DANCE
Michaela DePrince dies at 29: What was the cause of death of the war orphan ballerina?
The Sierra Leonean ballerina, who appeared in Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’ video, died on Friday - just one day after the passing of her adoptive mother, Elaine.
Michaela DePrince, the young dancer from war-torn Sierra Leone, who reinvented her life after being adopted in the United States, tragically died last Tuesday at the premature age of 29. Her death was announced by her team via Instagram on Friday.
Michaela DePrince’s team issue a statement confirming her death
A MDP Team statement read: “With pain in our hearts, we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond. Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us.
“She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places.Though her time with us was far too brief, 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 to her chosen family, friends, and those who loved her”.
Born in Kenema, Sierra Leone, in 1995, Michaela lost both of her parents during the civil war when she was just three years old. She and the rest of her siblings were sent to an orphanage but Michaela and her sister Mia were later adopted by an American couple, Charles and Elaine DePrince, who arranged for both girls to move to New Jersey.
Michaela and Mia DePrince take up ballet classes
During her upbringing in New Jersey, Michaela developed an interest in dance and started taking classes in classical ballet where she quickly started to show a natural talent for the discipline. In April 2012, aged 17, she appeared in Season 14 of ABC’s dance competition TV series Dancing With The Stars. She graduated from the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and went on to became a principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
In 2016, she featured in the promotional video for Beyoncé’s single, Lemonade and on the surface appeared to have the world at her feet. Which makes her death all the more shocking. And tragically, the dancer’s death came just one day after her adoptive mother Elaine passed away due to complications during a pre-operative heart procedure on 11 September.
The cause of death has not been disclosed, with family members explaining that the reasons were not immediately clear and no further details have been given.
Michaela is survived by her five sisters and two brothers: Mia, Beelee, Jaye, Mariel, Amie, Adam and Erik. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Michaela is free to make a donation to the charity, War Child, which she was an ambassador for.