Trailblazing ballerina Michaela DePrince has died suddenly aged 29, her spokesperson revealed Friday.
DePrince’s family have not offered a cause of death for the young dancer, who won waves of fans by sharing her story as an orphan who escaped violence in Sierra Leone to become a world-renowned ballerina.
Born Mabinty Mangura, she was malnourished and mistreated in an orphanage in the early years of her life, before she was adopted by a couple in New Jersey at the age of four.
She rocketed to stardom aged 17 when she appeared on Dancing with the Stars, and was best known for her leading role in Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’ music video.
In announcing her death on Friday, DePrince’s spokesperson said her ‘artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond.’
‘Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us,’ the statement read.
‘She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places.
‘Though her time with us was far too brief, her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story, for generations to come. Love and prayers go to her chosen family, friends, and those who loved her.’
In an interview with the Associated Press in 2012, DePrince recalled the moment inside an orphanage where she realized she wanted to be a dancer.
She said she spotted an image of a ballerina on a magazine cover, and ‘all I can remember is she looked really, really happy.’ From that moment, she vowed ‘to become this exact person.’
Explaining her tragic backstory, she told the outlet: ‘I lost both my parents, so I was there (the orphanage) for about a year and I wasn’t treated very well because I had vitiligo (a skin condition).’
‘We were ranked as numbers and number 27 was the least favorite and that was my number, so I got the least amount of food, the least amount of clothes and what not.’