Ballerina Michaela DePrince has died aged 29, her family has announced.
The death of the dancer, born in Sierra Leone and who performed with stars across the world and appeared on Dancing with the Stars aged just 17, was announced on her personal Instagram page, with her family adding in a statement that she was “an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story.”
The BBC reports that the cause of DePrince’s death has not been given, save that it had been “sudden,” according to her family.
DePrince’s life story was an inspiring one. She was made an orphan in Sierra Leone by the civil war in that country. In an orphanage, she was seen as a “devil’s child” due to her vitiligo, a condition in which patches of skin lose pigmentation.
She was adopted aged four by an American couple who took her to New Jersey. Her new mother enrolled her in ballet classes, and she soon became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Her spokesperson wrote that her artistry “touched countless hearts” and her spirit had “inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond”.
They added: “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.
“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.”
American ballerina Misty Copeland penned a tribute on social media saying: “Despite being told the ‘world wasn’t ready for black ballerinas’ or that ‘black ballerinas weren’t worth investing in,’ she remained determined, focused, and began making big strides.”