Bright memory of Michaela DePrince: 5 facts about the ballet star
14 september 2024 в 00:13
The ballet world mourns the loss of Michaela DePrince, who passed away at the age of 29. She developed a passion for dance from a very young age, mastering everything from pirouettes to pliés. On Friday, September 13, her team announced her passing on Instagram: «With heavy hearts, we share the loss of the star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched many hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark in the world of ballet and beyond».
The statement said: «Her life was defined by grace, purpose, and strength. Her unwavering dedication to her craft, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable obstacles will forever inspire us. She was a beacon of hope for many, showing that despite obstacles, beauty and greatness can emerge from the darkest places».
As we remember Michaela’s impact, here are five facts about the late ballerina, gathered by HollywoodLife:
Her full name is Michaela Mabinty DePrince.
Michaela was born in Sierra Leone, Africa, on January 6, 1995.
Michaela became a ballerina after moving to the United States. Her parents died during the civil war in Sierra Leone, and she was placed in an orphanage where she suffered abuse due to vitiligo. At that time, she saw a magazine cover featuring a ballerina, which inspired her to pursue ballet as her dream. She was adopted by Elaine and Charles DePrince in 1999 and moved to New Jersey to her adopted family. At the age of five, she was enrolled in the Rock School for Dance Education (RSDE) in Philadelphia.
Michaela gained recognition after participating in the documentary «First Position», - which followed her and other dancers preparing for the Youth America Grand Prix competition. Later, she appeared on «Dancing with the Stars» and in the «Hope» segment from Beyoncé's album «Lemonade». Michaela used her platform to advocate for children in war zones.
The cause of Michaela’s death has not yet been determined. Although she has left this world, her team stated that «her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story, for many generations to come»
The statement said: «Her life was defined by grace, purpose, and strength. Her unwavering dedication to her craft, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable obstacles will forever inspire us. She was a beacon of hope for many, showing that despite obstacles, beauty and greatness can emerge from the darkest places».
As we remember Michaela’s impact, here are five facts about the late ballerina, gathered by HollywoodLife:
Her full name is Michaela Mabinty DePrince.
Michaela was born in Sierra Leone, Africa, on January 6, 1995.
Michaela became a ballerina after moving to the United States. Her parents died during the civil war in Sierra Leone, and she was placed in an orphanage where she suffered abuse due to vitiligo. At that time, she saw a magazine cover featuring a ballerina, which inspired her to pursue ballet as her dream. She was adopted by Elaine and Charles DePrince in 1999 and moved to New Jersey to her adopted family. At the age of five, she was enrolled in the Rock School for Dance Education (RSDE) in Philadelphia.
Michaela gained recognition after participating in the documentary «First Position», - which followed her and other dancers preparing for the Youth America Grand Prix competition. Later, she appeared on «Dancing with the Stars» and in the «Hope» segment from Beyoncé's album «Lemonade». Michaela used her platform to advocate for children in war zones.
The cause of Michaela’s death has not yet been determined. Although she has left this world, her team stated that «her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story, for many generations to come»
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
