The Unforgettable Ballerina: Remembering Michaela Mabinty DePrince's Life of Resilience and Beauty

It's hard to believe that Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the ballerina who lit up the world with her presence, is no longer with us. Born in the midst of a civil war in Sierra Leone, her life was marked by unimaginable challenges. Yet, she defied the odds to become a principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and even caught the attention of Beyoncé, who featured her in her "Lemonade" visual album. But what makes DePrince's story truly remarkable is her unwavering dedication to her craft, her resilience in the face of adversity, and her unshakeable optimism. So, what if her assumption of being able to overcome any obstacle is wrong? What if she didn't have the same opportunities as others, and yet, she still managed to shine? What if we, as a society, can learn from her courage and determination? DePrince's early life was marked by loss and trauma. She lost her birth parents and was sent to an orphanage where she was mistreated due to her skin condition, vitiligo. She witnessed the murder of one of her teachers and was even stabbed while trying to save her. Yet, she found solace in ballet, which became her escape from the horrors of war. "I was just so fascinated by this person, by how beautiful she was, how she was wearing such a beautiful costume," she recalled. Could it be that her love for ballet was the key to healing and finding purpose? As she grew older, DePrince faced new challenges. She was almost discouraged from pursuing her passion for ballet when a teacher told her that she didn't belong in the classical world. But she refused to give up. Instead, she became determined to change the way people saw black dancers, proving that they too could be delicate and elegant. "I'm still trying to change the way people see black dancers, that we can become delicate dancers, that we can be a ballerina," she said. DePrince's journey was not without its setbacks. She dealt with prejudice and discrimination, but she used these experiences to fuel her determination to succeed. She co-authored a memoir about her life and became an ambassador for War Child Holland, promoting the well-being and mental health of children living in war zones. This work meant the world to her, and we can only imagine the impact she would have had if she were still with us today.