Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a talented and inspiring ballerina, has passed away at the age of 29. Known for breaking barriers in the ballet world, DePrince was born in Sierra Leone and moved to the United States as a child. Her death was announced through a statement on her Instagram page, but the cause has not yet been reported.

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A Life Defined by Grace and Strength

DePrince’s life was filled with courage, purpose, and artistic achievement. In a heartfelt tribute posted on Instagram, a spokesperson described her impact:

DePrince stood as a symbol of hope and strength, showing the world that beauty and greatness can emerge from even the darkest circumstances.

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Family’s Heartfelt Tribute

DePrince’s sister, Mia DePrince, shared her shock and sadness in a statement following the announcement of her death:

“My beautiful sister is no longer here,” Mia wrote. “From our early days in Africa, sharing a mat in the orphanage, to creating our own ballets after we were adopted, she was always an inspiration. Our parents encouraged our dreams, and Michaela grew into the graceful ballerina that many came to admire.”

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Early Life and Challenges

• Born in Sierra Leone: DePrince, originally named Mabinty Bangura, was born during the country’s civil war. At just three years old, she was sent to an orphanage after her parents passed away.
• Difficult Childhood: In the orphanage, DePrince faced harsh treatment due to her skin condition, vitiligo. In a 2012 interview with the Associated Press, she described the hardships she endured:“We were ranked as numbers, and number 27 was the least favorite. That was my number, so I got the least amount of food, the least amount of clothes.”

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A Rising Star in Ballet

Despite her challenging start in life, DePrince’s talent and determination led her to a successful ballet career. She danced with Boston Ballet and even performed with pop superstar Beyoncé.

Her journey from an orphan in Sierra Leone to a world-class ballerina has inspired many, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

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Sources:

• Associated Press (2012 interview)
• Michaela DePrince‘s official Instagram statement