Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who played with Beyoncé and was seen by many as a singer, has died at the age of 29.
A spokesperson announced his death through him personal Instagram page and in a statement his family said “he has been an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knows or hears his story”.
The cause of death is unknown.
DePrince made a remarkable journey from suffering as an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone to many awards in the international dance world.
His family said Her death was “sudden”, he added: “Michaela touched many lives around the world, including ours.”
The compliments have been pouring in, including from others in the ballet community.
“Despite being told that ‘the world wasn’t ready for black ballerinas’ or that ‘black ballerinas weren’t worth investing in,’ she stayed determined, focused, and started to make big strides,” American ballerina Misty Copeland. he wrote on social media.
Born in Kenema, Sierra Leone, in 1995, DePrince was sent to an orphanage at the age of three after both his parents died during the civil war.
He spoke a long time ago about how he was considered a “devil’s child” at the orphanage because he suffered from vitiligo, a condition where patches of skin lose their pigment.
But he was adopted by an American couple at the age of four and moved to New Jersey. Her adoptive mother soon realized that she loved ballet and enrolled her in classes.
He became famous after graduating from high school and made history as the greatest dancer of the Dance Theater of Harlem.
DePrince has performed internationally, including on Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” music video album.
She joined the prestigious Boston Ballet as a second soloist in 2021 and starred on the TV show Dancing with the Stars when she was just 17 years old.
A dedicated humanitarian, DePrince has also advocated for children affected by conflict and violence.
Her spokesperson wrote that her art “touched countless hearts” and her spirit “inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond”.
They added: “His life was one defined by grace, purpose and strength.” His unwavering dedication to his art, his humanitarian efforts, and his courage to overcome unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us.
“He stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can arise in the darkest of places.”
