In Loving Memory of Michaela Mabinty DePrince
Written by: Isio-Maya Nuwere
Michaela Mabinty DePrince was born in Kenema, Sierra Leone on January 6th, 1995 amid the country's decade long civil war commencing in 1991. At age four, Michaela was adopted by her parents Elaine and Charles DePrince who nurtured her passion for ballet. Michaela’s love for ballet was ignited by a magazine cover she held onto while in the orphanage that gave her hope. Over the years Michaela became the literal and physical manifestation of that same magazine cover, and gave us hope.
With beautifully-melanated skin adorned in vitiligo, kinky hair, and a humble heart, Michaela challenged the status-quo of what a ballerina should look like and gave Brown girls across the globe the audacity to put on our pointe shoes. Upon training at The Rock School for Dance Education and The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theater, Michaela went on to dance professionally with Dance Theater of Harlem, making her the youngest Principal Dancer in the company’s history. She then went on to dance with Dutch National Ballet and later returned to the United States to work with Boston Ballet. Transcending the world of ballet Michaela, also became a critically acclaimed author through her memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina and children’s book, Ballet Dreams alongside working with various celebrities and global campaigns in addition to being a humanitarian and ambassador for War Child , where she supported children affected by war and conflict.
We know in this industry and life, some people start at the finish line. Michaela’s story is one of sorrow, hardship, and difficulty. Yet, it is also one of triumph, resilience, and grace. As we turn our mourning into dancing, Michaela will remain a beacon of hope in our hearts that no matter the challenge life throws at you, in the ballet industry and beyond, we will rise.
Image Repost: Michaela DePrince/Dance Enthusiast
“Dare to dream. No matter what circumstances you are under. No matter how poor or how sad you are at any given moment, don't be afraid of living and loving. Believe.”– Michaela Mabinty DePrince (Opening Night 1995- Closing Night 2024)