But she was adopted aged four by an American couple and moved to New Jersey. Her adoptive mother quickly noticed her obsession with ballet and enrolled her in classes.<\/p>\n
She rose to fame after graduating from high school and made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.<\/p>\n
DePrince has performed across the world, including in Beyonc\u00e9’s “Lemonade” music video album.<\/p>\n
She joined the prestigious Boston Ballet as a second soloist in 2021 and starred in the TV show Dancing with the Stars when she was just 17.<\/p>\n
A dedicated humanitarian, DePrince also advocated for children affected by conflict and violence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Her spokesperson wrote that her artistry “touched countless hearts” and her spirit had “inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond”.<\/p>\n
They added: “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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
“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 theatre plays and act them out,” Mia wrote in a statement. <\/p>\n
DePrince’s sister said the pair used to create their own ballets as children, “she would choreograph, and I was the composer and conductor”.<\/p>\n
She “left her footprints in the sand and on so many stages across the world. She will be truly missed,” Mia added.<\/p>\n
The two girls, who were mat-mates at the orphanage, were adopted by an American woman, Elaine DePrince. <\/p>\n
In an interview with the BBC’s Newshour programme, DePrince’s siblings – Eric and Mia – said the family was grieving two deaths this week: Michaela’s and that of their mother Elaine.<\/p>\n
“I had just gotten off the phone with my mum\u2019s doctor with her news when I was alerted about my sister, it just didn\u2019t seem believable.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was really hard to hear because I normally pick up the phone to call my mum with anything, and it occurred to me that I couldn\u2019t call her,” Mia told the BBC.<\/p>\n
Elaine enrolled then five-year-old DePrince in the Rock School of Dance in Philadelphia, making the 45-minute drive from New Jersey every day.<\/p>\n
DePrince was an ambassador for the charity War Child, and her siblings say they hope to continue on her legacy.<\/p>\n
Her brother, Eric DePrince, told the BBC he hopes the world can remember his sister “as someone who worked hard to improve the lives of others”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n