware First Media)

In 2011, audiences were captivated by a 14 year old, originally from war-torn Sierra Leone, dancing in the ballet documentary First Position.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Trailblazing ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince dies at 29 (The Guardian)

Sierra Leone-born DePrince, who moved to US as a child, danced with Boston Ballet and performed with Beyoncé.

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Image courtesy of "FRANCE 24"

Celebrated ballerina Michaela DePrince dead at 29 (FRANCE 24)

DePrince, a second-soloist in the Boston Ballet, had an acclaimed career dancing with the Dutch National Ballet and the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Michaela DePrince death: Ballet star who danced for Beyoncé dies ... (The Independent)

An orphan of war in Sierra Leone, DePrince moved to the United States while still an infant and went on to perform with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Dutch ...

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Image courtesy of "E! Online"

Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dead at 29 (E! Online)

Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who was a principal soloist for the Boston Ballet, has died at age 29, her family shared Sept. 13.

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Image courtesy of "nj.com"

Ballet star Michaela DePrince dead at 29. Dancer with remarkable ... (nj.com)

DePrince, from New Jersey via Sierra Leone, was featured as a teen dancer in the documentary 'First Position' and danced in Beyoncé's 'Lemonade.'

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Image courtesy of "WCVB Boston"

Boston Ballet mourns former dancer, advocate for diversity (WCVB Boston)

"She really was an advocate for what ballet can be, as a much bigger art form and a much bigger source of inspiration and hope for people."

Sierra Leonean American nallerina Michaela DePrince has died at 29 (WNIJ and WNIU)

In 2011, audiences were captivated by a 14 year old, originally from war-torn Sierra Leone, dancing in the ballet documentary First Position.

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Michaela DePrince, who went from orphan to ballerina, dies at 29 (Reuters)

Sierra Leonean ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who starred in TV show "Dancing with the Stars" and Beyonce's "Lemonade" music video album, ...

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Image courtesy of "Hindustan Times"

Michaela DePrince, who went from orphan to ballerina, dies at 29 (Hindustan Times)

LOS ANGELES, Sept 13 - Sierra Leonean ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who starred in TV show "Dancing with the Stars" and Beyonce's "Lemonade" music video ...

Sierra Leonean American ballerina Michaela DePrince has died at 29 (Delaware First Media)

In 2011, audiences were captivated by a 14 year old, originally from war-torn Sierra Leone, dancing in the ballet documentary First Position.

Sierra Leonean American nallerina Michaela DePrince has died at 29 (NPR)

In 2011, audiences were captivated by a 14 year old, originally from war-torn Sierra Leone, dancing in the ballet documentary First Position.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Michaela Mabinty DePrince: Sierra Leonean ballerina dies at 29 (BBC News)

A war orphan from Sierra Leone, DePrince moved to the US and ended up performing with Beyoncé.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Michaela DePrince: America's trailblazing ballerina dies at 29 (BBC News)

A war orphan from Sierra Leone, DePrince moved to the US and ended up performing with Beyoncé.

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

'Far too brief': Ballerina Michaela DePrince, who danced for ... (USA TODAY)

Michaela DePrince, a world-famous ballerina, died at the age of 29. The details surrounding her sudden death are not immediately known.

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Image courtesy of "Today's TMJ4"

Michaela DePrince, trailblazing ballerina in Beyonce's 'Lemonade ... (Today's TMJ4)

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a trailblazing ballerina from Sierra Leone who was featured in Beyonce's "Lemonade," has died at age 29, according to a post on ...

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

Sierra Leone ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who starred in ... (CNN)

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the ballerina born during a civil war in Sierra Leone who performed in Beyonce's 'Lemonade' music video died at 29 according to ...

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Image courtesy of "Delaware First Media"

Pioneering ballerina Michaela DePrince dies at 29 (Delaware First Media)

DePrince, born in Sierra Leone, lost both her parents during the country's civil war. She became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Michaela Mabinty DePrince: a life in pictures (The Guardian)

From war orphan in Sierra Leone to international ballet star – the trailblazing Sierra Leonean-American ballet dancer has died aged 29.

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Michaela DePrince: Trailblazing ballet star dies suddenly at 29 (Sky News)

Ballet dancer Michaela DePrince was born in war-torn Sierra Leone and spent some of her early childhood in an orphanage before being adopted by a couple ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC News"

Michaela DePrince, a Sierra Leonean American ballerina for Boston ... (NBC News)

LOS ANGELES — Sierra Leonean ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who starred in TV show “Dancing with the Stars” and Beyonce's “Lemonade” music video album ...

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Image courtesy of "WNIJ and WNIU"

Pioneering ballerina Michaela DePrince dies at 29 (WNIJ and WNIU)

DePrince, born in Sierra Leone, lost both her parents during the country's civil war. She became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of ...

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Image courtesy of "WVTF"

Pioneering ballerina Michaela DePrince dies at 29 (WVTF)

DePrince, born in Sierra Leone, lost both her parents during the country's civil war. She became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of ...

Sierra Leonean American ballerina Michaela DePrince has died at 29 (NPR)

In 2011, audiences were captivated by a 14 year old, originally from war-torn Sierra Leone, dancing in the ballet documentary First Position.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, whose career inspired many after she ... (ABC News)

Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who came to the United States from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone and performed on some of the world's ...

Sierra Leonean American ballerina Michaela DePrince has died at 29 (WNIJ and WNIU)

In 2011, audiences were captivated by a 14 year old, originally from war-torn Sierra Leone, dancing in the ballet documentary First Position.

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, whose career inspired many after ... (Powell River Peak)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who came to the United States from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone and performed ...

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, orphan from Sierra Leone ... (CBS News)

Michaela DePrince was adopted by an American couple and joined the Boston Ballet in 2021.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

A look at the career of ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who ... (The Guardian)

Sierra Leone-born Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who moved to the US as a child, danced with the Boston Ballet and performed with Beyoncé.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Powell River Peak"

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, whose career inspired many after she ... (Powell River Peak)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who came to the United States from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone and performed ...

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