Michaela DePrince: A Journey of Resilience, Talent, and Triumph

                                               Michaela DePrince is a very powerful story of determination and courage even against all odds in order to pursue the dream of becoming a ballet dancer. Her story is the perfect embodiment of passion, hard work, and sheer talent thus attracting the attention of people in all four corners of the earth. In this film, Michaela starts as a poor girl from Sierra Leone and then works as a ballet dancer and her story is an inspiration to say never say die.

Early Life in Sierra Leone

Michaela DePrince, originally named Mabinty Bangura was born in a rather tragic situation for a child. His birth took place in Sierra Leone in 1995 which was going through a terrible civil war that terrible year. Growing up in a country where many children are taken to orphanages after the death of their parents and with a skin condition, that made their fellow children reject her, Michaela lost her parents at the tender age of three. This condition resulted in depigmenting of portions of her skin and people started calling her the devil’s child. 

Nonetheless, Michaela managed to get a ray of hope, when she once came across a magazine cover with a stunning ballerina on it. This picture made her develop an aspiration of ballet which would help her to escape poverty and hopelessness. 

Adoption and New Beginnings 

When Michaela was only four years old a sudden twist occurred in her life when she was adopted by an American couple, Elaine DePrince and Charles DePrince. They took her to the United States where Michaela received the love and care that she had been longing for and the opportunity that she needed. Her new parents continued her passion for ballet and enrolled her in houses of dance as soon as she got to the U.S. 

Michaela was very talented of hers in her early years of training. She was born talented and disciplined, moreover, she was blessed with good genes that helped her trace the path of a great ballet dancer. But, soon she learned that even the world of ballet is not immune to discrimination. As a black ballet dancer, Michaela struggled with prejudice based on race – it is noteworthy that Michaela is one of the few black ballet dancers in the industry which is significantly dominated by White people. Some even thought she would never be able to make a career in classical ballet even though Michaela did not want these hurdles to present themselves in her life. 

Rising Above Challenges in Ballet

It proves that Michaela DePrince was and is invulnerable to failure; she took on the ballet world and reached for the stars. Still, she never ceased to strive forward because of the systemic racism Michaela encountered throughout her life. One can only imagine, that she completed her education at some of the famous ballet schools in the country such as the Rock School for Dance Education, in Philadelphia. It soon materialized especially after she was selected to join the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre in New York City. 

It certainly was an arduous journey, but a regular dreamer’s fantasy or goal materialized for Michaela in 2012 when she got an opportunity to join the Dutch National Ballet, one of the most recognized companies at that time. It was generally entertaining, and she climbed the ladder of success in a pretty short time. Leaving Jazz Nonet in 2016, she went on to become a soloist and her voice was loud enough to draw widespread approval from the critics on the global stage. 

Breaking Barriers as a Black Ballet Dancer

When people speak about Michaela DePrince, they can only think of a graceful dancer, but she is also a pioneer who broke color barriers in ballet. Structurally, many black ballet dancers used to face limited opportunities for instance they had no representation at all, or they were not eligible for dismissal roles. These injustices are more reasons why Michaela just like any other social media influencer has come out to fight for diversity in arts. 

She does not only advocate the art of ballet within the dance studio. Michaela is also an ardent supporter of several charitable organizations and these are organizations that focus on supporting children living in war-torn countries and supporting art in needy communities. They should feel inspired by this young lady as she provides hope for young dancers of color and shows that the color of skin does not make one any less capable of dominating the stage. 

Michaela DePrince in Popular Culture 

The media has not left Michaela’s extraordinary life just as she was going to school for her education. In 2014, her memoir, Taking Flight: The book titled From War Orphan to Star Ballerina written in collaboration with Elaine DePrince was well received by the readers. The book describes her experience of struggling with life in Sierra Leone and becoming a ballet dancer on the international stage and is inspiring for readers in different countries. 

Her life story was also attractive to Hollywood moviemakers. Later in the year 2018, it was revealed that Disney was working on a movie adaptation of her book and the movie would be directed by Madonna. This movie will contribute to Michaela’s amazing journey and the story will reach an even larger audience. 

