Michaela DePrince, a former war orphan in Sierra Leone who danced in a Beyonce music video, died suddenly on Friday, Sept. 13. She was 29.
Michaela “sudden death” was announced by her adoptive family in a Facebook post.
“It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beautiful sister, Michaela Mabinty DePrince,” they wrote.
“The family thanks you for their privacy as they navigate this very difficult time. Services will be private.”
As an orphaned child in war-torn Sierra Leone, Michaela and her sister, Mia, lived in an orphanage hoping to be adopted.
They were raised by the DePrince family in New Jersey, where Michaela took dance classes. By age 14, she won a prestigious scholarship to study ballet at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York City.
After graduating, Michaela went on to become the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Boston Ballet.
Michaela was hand-picked by Beyonce to dance in her “Freedom” music video.
Michaela thought it was a joke when she heard Beyonce wanted her to dance in her video, according to the Wall Street Journal.
“She said I looked like I was a creature from another planet,” Michaela told the Journal. “She walked up to me and said, ‘It’s such an honor to have you here.’ I was really cheesy and said, ‘The honor is mine.’ I was on cloud nine.”
Dance has the power to transform and change lives. Michaela’s story touched me deeply when I first heard it years ago. As a dancer myself, I will always hold a special place in my heart for fellow dancers. Rest in power! ??? #MichaelaDePrince #BlackGirlMagic pic.twitter.com/dS1ef2cP9j
— Golden (@AurielleNyshia) September 14, 2024
??Take the time to watch this in honor of #MichaelaDePrince. Though she grew up in the ashes of unimaginable horror, pain, & tragedy, like dust she rose. Fo her life to end so abruptly at the age of 29 is heart wrenching. How can life be so cruel!????pic.twitter.com/8hXKpd2kU0
— Queens R. Made (@QueenRMade1) September 13, 2024
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michaela Mabinty DePrince. ??
DePrince started her professional ballet career at Dance Theatre of Harlem, making history as the youngest dancer to be featured in principal roles.#MichaelaMabintyDePrince #RestinPower pic.twitter.com/W5Mp0z3tAy
— DanceTheatreofHarlem (@DTHballet) September 13, 2024
