The ballet world is mourning the death of Dancing with the Stars’ Michaela Mabinty DePrince, an inspirational ballerina who beat staggering odds to become one of the world’s most famous dancers.
Michaela, an orphan from war-torn Sierra Leone, was a dancer with the Boston Ballet who gained widespread notoriety after starring in the 2011 documentary First Position. She died September 10 at only 29.
Adding to the family’s tragic loss, Michaela’s adoptive mom – who rescued Michaela from the filthy shelter where she was told she was “too ugly” to find a family – died only 24 hours later.
After her father was brutally killed in war-torn Sierra Leone and her mother died from fever, four-year-old Michaela Mabinty DePrince was abandoned by her uncle in a shelter where staff every day tried to break her spirit.
Known then as “Number 27” a young Michaela had little hope of finding a family as she had vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigmentation.
The young girl, called “the devil child” because of her patchy skin, was told repeatedly that she was too ugly to be picked.
“We were all ranked from the most favored to the least, and I was at the very bottom for being rebellious and having a skin condition called vitiligo, which produces white freckles on my neck and chest,” Michaela said, adding she slept on a grass sleeping mat with “Number 26.”
Aside from the vomit-stained nightgown she was wearing, all she had was a magazine, which according to Glamour had (literally) blown onto her face. And on the cover was a ballerina en pointe – a dancer supporting all her body weight on the tips of her toes.
“The dancer looked beautiful and happy, that’s what caught my eye,” Michaela tells Glamour. “I wanted to be happy.”
And the crumpled old photo of the ballerina was the first thing she handed Elaine DePrince, who took her to her new home in New Jersey.
“There was so much love right away,” said Michaela, who over the next two decades would be the prima ballerina on the cover of magazines. “I had never been surrounded by something like that.”
‘My life is proof’
Michaela’s passion for dancing was ignited at a young age, and she pursued her dreams with remarkable dedication.
In 2011, Michaela became one of the stars of First Position, a documentary that followed six gifted dancers leading up to the competition for a place in the prestigious American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet (JKO)
She not only earned a spot but was also awarded a scholarship to study at JKO.
The same year the award-winning documentary was released, Michaela also appeared on Dancing with the Stars.
“My life is proof that no matter what situation you’re in, as long as you have a supportive family, you can achieve anything,” Michaela said.
In 2012, the talented ballerina joined the renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she continued to shine as a rising star. Her exceptional talent and grace later led her to the Dutch National Ballet, where the War Child Ambassador further established herself as a formidable presence in the ballet world.
While she was living in Amsterdam and training for The Nutcracker, she received a call, inviting her to travel to New Orleans and dance in Beyonce’s hour-long video, Lemonade, which was released in 2016.
Speaking with the Wall Street Journal of meeting the pop sensation, Michaela said, “She walked up to me and said, ‘It’s such an honor to have you here.’ I was really cheesy and said, ‘The honor is mine.’ I was on cloud nine.”
‘Beacon of hope’
On September 10, her family released a heartbreaking message about the principal soloist with the Boston Ballet.
“Rest in Power,” the post starts about the dancer who died on September 10. “With pain in our hearts, we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond.”
The Facebook post describes Michaela as an inspiration who “stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places.”
The cause of her death has not yet been released.
Mom ‘spared the pain’
Only 24 hours after Michaela’s sudden death, her doting adoptive mom Elaine DePrince died on September 11 “during a routine procedure in preparation for a surgery.”
A family statement on Facebook explains that at the time of Elaine’s death, she was unaware that her daughter had died.
“As unbelievable as it may seem, the two deaths were completely unrelated. The only way we can make sense of the senseless is that Elaine, who had already lost three children many years ago, was by the grace of God spared the pain of experiencing the loss of a fourth child.” The message continues, “What the family is going through right now is truly unimaginably painful. Grieving two family members who died within a 24-hour period is tragic and devastating. We continue to ask for privacy…”
Rest in peace Michaela and Elaine. Please share your thoughts with us and then share this story so we can all send a lot of love to the family and friends of this mother-daughter duo.
Jack Nicholson Makes Triumphant Return to Lakers Game
Jack Nicholson is still in the news at the age of 86. Nicholson, who is recognized as one of the greatest performers of his generation, is most recognized for his iconic parts in films such as Chinatown, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and The Shining.
However, Nicholson is also well-known in Los Angeles for being an ardent Lakers supporter. He has been a mainstay at Lakers games for decades, never leaving his courtside perch. The three-time Oscar winner was a fixture on the fan base, especially during big games.
Nicholson has, meanwhile, distanced himself from the spotlight in recent years, and Lakers fans noticed his absence. Fans who have been missing him were therefore pleasantly surprised by his comeback this past weekend.
Nicholson made a rare public appearance at the Lakers’ game 6 first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies following a year-long absence. He grabbed his usual spot courtside with his son at his side, and when he appeared on the jumbotron, the audience sent up a loud cheer.
Many of Nicholson’s devoted followers have expressed concern over his health at the age of 86. There were rumors concerning his well-being stoked by certain paparazzi images that were shot outside his Beverly Hills home. Fans were relieved to discover he was still going strong when they saw him at the Lakers game.
The excitement of the evening was increased when basketball player LeBron James greeted Nicholson prior to the game. The Lakers went on to win the game and the series, so maybe his presence was a lucky charm for the team.
Jack Nicholson has been a Lakers fan for many years. In 1970, he bought his first season tickets, and he frequently made time in his hectic Hollywood schedule to attend significant games. The exciting atmosphere at Lakers home games is enhanced by Nicholson’s recognizable presence, complete with his trademark sunglasses.
Fans were ecstatic to see Jack Nicholson return to the court and support their team after a protracted layoff. He is a true icon of the game because of his unrelenting devotion to the Lakers and his enduring star power.
Jack Nicholson is the biggest Lakers fan alive, so we’re thrilled he was able to attend this crucial game in person, just like in the old days. If you are a fan of Jack Nicholson, tell this story!
Leave a Reply