Michaela DePrince, a star ballerina known for breaking barriers and inspiring countless individuals, recently passed away. In an unimaginable turn of events, her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, died just one day later.
The family confirmed the heartbreaking news, addressing both the loss and the swirl of rumors online. As fans and the public grapple with this devastating double loss, the DePrince family asks for privacy and respect during this difficult time.
Michaela passed away on September 10, 2024, not the 13th, as was incorrectly reported in some outlets. The family clarified the exact date of her passing to correct the misinformation circulating online.
Just one day after Michaela’s untimely death, her adoptive mother, Elaine, died during what was supposed to be a routine procedure ahead of a scheduled surgery on September 11.
The family emphasized that the two deaths, though painfully close in time, were completely unrelated. Elaine did not know about Michaela’s passing before her procedure, sparing her the heartbreak of losing yet another child.
Having already lost three children in the past, Elaine’s death, while tragic, may have, as the family believes, been a small mercy—saving her from enduring such unimaginable grief for a fourth time.
In a statement released on social media, the DePrince family opened up about the overwhelming pain of losing two beloved family members within 24 hours. They described the deaths as “tragic and devastating” and expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received.
Michaela’s life was characterized by extraordinary resilience and great achievement. From an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone to the world’s greatest stages, she defied the odds at every turn.
Her journey began when she was just a young girl, overcoming unimaginable adversity after losing both her parents in the country’s brutal civil war. At a time when she was told she was “too ugly” to be adopted because of her vitiligo, Michaela was determined to rise above those harsh judgments.
Her grit and resolve paid off when Elaine and Charles DePrince adopted her and brought her to the United States. The couple saw beyond the little girl who had been labeled “the devil child” due to her vitiligo. Instead, they saw her potential and her inner strength.
Michaela’s talent and dedication to ballet propelled her to success. She made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, shattering stereotypes about what a ballerina could look like. She continued to thrive at the Dutch National Ballet, and later at Boston Ballet, mesmerizing audiences with her grace and strength.
Her life story became an inspiration to many, as detailed in her memoir “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina.” The memoir, translated into multiple languages and published in twelve countries, captivated readers worldwide and was recently optioned for a Hollywood movie.
Beyond her incredible talent as a dancer, Michaela’s greatest dream was to inspire young girls—especially those who, like her, were told their dreams were unattainable. Her adoptive mother, Elaine, played an essential role in shaping her life and career, offering love, support, and encouragement at every turn.
Her devotion to Michaela’s passion for ballet was apparent in the smallest yet most meaningful gestures. There was a time when Michaela felt like she didn’t fit the traditional ballerina mold due to her dark skin and athletic build. However, Elaine went to great lengths to ensure her daughter felt comfortable on stage.
She dyed Michaela’s costumes and pointe shoes to match her skin tone—small but significant acts that made a huge difference in Michaela’s confidence. The bond between Elaine and Michaela was not just one of a mother and daughter; it was a partnership.
Elaine nurtured Michaela’s dreams, helping her break barriers in her industry and inspiring a new generation of dancers to embrace diversity. Michaela often spoke of her mother’s unwavering belief in her talent.
She recalled how much it meant to have someone who believed in her even when others doubted her ability to succeed in such a demanding and competitive field. “When I look back at all the things I’ve been through and everything I’ve accomplished,” she once said, “I realize, Wow, I am very blessed.”
Michaela was a passionate humanitarian, using her platform to advocate for children affected by conflict and violence. She was deeply aware of the hardships faced by children in war zones—having lived through them herself.
She hosted a charity gala, “Dare to Dream,” which aimed to raise awareness and funds to support children affected by war. Michaela believed strongly that these children, like herself, could rise above their circumstances with the right support and opportunities.
One of her ultimate dreams was to open a school in Sierra Leone, where she could give back to the community that had shaped her early years. Michaela DePrince’s legacy will live on, not only through her groundbreaking achievements in ballet but also in her humanitarian work and the lives she touched with her courage.
She will be remembered as a beacon of hope, a dancer who defied the odds and inspired a new generation to dream beyond limitations. While her time was far too brief, Michaela’s influence will continue to illuminate.
