Professional ballet dancer Michaela DePrince had the honor of appearing in Beyoncé’s Lemonade visual album in 2016. Beyoncé personally approached DePrince on set and expressed how much of an honor it was to have her there. DePrince, who self-choreographed a ballet routine for the concept, was thrilled to be a part of the project and described herself as being on cloud nine. Additionally, Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy, impressed everyone with her dance skills while Jay-Z watched during the filming.
After her appearance in Lemonade, DePrince went on to become a principal dancer at the Boston Ballet company. However, tragically, she passed away at the age of 29. Her death was announced on her Instagram account, with a statement praising her artistry, spirit, and humanitarian efforts. DePrince was remembered for her grace, purpose, and strength, with the statement highlighting her commitment to her art and her courage in overcoming challenges. She was described as a beacon of hope who showed that beauty and greatness could emerge from difficult circumstances.
The cause of DePrince’s death has not been made public. Despite the brevity of her time with us, her brilliance and legacy are said to continue shining in the hearts of those who were touched by her story. The statement expressed love and prayers for her chosen family, friends, and loved ones. The ballet community also mourned DePrince’s passing, with fellow dancer Misty Copeland expressing devastation over the news. Copeland highlighted DePrince’s potential to contribute not just to ballet, but to the world, and described her legacy as one that will inspire generations of dancers.
DePrince’s adoptive parents, who brought her to the United States from Sierra Leone when she was four years old, survive her. The impact of her presence and her absence in the ballet world and beyond was acknowledged by Copeland and others, recognizing DePrince’s bright light and the profound loss felt with her passing. She was remembered as a bright light that will never be forgotten, with her impact enduring beyond her untimely death. DePrince’s contributions to the world of ballet, her humanitarian efforts, and her inspirational journey from adversity to success continue to leave a lasting impression on those who were fortunate enough to know her or witness her artistry.
