Ballerina Michaela DePrince Remembered One Day After Her Mother’s Death

The ballet world and the loved ones of Michaela Mabinty DePrince are grappling with the tragic loss of the beloved ballerina. Compounding this grief, her mother, Elaine DePrince, passed away just a day later, creating a heartbreaking situation that family members describe as a tragic and unrelated occurrence.

On Friday, the DePrince family confirmed that Michaela had died unexpectedly earlier in the week. Subsequently, they revealed that Elaine had passed away during a routine medical procedure mere hours after her daughter’s death.

Family spokesperson Jess Volinski stated that the past few days have been incredibly challenging for the DePrince family. “What most people may not realize is that the family is also mourning the loss of Michaela’s adoptive mother, Elaine,” Volinski noted.

According to the spokesperson, Elaine was unaware of her daughter’s passing when she went for her procedure, and described the two simultaneous deaths as completely unrelated. “The only way to comprehend such a senseless tragedy is to believe that Elaine, who has already lost three children in her lifetime, was spared the anguish of losing a fourth,” Volinski explained. He added, “What the family is facing right now is unimaginably painful. Mourning two family members who have passed away within 24 hours is extraordinarily tragic.”

Michaela DePrince’s relationship with ballet blossomed from a young age. She shared with Glamour in 2015 how a magazine cover featuring a ballerina fell onto her face while she played outside her orphanage in Sierra Leone, igniting her passion for dance. This moment marked the beginning of her extraordinary journey.

After her adoption by Elaine DePrince, Michaela quickly began ballet lessons when the family settled in New Jersey. Growing up alongside 11 siblings, nine of whom were also adopted, Michaela exceeded expectations and realized her dreams in numerous ways. She eventually earned a scholarship to attend the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York City, a prestigious ballet training program.

Michaela later danced with several prominent ballet companies, including the Joburg Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dutch National Ballet, and Boston Ballet. Her family reflected on her achievements, stating she “achieved her dreams and so much more.”

Beyond her professional ballet accomplishments, Michaela became a cultural icon. She starred in the acclaimed documentary “First Position,” made a guest appearance on “Dancing with the Stars,” and featured in Beyoncé’s “Freedom” music video in 2016. Additionally, she was the subject of a biopic directed by Madonna and authored two books detailing her life story: “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina” and “Ballerina Dreams.”

The DePrince family honored Michaela’s legacy, stating, “She touched countless lives across the world. She was an unforgettable inspiration to all who knew her or heard her story.” They praised her determination to overcome the struggles of her childhood in war-torn Africa, culminating in triumph on prestigious stages worldwide. “Her influence on the dance community, particularly in encouraging young Black dancers to pursue their dreams, is immeasurable,” they expressed.

Following the news of her passing, an outpouring of tributes flooded in from around the globe. Many in the dance community and beyond paid their respects through social media, commemorating her profound impact and their memories of her.

The DePrince family requested that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Michaela’s memory consider donating to War Child, an organization she supported and worked with closely. “This work had immense meaning to her, and your contributions will directly benefit other children raised in environments affected by armed conflict,” they stated.

Michaela DePrince’s sudden departure at the age of 29 has saddened many, highlighting her incredible journey and the lasting impact she made in the worlds of dance and humanitarian work. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those she inspired.