Elaine DePrince, the mother of renowned ballerina Michaela DePrince, passed away just a day after her daughter, unaware of the heartbreak that had just unfolded.
Michaela, originally Mabinty Bangura, was adopted from an orphanage in war-ravaged Sierra Leone by the DePrince family. She grew up to become a celebrated ballerina, gracing the stages of the Boston Ballet, the Dutch National Ballet, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and even sharing the spotlight with Beyoncé in her “Lemonade” video.
Michaela tragically died on September 10, with Elaine’s death occurring the next day during a routine medical procedure. The family has confirmed that Elaine was unaware of Michaela’s passing during her surgery.
The official statement released by the DePrince family did not specify Michaela’s cause of death. However, they emphasized that the two losses were unrelated, stating, “As impossible as it seems, these two deaths happened without connection.”
On September 14, the family expressed heartfelt gratitude on Instagram for the overwhelming support they had received, saying it brought them comfort during such a challenging time. They clarified the timeline of events, noting that Michaela’s passing occurred before her mother’s procedure and abating any confusion spread online about the dates.
They shared, “The grief the family is enduring is unimaginable. Losing two loved ones within 24 hours is devastating, and we ask for continued privacy as we navigate this tragic situation.”
Michaela’s journey began at just 3 years old when she lost her parents during Sierra Leone’s civil war, finding herself in an orphanage where her vitiligo made her a target of mistreatment. Adopted by Elaine and Charles DePrince, who had a large family with several adopted children, Michaela quickly found her passion for dance.
In a memorable 2012 interview, she recalled her admiration for a ballerina in a magazine photo that she saved for hope during her difficult times in the orphanage.
The dancer gained significant recognition after being featured in the 2011 documentary First Position, which followed her preparation for the Youth America Grand Prix, where she won a scholarship to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre. By age 17, she had also made appearances on Dancing With the Stars.
A spokesperson for Michaela reflected on her legacy, stating that her artistry has inspired countless individuals and left a lasting impact on the world of ballet and beyond.
The statement emphasized, “Her life was a testament to grace and resilience. Michaela’s journey illustrates that beauty can emerge from the toughest situations. While her time with us was far too short, her spirit and story will resonate for generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who cherished her.”