Insights

Michaela DePrince, a celebrated ballerina, passed away unexpectedly on September 10, 2023, at the age of 29. Her mother, Elaine DePrince, died the following day during a routine medical procedure, unaware of her daughter's death. The family confirmed that the two deaths were unrelated, emphasizing the tragic nature of losing two family members within such a short time frame. Elaine had previously endured the loss of three children, and the family expressed that she was spared the pain of losing a fourth. Michaela, originally born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone, faced a harrowing childhood as an orphan after losing her parents to violence and starvation. She was adopted by Elaine and Charles DePrince in 1999 and moved to the United States, where she pursued her passion for ballet. Michaela's journey from a war-torn country to becoming a prominent figure in the ballet world inspired many, and she was featured in the documentary 'First Position' and made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Throughout her career, Michaela performed with prestigious ballet companies, including the Dutch National Ballet and Boston Ballet. She also gained recognition for her appearance on 'Dancing with the Stars' and for choreographing a piece for Beyoncé's visual album 'Lemonade.' Her memoir, 'Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina,' co-authored with her mother, has been published in multiple countries and highlights her remarkable life story. The DePrince family is now grappling with the profound grief of losing two beloved members in such close succession. They have expressed their sorrow and the impact Michaela had on countless lives, noting her legacy as an inspiration to many around the world. The family is left to navigate this unimaginable pain while cherishing the memories of both Michaela and Elaine.