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.
Liam Payne’s Final Words to His Partner Will Leave You Heartbroken
Kate Cassidy shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, including a note from Liam Payne, which revealed his plans for their future and showed the beautiful memories they shared.
Just three days after being seen in public for the first time since her boyfriend Liam’s unexpected passing, Kate posted the tribute on October 23, 2024. The lovely photos she shared touched fans deeply, but it was Liam’s note, given to her weeks before his death, that truly left fans heartbroken.
Kate’s post offered a look into the happy life she shared with the late “Teardrops” singer. Her images showed the couple going on adventures together.
Whether they were spending time outdoors or cozying up in snowy surroundings, her photos radiated pure love and joy.
Kate Cassidy shared an emotional Instagram post following Liam Payne’s death. In her message, she expressed her heartbreak and said she wished Liam could have seen the impact he had on the world and known how deeply he was loved.
She wrote, “You are — because I can’t say were — my best friend, the love of my life, and everyone you touched felt just as special as I did. Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room.” Cassidy also shared how she is struggling to continue without him, describing Liam as “the best part” of her.
Cassidy also shared how hard it is to move forward without Liam, saying she lost “the best part” of herself. She mentioned a note he had given her, adding, “I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel.”
One touching image showed a playful side of Liam, wearing pink Mickey Mouse ears and making a silly face at the camera, while Kate smiled next to him.
Another image showed them dressed up, posing at an event surrounded by beautiful scenery. Another picture captured them with their dog, sharing a sweet moment with the happy pup.
In another image, Liam, bundled up in warm clothing, playfully posed near a signpost with multiple destination markers.
One photo showed Kate caressing Liam’s face while he smiled, capturing a loving moment. Another image showed them sharing a kiss in front of a building, expressing their closeness.
In the last photos, Cassidy posted a note she received from Liam that read, “me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & 2gether 4ever 444,” written in pencil. With the note were two cards, one reading “444” and the other showing a rose drawing.
Cassidy explained that the number “444” holds spiritual meaning, often appearing when someone feels alone, signifying angelic presence and reassurance.
After Kate’s post, fans flooded her comments with messages of sorrow. One wrote, “This has broken me more than I thought possible ,” while another added, “So sorry for your loss my heart is shattered .”
Another commented with teary emojis, while someone else expressed support, saying, “I can’t even imagine what you’ve been through; you are so strong, love. Big hug
In a past interview from 2019, Liam shared his thoughts on love, describing how he valued being with someone who was both his best friend and partner. He expressed joy in finding someone who supported him fully.
Through Cassidy’s recent words, it’s clear her relationship with Liam was also special, filled with deep love and joy.
Recently, Kate was seen for the first time since Liam’s death. She was out in Florida with friends, buying pet supplies on October 20. Fans noticed her somber expression and showed their concern.
One fan commented, “My heart is breaking for her…she looks so exhausted.” Another added, “She is devastated and heartbroken.”
Others found comfort in seeing her with their shared dog, Nala. “God bless her. I’m glad to see Nala with her. I hope Kate will be okay,” wrote one fan, while others commented on how sad and “empty” she appeared.
Fans also urged the paparazzi to give Cassidy privacy to grieve. One user sympathized, writing, “So sad to lose someone you love.” Another added personal reflections on loss, saying, “Prayers to her and the family.”
Others expressed sadness, with comments like, “I can’t imagine how broken she is. So much happened in such a short time,” noting how “gutted” she looked.
One person reflected, “She looks sad; the guilt she must be feeling right now, wouldn’t have left him alone, especially under such difficult circumstances.” Another added, “She looks miserable. Prayers for her.”
Cassidy’s sighting came shortly after Liam’s death on October 16 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 31-year-old singer fell from his third-story hotel room balcony. Although his passing initially seemed mysterious, it was later revealed he had been under the influence of strong drugs.
On social media, Cassidy reportedly paid tribute to him, asking for privacy to grieve, expressing how nothing felt real, and thanking fans for their love and support.
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