Michaela’s Legacy and Impact 

In such an event, the following is the analysis of Michaela De Prince, whose achievements in her relatively short lifespan are incredible but her story has only just started. As she goes on doing her dancing with the Dutch National Ballet and other companies, she is contributing as one of those who create a way for the Black dancers of the future. Her fight for the equality that other females should have in show business is a testimony that encourages many to have hope even in the midst of their struggles. 

Michaela is a true example of what one is capable of, despite being a war orphan who turned into a ballet dancer. She has been challenged to the greatest level but she kept on the dream of becoming a ballet dancer. Today she is one of the most important personalities in the field of dance and her story will encourage numerous people for many years. 

                                               The following is not a story of a ballet dancer, but a story of hope: Michaela DePrince. Her new success coming from the background of war testifies that anyone can achieve success regardless of the adversities. Based on the story of Michaela, just showed that nothing is impossible and there is always a way to achieve something despite the difficulties that must be encountered. Her legacy will undoubtedly be passed on to future Dancers and dreamers all over the world.

Image Credit: freepik.com    

Tags: Michaela DePrince, Black ballet dancer, Sierra Leone civil war, ballet career, racial barriers in ballet, Dutch National Ballet, vitiligo discrimination, orphan adoption story, memoir Taking Flight, diversity in ballet

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Michaela DePrince

Who is Michaela DePrince? 

The features of Michaela DePrince a ballet dancer, now performing in the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, who is the best example of hard work and talent. When she was born in Sierra Leone she had to face war, being an orphan, and discrimination to become one of the soloists of the Dutch National Ballet. 

Where was Michaela DePrince born?

She was born in Sierra Leone in 1995 and raised at the time of a bitter civil war and became a victim of two young parentless deaths. 

How did Michaela DePrince start her ballet career? 

Hearing Michaela’s story, one can learn that she started having a passion for ballet dance when she saw a picture of a ballerina on a magazine cover while she was in an orphanage. Originally she started ballet training under the new parents’ arrangement for her in the United States of America; this new environment and reception quickly credence the discovery that she was naturally talented and hard-working. 

What challenges has Michaela DePrince faced in her career?

Some of them are growing up as an orphan, having Vitiligo, and being overtaken by racism and discrimination while practicing as a ballet dancer in the intensely white world. Nevertheless, she has pulled him or her through the difficulties and she is now a Black ballerina. 

Which ballet company does Michaela DePrince perform with?

As of now, Michaela DePrince is a soloist in the Dutch National Ballet which is one of the greatest ballet companies in the world. 

What is Michaela DePrince’s connection to vitiligo?

I know that Michaela DePrince has vitiligo, a skin disorder in which part of the skin turns white. People with this condition were outcasts when she was a child; however, she has accepted it as a part of her personality. 

Has Michaela DePrince written a book?

Yes, Michaela co-wrote her memoir, Taking Flight: First Dance with My New Mom, Elaine DePrince, A Journey From War Orphan to Star Ballerina. The book describes the experiences of the protagonist who has migrated to Sierra Leone for civil war and later rises to become an influential professional ballet dancer. 

Is there a movie about Michaela DePrince’s life?

Indeed, it is worth mentioning that Disney said they are planning on making a movie based on the Taking Flight book by Michaela DePrince. This is sure to be achieved by the material girl Madonna who is also set to direct the movie that will depict the life of Michaela, the inspiring story of hope for Humanity. 

How is Michaela DePrince involved in charity work?

Michaela supports several charitable organizations, primarily those dealing with children from war zones as well as the organization supporting art in poor districts. She educates people earnestly promotes positive change and leads by example. 

What is Michaela DePrince’s impact on diversity in ballet?

Michaela DePrince is one of ballet’s shining stars who sought to change the situation and advocate for the inclusion of people of color into the world of ballet. The perseverance that she has demonstrated to young, colored dancers is the fact that regardless of the system, their talent can prevail.