Sierra Leone-born ballerina Michaela DePrince, known for starring in Beyoncé's 'Lemonade,' passes away at 29

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a renowned ballerina born during Sierra Leone’s civil war, who rose to international fame and danced in Beyoncé’s Lemonade visual album, has passed away at the age of 29. Her life and career, filled with remarkable achievements and dedication, were celebrated in an official Instagram statement, calling her a symbol of “grace, purpose, and strength.”

DePrince’s story is one of triumph over adversity. Orphaned at a young age and facing discrimination due to her vitiligo, she found hope and inspiration after seeing a ballerina on the cover of a magazine. This moment fueled her lifelong dream of becoming a dancer, leading her to be adopted by a New Jersey family, where her passion for ballet flourished.

Her extraordinary talent led her to become the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, followed by successful stints with the Dutch National Ballet and the Boston Ballet. She was celebrated for breaking racial barriers in the ballet world, continuing to inspire young Black dancers by challenging stereotypes in a traditionally white-dominated art form.

In addition to her success on stage, DePrince co-authored a memoir titled Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina and served as an ambassador for War Child Holland, advocating for children in war-torn regions.

While no cause of death has been disclosed, Michaela DePrince’s legacy remains one of perseverance, resilience, and breaking boundaries. Her journey from a war-torn childhood to an internationally recognized ballet star will continue to inspire generations to come.