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‘DWTS’ Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dies at 29
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‘DWTS’ Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dies at 29

Professional dancer Michaela DePrince, who captured hearts worldwide, has died at the age of 29.

The groundbreaking ballerina was seen in the 2021 film “Coppelia.” She also appeared on “Dancing With the Stars” during AT&T’s 2012 spotlight performance and in Beyoncé’s Emmy-nominated 2016 musical film “Lemonade,” according to NBC10 Philadelphia.

But her legacy extends beyond dance.

An orphan who escaped violence during a traumatic childhood, DePrince became a public figure in the ballet world and served as a humanitarian, advocating for children affected by conflict and violence.

Michaela DePrince in ‘We Insist’. Erin Baiano

Her shocking death was announced on Friday, September 13, via her Instagram account. However, the cause of death has not been disclosed.

“Rest in power: Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince,” began the caption her team shared.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired so many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet and beyond,” the announcement read.

“Her life was marked by grace, purpose and strength. Her unwavering dedication to her art, her humanitarian efforts and her courage to overcome unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us.”

The news of DePrince’s death. michaeladeprince/Instagram
DePrince. Rosalie O’Connor Photography

They wrote that DePrince “was a beacon of hope to many, showing that beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest places, regardless of obstacles.”

“Although her time with us was far too short, her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story for generations to come,” the statement continued. “Love and prayers go out to her chosen family, friends and those who loved her.”

The Post has reached out to DePrince’s rep, Beyoncé and “DWTS” for comment.

DePrince and Samuel Wilson for the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

DePrince grew up in Sierra Leone, Africa, and saw her first image of an American ballerina while living in an orphanage.

In 2012, she told the Associated Press that she “wanted to become the exact same person.”

“I lost both parents, so I was there (in the orphanage) for about a year and I wasn’t treated very well because I had vitiligo,” she said. “We were ranked as numbers and number 27 was the least favorite and that was my number, so I got the least amount of food, the least amount of clothing and whatnot.”

DePrince plays the role of Kitri in the production “Don Quixote.” Environmental Protection Authority

DePrince said she walked barefoot for miles until she reached a refugee camp. She and two other girls were eventually adopted by a New Jersey couple, allowing her to move to the United States at age 4.

She found solace in dancing and trained at the prestigious Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia, but faced discrimination along the way.

When DePrince was rehearsing for “The Nutcracker” at age 8, someone reportedly told her, “I’m sorry, but you can’t do that. America is not ready for a black ballerina,” according to the Associated Press.

“Coppelia” ballerina DePrince. michaeladeprince/Instagram

When she was 9, a teacher reportedly told her mother, “I don’t like to put money into black dancers because they grow up and have big boobs and hips.”

She let nothing stop her from achieving her dreams.

DePrince graduated from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of the American Ballet Theatre and worked with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she was the youngest principal dancer in the theatre’s history.

She danced all over the world and joined the Amsterdam junior company of the Dutch National Ballet in 2013 and the Dutch National Ballet in 2014.

DePrince opened the doors to Hollywood when she appeared in Beyoncé’s musical film.

The dancer released her memoir, “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina,” in 2016. The book sparked talks of a biopic with Madonna as director.

The Material Girl, who adopted four of her six children, spoke out about DePrince’s story.

“Michaela’s journey resonated deeply with me as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity,” Madonna said at the time. “We have a unique opportunity to shine a light on Sierra Leone, and for Michaela to be the voice for all the orphans she grew up with. I’m honored to bring her story to life.”

In 2021, DePrince became a soloist with the Boston Ballet and was cast in the lead role in the 2021 ballet film “Coppelia.”