Michaela Mabinty DePrince — a ballerina who rose from war-torn Sierra Leone to international fame in dance — has died… according to a statement posted on her Instagram.
A black-and-white photo of the star was posted to the account… with a lengthy caption focusing on Michaela’s “grace, purpose and strength” — adding that she dedicated her efforts to both her dancing and her humanitarian efforts.
Her team notes how she was only alive for a short time…but her legacy will live on with all those who knew her. No cause of death was noted in the post.
MMD was originally born in Sierra Leone and was taken into an orphanage during the country’s civil war. After the orphanage was bombed, she fled to a refugee camp… and was eventually adopted by a New Jersey couple.
She gained many different opportunities in the United States… becoming the youngest member of the famous Dance Theatre of Harlem before crossing the Atlantic to join the Dutch National Ballet.
In 2011, at just 16 years old, Michaela appeared as one of the lead dancers in the documentary “First Position” — all about students competing for a spot at an elite ballet school. The following year, Michaela appeared on “Dancing with the Stars.”
In recent years, Michaela has written a memoir, “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina.” She has also written a children’s book, “Ballerina Dreams,” to inspire the next generation of dancers.
DePrince was 29 years old.
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