Ballerina Michaela DePrince, Inspirational Figure Born in War-Torn Sierra Leone, Dies at 29

DePrince, who overcame immense adversity to perform on the world’s biggest stages, passed away in New York City of unknown causes.

Michaela DePrince was born in Sierra Leone during its civil war and faced ridicule due to her vitiligo while living in an orphanage.
She was adopted by an American couple at age 4 and grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where she began her ballet training.
DePrince trained at prestigious institutions including the Rock School for Dance Education, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre, and performed with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Dutch National Ballet.
Her life and career were documented in the film 'First Position' and she co-authored a memoir, 'Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina.'
DePrince's family has requested donations to War Child, an organization she supported, in lieu of flowers.