Michaela DePrince: Groundbreaking ballet star dies suddenly at 29 | Ents & Arts News

A star ballerina who appeared in Beyonce's “Lemonade” video and on “Dancing With The Stars” has died at the age of 29.

Michaela DePrince's death was announced on her Instagram page and confirmed by her family on Facebook, where they paid tribute to “an unforgettable inspiration to all who knew her or heard her story.”

They said her death was “sudden,” but no further details were released.

DePrince was born in the war-torn Sierra Leone as Mabinty Bangura. She spent part of her early childhood in an orphanage before being adopted by a couple from New Jersey.

After taking ballet lessons as a child, she became a star.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our wonderful sister, Michaela Mabinty DePrince,” her family said in their statement. “Michaela touched so many lives around the world, including ours.”

The statement on DePrince's Instagram page paid tribute to a dancer whose “artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit left many inspired and indelible marks on the world of ballet and beyond.”

The tribute continues: “Her life was marked by grace, determination and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts and her courage to overcome unimaginable challenges will inspire us forever.”

“She was a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can emerge from even the darkest places.

“Although her time with us was far too short, her genius and legacy will continue to shine for generations to come in the hearts of all those touched by her story.”

“Resilience, strength, grace and courage”

DePrince made history as the youngest principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem before moving to the Netherlands to perform with the Dutch National Ballet, then returning to the United States to dance with the Boston Ballet.

The Harlem school was among those who paid tribute to her, saying on X that her story was “a story of resilience, strength, grace and courage.”

DePrince published his memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, in 2014, followed by a second book, Ballet Dreams.

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In her tribute, US ballerina Misty Copeland shared a video of DePrince as well as an excerpt about her from her own book “Black Ballerinas,” describing her as a “unique dancer with a most remarkable journey.”

She said: “Despite being told 'the world is not ready for black ballerinas' or 'black ballerinas are not worth investing in,' she remained determined and focused and began to make great progress.”

DePrince's legacy “will continue to inspire generations of dancers, but her absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt,” Copeland added.

She continued: “She will be deeply missed by the ballet world and all whose lives she touched. She was a shining light and her influence will never be forgotten.”