Michaela DePrince

2024 - 9 - 14

Ballet's Bright Star, Michaela DePrince, Shines No More at Just 29!

Artistic Representation - Ballet - Beyoncé - Boston Ballet - Dance Theatre of Harlem - Lemonade - Michaela DePrince - Orphanage - Sierra Leone

Michaela DePrince, the trailblazing ballerina and war survivor, has passed away at 29. Her inspiring journey from Sierra Leone to the spotlight lays bare both tragedy and triumph. 💔✨

In heartbreaking news, Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the renowned ballerina known for her relentless spirit and extraordinary talent, has passed away at just 29. Originally hailing from war-torn Sierra Leone, Michaela's journey to stardom began when she was adopted by an American family, allowing her the chance to pursue her love for dance. At just 14, she caught the world's attention in the documentary "First Position," showcasing her incredible talent and resilience, as she gracefully danced her way out of a childhood marked by hardship.

Michaela's journey continued as she honed her skills and became a principal dancer for the prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem, making waves as one of the youngest dancers to achieve such heights. She didn’t stop there though! Michaela took the stage alongside major artists, dazzling audiences while performing with stars like Beyoncé. It’s a testament to her versatility and unyielding dedication to her craft, turning her late-night rehearsals into phenomenal performances on the world stage.

Beyond her talent, Michaela was a beacon of hope and an advocate for those with similar backgrounds, often sharing her story in hopes of inspiring others. Her life's work extended beyond dance as she penned a memoir celebrating her journey, resonating with many who found strength in her words. Unfortunately, the curtain closed far too soon as her family confirmed her passing on September 13, leaving behind a legacy defined by both artistry and resilience.

While the ballet community mourns this tragic loss, Michaela's contribution to the arts and her story of survival will not be forgotten. As we reflect on her journey, let’s celebrate the fact that she didn’t just dance; she danced for those who couldn’t, embodying power through her art. Did you know that Michaela was not only a principal soloist at Boston Ballet but also became a celebrated author? Her memoir, reflecting her inspiring life, has touched countless hearts, proving that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can rise above and soar. Furthermore, her experiences signify a striking element of how art can transform pain into beauty, making her a true icon in the ballet world and beyond.

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.

Celebrated Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dead At 29 (Barron's)

Michaela DePrince, 29, who was orphaned during Sierra Leone's civil war before moving to the United States and defying the odds to become a celebrated ...

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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 "LiveNOW from FOX"

Michaela DePrince, star ballerina, dies at 29 (LiveNOW from FOX)

Michaela DePrince, the star ballerina and author who escaped war-torn Sierra Leone to become the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, ...

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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 "Purdue Exponent"

Celebrated ballerina Michaela DePrince dead at 29 (Purdue Exponent)

Michaela DePrince, 29, who was orphaned during Sierra Leone's civil war before moving to the United States and defying the odds to become a celebrated ...

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 "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."

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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.

Michaela DePrince, Who Went From Orphan to Ballerina, Dies at 29 (U.S. News & World Report)

(Refiles to remove extra word "ballerina" from headline). By Danielle Broadway. LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Sierra Leonean ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, ...

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.

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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 "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 "KRTV Great Falls News"

Michaela DePrince, trailblazing ballerina in Beyonce's 'Lemonade ... (KRTV Great Falls News)

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 "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 "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 "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 "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 "alloaadvertiser.com"

Michaela DePrince who left war zone to become a ballerina dies at 29 (alloaadvertiser.com)

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.

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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 ...

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, whose career inspired many after ... (St. Paul Journal)

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 ...

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 "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 ...

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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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Image courtesy of "Pique Newsmagazine"

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, whose career inspired many after she ... (Pique Newsmagazine)

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 "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.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who grew up in a Sierra ... (ABC News)

Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who was raised in an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone, is being remembered as "a beautiful person, a wonderful ...

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Image courtesy of "NTD"

Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dies at 29 (NTD)

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

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