Michaela DePrince

2024 - 9 - 14

Gone Too Soon: The Legendary Ballerina Who Danced with Beyoncé

Ballet - Beyoncé - Inspiration - Michaela DePrince - Representation in the Arts

Michaela DePrince, the remarkable ballerina who rose from orphanage to stardom, has tragically passed away at just 29. Dance your heart out in heaven, Michaela!

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, born during the devastating civil war in Sierra Leone, transformed her tragic beginnings into a mesmerizing ballet career that captured hearts around the globe. Orphaned at a young age, she faced countless obstacles, including poverty and discrimination, before moving to the United States. It was in this new world that her extraordinary talent flourished, illuminating stages everywhere, from the Boston Ballet to collaborations with icons like Beyoncé. Michaela’s vulnerable yet commanding performances inspired many, earning her a place not just as a dancer, but as a voice advocating for empowerment through the arts.

Known as America's trailblazing ballerina, Michaela gained recognition for her powerful role in Beyoncé’s 2016 "Lemonade" music video where she embodied resilience, strength, and beauty. Her career was marked by a multitude of awards and accolades, but it is her story as a war orphan turned star that ignites hope and inspires anyone to transcend their circumstances. As tributes from celebrities and admirers pour in following her untimely passing at just 29, it’s clear her impact will resonate long into the future.

Michaela not only dazzled audiences with her talent but also devoted herself to supporting and uplifting others through dance. She was heavily involved in various initiatives aimed at bringing the arts to underprivileged communities, bridging her experiences with a mission to empower youth around the globe. Michaela's unwavering passion turned her into a symbol of hope and tenacity, reminding us that extraordinary journeys can emerge from the most unlikely places.

Beyond her life as a performer, Michaela was an advocate for young dancers everywhere, encouraging inclusivity and representation in ballet. Her legacy, which now dances in the hearts of those she touched, serves as a tribute to the power of resilience and grace. As the world mourns her loss, we celebrate her unforgettable voyage that transformed heartbreak into beauty, proving that with persistence, we can turn our pain into profound art. Let’s take the cue from Michaela’s legacy—always strive for your dreams and dance like nobody’s watching!

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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 "Economic Times"

Trailblazing ballerina Michaela DePrince, who overcame civil war ... (Economic Times)

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a renowned ballerina from Sierra Leone who danced with Boston Ballet and performed with Beyoncé, has died at 29.

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, who starred in Beyonce video, has ... (JOE)

Michaela DePrince, who performed with Beyonce, was described as an 'unforgettable inspiration' in a statement confirming her death online.

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Image courtesy of "The Fatherhood Channel"

What Happened to Michaela DePrince, Dead at 29 (The Fatherhood Channel)

Michaela DePrince, renowned ballerina and advocate, tragically passed away at 29. Discover her inspiring journey from war orphan to ballet star, ...

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Image courtesy of "CHANNELS TELEVISION"

Celebrated Ballerina Michaela Deprince Dead At 29 (CHANNELS TELEVISION)

DePrince was hand-picked by Beyoncé to star in a music video for "Freedom," a track off of the singer's 2016 album "Lemonade." By Channels Television.

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Image courtesy of "Bristol Live"

Tributes paid as Beyonce dancer and US Strictly star dies suddenly (Bristol Live)

An accomplished ballerina renowned for her appearance in a Beyonce music video as well as performing on Dancing on the Stars has died at the age of 29.

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Image courtesy of "Sportskeeda"

"May your toes dance in eternity" - Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce mourns ... (Sportskeeda)

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has reacted to Sierra Leonean American star ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince's death.

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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 "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 "CNN"

Sierra Leone ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who starred in ... (CNN)

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the ballerina born during a civil war in Sierra Leone who performed in Beyonce's 'Lemonade' music video died at 29 according to ...

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Image courtesy of "THE WEEK"

The inspiring life of Michaela DePrince: The ballet icon, who ... (THE WEEK)

DePrince was born as Mabinty Bangura in Kenema, Sierra Leone on January 6, 1995. Her parents died during the civil war and she ended up at an orphanage when ...

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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 "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 "WWTI - InformNNY.com"

Ballerina Michaela DePrince, whose career inspired many after she ... (WWTI - InformNNY.com)

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 "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 ...

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Image courtesy of "10News"

Michaela DePrince, trailblazing ballerina in Beyonce's 'Lemonade ... (10News)

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 "BreakingNews.ie"

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

The dancer grew up in an orphanage in Sierra Leone before finding fame in the United States.

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Image courtesy of "Deadline"

Michaela DePrince Dies: 'Dancing With the Stars' Trailblazing ... (Deadline)

The Sierra Leone-born dancer appeared on Dancing With the Stars when she was aged 17.

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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 "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 "The Guardian"

Tamara Rojo: 'Michaela Mabinty DePrince was an inspiration who ... (The Guardian)

The former artistic director of English National Ballet recalls the joy of working with a ballerina who reached an audience far beyond dance.

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