Groundbreaking ballerina Michaela DePrince dies suddenly at 29
Groundbreaking ballerina Michaela DePrince has died suddenly at the age of 29, her spokesperson announced Friday.
DePrince’s family has not released a cause of death for the young dancer, who gained legions of fans by sharing her story of her life as an orphan who escaped violence in Sierra Leone and became a world-famous ballerina.
Born Mabinty Mangura, she spent her first years malnourished and abused in an orphanage, and was adopted at the age of four by a couple in New Jersey.
She made her breakthrough at the age of 17 when she competed in Dancing with the Stars. She became best known for her leading role in Beyoncé’s video clip ‘Lemonade’.
Groundbreaking ballerina Michaela DePrince has died suddenly at the age of 29
DePrince was born Mabinty Mangura and spent the first years of her life malnourished and abused in an orphanage before becoming a world-famous dancer.
Announcing her death on Friday, DePrince’s spokesman said that “her artistry touched countless hearts and her spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet and beyond.”
“Her life was marked by grace, purpose and strength. Her unwavering dedication to her art, her humanitarian efforts and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us,” the statement said.
‘She was a beacon of hope to many, showing that beauty and greatness can emerge from the darkest places, regardless of the obstacles.
“Although her time with us was far too short, her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story for generations to come. Love and prayers go out to her chosen family, friends and those who loved her.”
In a 2012 interview with the Associated Press, DePrince recounted the moment in an orphanage when she realized she wanted to be a dancer.
She said she saw a picture of a ballerina on the cover of a magazine and “all I remember is that she looked very, very happy.” From that moment on, she vowed “to become exactly that person.”
She shared the following about her tragic background: ‘I lost both parents, so I was there (in the orphanage) for about a year and I wasn’t treated very well because I had vitiligo (a skin condition).’
‘We were sorted into numbers and number 27 was the least favorite and that was my number, so I got the least food, the least clothes and whatnot.’
DePrince’s family has not released a cause of death for the young dancer, who won waves of fans by sharing her story as an orphan who escaped violence in Sierra Leone and became a world-famous ballerina.
