Michaela DePrince

Photo by Unsplash

On Sept. 10, people around the world were shocked by the passing of ballerina Michaela DePrince. She died in New York City, and was 29 years old. A world renowned performer, DePrince was known by dancers and non-dancers alike. In her short life she managed to accomplish many feats, and inspire many people.

DePrince was born in 1995 in Sierra Leone, during the Sierra Leone Civil War. She developed vitiligo at a young age, a condition that was not widely understood in her hometown. She lost both of her parents, after her father was shot by rebel groups and her mother starved to death. After living in an orphanage temporarily, She was adopted by Elaine and Michael DePrince and moved to the United States when she was four years old. 

DePrince was inspired to learn ballet after seeing a magazine cover with a ballerina at her orphanage in Sierra Leone. Her adoptive parents firmly supported her dreams, and enrolled her in training, competitions, and classes. She first received attention after starring in the documentary “First Position”. After graduating from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in 2012, she became the youngest member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and a guest principal dancer at Joburg Ballet in South Africa. 

The following year, DePrince joined the Dutch National Ballet. Starting as a member of the junior company, she eventually worked her way up to a soloist, the second highest rank. She held lead roles in “The Nutcracker” and “Cinderella”. In 2021, she joined the Boston Ballet, one of the best ballet companies in the United States. Her dancing style was praised for being powerful and charismatic. She also gained fame for starring in Beyonce’s “Lemonade” music video and in Nike campaigns. 

DePrince’s impact is apparent in her career. Growing up she was often discriminated against, and in her early career there were many times where she was the only Black dancer in her company. Her experience with vitiligo led to her being harassed and isolated in her childhood. As an orphan she faced violence and malnourishment. Despite her difficult journey, she managed to become one of the most distinguished modern dancers, and an inspiration to Black ballerinas around the world. In a 2015 interview she famously said, “never be afraid to be a poppy in a field of daffodils”. A one of a kind dancer, her story will continue to empower and inspire people for years to come.