When we got adopted, our parents quickly poured into our dreams and arose the beautiful, gracefully strong ballerina that so many of you knew her as today. She was an inspiration,
I lost both my parents, so I was there [the orphanage] for about a year, and I wasn’t treated very well because I had vitiligo,
We’re sending our love and support to the family of Michaela Mabinty DePrince at this time of loss,
All I remember is she looked really, really happy,
We will miss her and her gorgeous smile forever and we know you will, too,
This one really hit me hard and I am not taking this very easy at all
I was just so fascinated by this person, by how beautiful she was, how she was wearing such a beautiful costume,
From the very beginning of our story back in Africa, sleeping on a shared mat in the orphanage, Michaela (Mabinty) and I used to make up our own musical theater plays and act them out. We created our own ballets,
I'm still trying to change the way people see black dancers, that we can become delicate dancers, that we can be a ballerina,
This work meant the world to her,
I have actually a scar from it and it was a black out after that - I have no idea how I survived that, it was awful,
Michaela had so much more to give,
It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beautiful sister, Michaela Mabinty DePrince. Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours. She was an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story,
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,
Devastated. The world is a much better place because of her."
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."
I always hoped to meet her. Truly such an inspiration. Her legacy will live on."
The entire YAGP family extends our heartfelt condolences to all who loved and knew Michaela and the unique gifts and beauty she brought to the world. May her memory serve as a light and inspiration for all."
Oh no! My friend. Heartbroken. Rest well, Mabinty."
With pain in our hearts, we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond,