Sierra Leonean Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince Passes Away at 29

Los Angeles - The world of dance is mourning the sudden loss of ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince. The 29-year-old, known for her appearances on "Dancing with the Stars" and Beyonce's "Lemonade" music video album, tragically passed away on Friday. The news of her passing was initially shared on her personal Instagram page and then confirmed by her family in a heartfelt joint statement on Facebook.

In their statement, DePrince's family expressed their deep sadness and described their beloved sister as an unforgettable inspiration to all who knew her or heard her extraordinary story. "Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours," the family shared. It is evident that her contributions and determination resonated with many, as numerous members of the ballet community joined in mourning her untimely death.

One such tribute came from American ballerina Misty Copeland, who took to social media to honor DePrince's legacy. Copeland shared a video of DePrince gracefully dancing alongside an excerpt from her own book, "Black Ballerinas." In her heartfelt message, Copeland highlighted DePrince's resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the discouraging messages she received about the readiness and worthiness of black ballerinas, DePrince remained steadfast in her pursuit of her dreams and made remarkable strides in the world of ballet.

Born as Mabinty Bangura on January 6, 1995, in Kenema, Sierra Leone, DePrince's early years were marked by unimaginable hardships. At the age of three, she was placed in an orphanage by her uncle during the country's civil war. However, her life took a turn for the better when she was adopted at the age of four by Elaine and Charles DePrince, a couple from New Jersey. Recognizing her passion for dance, they enrolled her in ballet classes.

At the age of 14, DePrince's talent and determination were recognized when she was awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School to pursue her ballet studies. This opportunity further propelled her career, opening doors to impressive projects, such as her appearances on "Dancing with the Stars" and her involvement in Beyonce's renowned "Lemonade" music video album.

Michaela Mabinty DePrince leaves behind a legacy that transcends the confines of the dance industry. She touched the lives of countless individuals worldwide with her remarkable talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her craft. The dance community mourns the loss of a truly extraordinary artist, as they remember and honor the impact she had on the world of ballet.

The details surrounding DePrince's untimely passing are not shared in the statement released by her family. As the dance community and her fans around the world join together in grief, they will continue to remember and celebrate her inspiring journey as a testament to the power of pursuing one's passions regardless of the obstacles faced.