‘DWTS’ star, mocked as orphan for spotty skin, dies at 29, – adoptive mom dies next day

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.

Farewell to a Country Legend

Throughout his illustrious career, Alan Jackson has released several important albums that have solidified his status as a country music legend. Albums such as “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” (1991), “A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ’bout Love)” (1992), and “Who I Am” (1994) have all produced multiple chart-topping singles.

With a voice that resonates with authenticity and lyrics that capture the essence of life, Jackson has been recognized with numerous awards, including Grammys, CMA Awards, and ACM Awards.

His remarkable talent has also earned him a well-deserved place in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Despite his immense success, Jackson has been facing a personal challenge. Approximately three years ago, he revealed that he has been living with a degenerative nerve condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease for the last decade.

This condition primarily affects the peripheral nerves in the arms and legs, leading to muscle weakness and decreased sensation. Symptoms often begin in the feet and legs, impacting mobility and causing difficulties with walking.

Despite these challenges, Jackson has remained resilient and determined to give his fans the performances they deserve.

To kick off this memorable tour, Alan Jackson will be taking the stage in Boston before heading to other cities like Kansas City, Fort Worth, and Orlando.

Tickets for these highly anticipated shows will go on sale on Friday, June 7th. This is a unique opportunity to witness a country music legend bid farewell to the stage, and fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early.

Country music legend Alan Jackson has made a surprising announcement: he will be embarking on what may be his final live tour. The Last Call: One More For the Road tour, which began in 2022, will continue through 2025, giving fans one last chance to see this iconic performer live on stage. With sold-out shows and packed crowds all across the country, this tour is not one to miss.

In an emotional Instagram post, Jackson expressed his excitement for the tour, saying, “Some of the best times are had right at last call, and this is one last call that you don’t want to miss!”

Known for his classic hits like “Chattahoochee” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” Jackson promises to deliver the songs that have defined his career and touched the hearts of millions of fans.

Don’t miss your last chance to experience the magic of Alan Jackson live in concert. Join him as he takes a final bow and celebrates a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on the world of country music. Get ready for a night of music, memories, and an unforgettable farewell from a true country legend.

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