Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, known for her trailblazing career and performances with Beyoncé, has died at 29. Her family described her as an “unforgettable inspiration,” though the cause of death remains unknown.
DePrince’s life journey took her from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone to global ballet stardom. Despite facing challenges, including being labeled a “devil’s child” due to her vitiligo, she was adopted by an American family, leading to her rise in the ballet world.
Tributes from the ballet community, including Misty Copeland, praised her perseverance. DePrince was also a passionate humanitarian, using her platform to advocate for children affected by violence.