‘Dancing with the Stars’ contestant, teased for her skin condition, dies at 29 – adoptive mother passes away the next day
A young star from ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ who faced bullying for her skin, tragically dies, followed by her adoptive mother’s passing just a day later.
Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a celebrated ballerina who overcame unimaginable hardships, has passed away at the age of 29. Born in war-ravaged Sierra Leone, Michaela rose from adversity to become a star in the world of ballet, inspiring countless people with her resilience and determination.
Her life’s story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that dreams can be achieved, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Tragically, Michaela’s death on September 10 was followed by the passing of her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, just 24 hours later, adding to the heartbreak.
A Difficult Beginning
Michaela’s early years were marked by severe hardships. Her father was killed during the civil war in Sierra Leone, and soon after, her mother died of illness. At just four years old, Michaela was left in an orphanage where she faced cruelty daily.
She was known as “Number 27,” and due to a skin condition called vitiligo, which caused her skin to lose pigment in certain areas, she was cruelly labeled as “ugly” and “the devil child.” Despite these emotional scars, Michaela clung to a dream that began when she found a magazine photo of a ballerina, a vision that became her lifeline in the darkest of times.
Rescue and a New Beginning
Michaela’s life changed when she was adopted by Elaine DePrince, who saw beauty and potential in the young girl that others had cruelly ignored. The love and support she received from her new family helped Michaela pursue her passion for dance, eventually leading her to the Boston Ballet, where she became a principal soloist.
Her breakthrough came when she starred in the 2011 documentary First Position, which followed six young dancers as they trained for prestigious ballet competitions. Michaela’s talent and perseverance stood out, and she quickly became a rising star in the ballet world.
Achieving Her Dreams
Her achievements didn’t stop with ballet competitions. Michaela earned a scholarship to the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and went on to join the Dance Theatre of Harlem and later the Dutch National Ballet. She also gained widespread attention when she danced in Beyoncé’s 2016 visual album Lemonade, adding to her growing list of accomplishments. Throughout her career, Michaela remained an ambassador for War Child, using her platform to raise awareness about the plight of children in conflict zones.
A Heartbreaking Loss
On September 10, Michaela’s family announced her death, describing her as a “beacon of hope” who inspired many through her artistry and spirit. The exact cause of her death has not been made public. Shockingly, just one day later, Elaine DePrince, the woman who had rescued Michaela from the orphanage and helped her achieve her dreams, passed away during a routine medical procedure.
In a statement, the family noted that Elaine had been unaware of her daughter’s death, which they viewed as a bittersweet mercy, sparing her the grief of losing yet another child.
A Lasting Legacy
Michaela DePrince’s life serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, love, and determination. She rose from a background of severe adversity to become a symbol of hope and possibility, proving that beauty and greatness can come from even the darkest places. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of dancers and dreamers.
