Saddening news left the dance community and all the fans grieving the loss of 29-year-old star ballerina Michaela DePrince, who glittered millions in Beyoncé’s Lemonade and Dancing With The Stars. The realized dream, hope and inspiration in the life of DePrince died a sudden death, but left behind artistry and perseverance.
Born in war-torn Sierra Leone as Mabinty Bangura, DePrince defied unimaginable odds. From an orphanage to the world stage she was adopted by a New Jersey couple and made it into ballet, a world she dominated. Her family later reported her death on the social networks, calling her a ‘beautiful soul’ who affected the hearts of the entire world.
In the tribute given by her family, she was described as an artist and a humanitarian who was very brave and determined to fight even the toughest of life’s challenges. While her death remains a mystery, her impact on the world of dance and beyond will never be forgotten.
