The ballet world is mourning the death of Dancing with the Stars’ Michaela Mabinty DePrince, an inspirational ballerina who beat staggering odds to become one of the world’s most famous dancers.
Michaela, an orphan from war-torn Sierra Leone, was a dancer with the Boston Ballet who gained widespread notoriety after starring in the 2011 documentary First Position. She died September 10 at only 29.
Adding to the family’s tragic loss, Michaela’s adoptive mom – who rescued Michaela from the filthy shelter where she was told she was “too ugly” to find a family – died only 24 hours later.
After her father was brutally killed in war-torn Sierra Leone and her mother died from fever, four-year-old Michaela Mabinty DePrince was abandoned by her uncle in a shelter where staff every day tried to break her spirit.
Known then as “Number 27” a young Michaela had little hope of finding a family as she had vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigmentation.
The young girl, called “the devil child” because of her patchy skin, was told repeatedly that she was too ugly to be picked.
“We were all ranked from the most favored to the least, and I was at the very bottom for being rebellious and having a skin condition called vitiligo, which produces white freckles on my neck and chest,” Michaela said, adding she slept on a grass sleeping mat with “Number 26.”
Aside from the vomit-stained nightgown she was wearing, all she had was a magazine, which according to Glamour had (literally) blown onto her face. And on the cover was a ballerina en pointe – a dancer supporting all her body weight on the tips of her toes.
“The dancer looked beautiful and happy, that’s what caught my eye,” Michaela tells Glamour. “I wanted to be happy.”
And the crumpled old photo of the ballerina was the first thing she handed Elaine DePrince, who took her to her new home in New Jersey.
“There was so much love right away,” said Michaela, who over the next two decades would be the prima ballerina on the cover of magazines. “I had never been surrounded by something like that.”
‘My life is proof’
Michaela’s passion for dancing was ignited at a young age, and she pursued her dreams with remarkable dedication.
In 2011, Michaela became one of the stars of First Position, a documentary that followed six gifted dancers leading up to the competition for a place in the prestigious American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet (JKO)
She not only earned a spot but was also awarded a scholarship to study at JKO.
The same year the award-winning documentary was released, Michaela also appeared on Dancing with the Stars.
“My life is proof that no matter what situation you’re in, as long as you have a supportive family, you can achieve anything,” Michaela said.
In 2012, the talented ballerina joined the renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she continued to shine as a rising star. Her exceptional talent and grace later led her to the Dutch National Ballet, where the War Child Ambassador further established herself as a formidable presence in the ballet world.
While she was living in Amsterdam and training for The Nutcracker, she received a call, inviting her to travel to New Orleans and dance in Beyonce’s hour-long video, Lemonade, which was released in 2016.
Speaking with the Wall Street Journal of meeting the pop sensation, Michaela said, “She walked up to me and said, ‘It’s such an honor to have you here.’ I was really cheesy and said, ‘The honor is mine.’ I was on cloud nine.”
‘Beacon of hope’
On September 10, her family released a heartbreaking message about the principal soloist with the Boston Ballet.
“Rest in Power,” the post starts about the dancer who died on September 10. “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.”
The Facebook post describes Michaela as an inspiration who “stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places.”
The cause of her death has not yet been released.
Mom ‘spared the pain’
Only 24 hours after Michaela’s sudden death, her doting adoptive mom Elaine DePrince died on September 11 “during a routine procedure in preparation for a surgery.”
A family statement on Facebook explains that at the time of Elaine’s death, she was unaware that her daughter had died.
“As unbelievable as it may seem, the two deaths were completely unrelated. The only way we can make sense of the senseless is that Elaine, who had already lost three children many years ago, was by the grace of God spared the pain of experiencing the loss of a fourth child.” The message continues, “What the family is going through right now is truly unimaginably painful. Grieving two family members who died within a 24-hour period is tragic and devastating. We continue to ask for privacy…”
Rest in peace Michaela and Elaine. Please share your thoughts with us and then share this story so we can all send a lot of love to the family and friends of this mother-daughter duo.
Owner tells dog he passed all the treats to the cats, over 200 million have watched his reply
Known as the ‘epitome of canine hilarity,’ this viral sensation has solidified its reputation with an impressive 205 million views. Dubbed ‘The Summit of Doggy Comedy’ across YouTube, this video, celebrated for its contagious laughter, has recently made a triumphant return, much to the joy of its dedicated fan base.
Within this uproarious one-minute and twenty-second gem, a dog parent indulges in a lively exchange with their furry companion, all centered around delectable treats from the meat drawer.
The comedic brilliance lies in the seamless incorporation of a voiceover by the owner, crafting the illusion that the dog is actively engaged in the conversation.
The banter begins with the owner casually mentioning the contents of the meat drawer, highlighting the tantalizing presence of maple bacon. The dog’s responses, filled with humorous “yeahs” and “okays”, create the illusion of participation.
The interplay of the owner’s robust, masculine voice and the dog’s charmingly innocent and ‘goofy’ demeanor heightens the comedic charm, beautifully complementing the canine’s adorable eyes and curious nature.
As the dialogue unfolds, a surprising twist emerges. The owner admits to having enjoyed the maple bacon himself, leaving the dog in suspense. The dog’s reactions, a blend of disappointment and disbelief, are humorously conveyed through expressive “yeah?” and “yeah?” responses, seemingly pleading for a taste of the coveted bacon.
The storyline takes an unforeseen direction when the owner confesses to indulging in other delicacies from the meat drawer, including beef and chicken smothered in cheese and cat treats. With each revelation, the dog’s hopeful anticipation transforms into audible yawns, cleverly edited to convey profound disappointment.
The impeccable comedic timing and inventive editing effectively magnify the absurdity of the scenario.
Predictably, the video swiftly catapulted to viral status, amassing a staggering 205 million views and still climbing. Viewer feedback consistently reflects the consensus that this creation stands unrivaled in the realm of online hilarity.
Remarks like: “Eternally the pinnacle of internet entertainment”, and “A source of morale for eight years straight!” underscore the enduring adoration for this canine comedic masterpiece.
It’s clear that this uproarious exchange strikes a chord with audiences on a deeply personal level, as many can envision themselves engaging in similar banter with their own beloved pets. With its timeless charm, this video seems destined to continue spreading joy well into the future.
If you’ve yet to experience the infectious laughter this gem inspires, treat yourself and hit ‘play’ on the video below. And don’t forget to share this comedic treasure with your loved ones for an instant mood lift.
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