Ballerina Michaela DePrince and mother Elaine die within 24 hours

The dance community is reeling from the devastating news of the sudden death of trailblazing ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince at the young age of 29. In an even more heartbreaking turn of events, her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, passed away less than 24 hours later from an unrelated illness.

Michaela's remarkable journey from a war-torn orphanage in Sierra Leone to international ballet stardom has inspired countless aspiring dancers worldwide. She defied expectations and broke barriers, becoming the youngest member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem and later gracing the stages of the Dutch National Ballet and the Boston Ballet.

Elaine DePrince, a devoted mother and special education teacher, played a pivotal role in Michaela's life, adopting her at the age of four and nurturing her passion for dance. Tragically, Elaine passed away during a routine medical procedure, unaware of her daughter's untimely death.

The DePrince family is requesting privacy during this unimaginably difficult time. Michaela's legacy as a talented and inspiring dancer will live on, reminding us of the power of resilience and the pursuit of dreams.