‘Coppelia’ ballerina Michaela DePrince, who performed with Beyoncé and on ‘DWTS,’ dead at 29

Professional dancer Michaela DePrince, who captured hearts worldwide, has died at 29.

The trailblazing ballerina was featured in the 2021 movie “Coppelia.” She also appeared on “Dancing With the Stars” during AT&T’s 2012 spotlight performance and in Beyoncé’s Emmy-nominated 2016 “Lemonade” musical film.

The “Cowboy Carter” singer released a statement about DePrince’s passing.

Michaela DePrince in “We Insist.”Photo byErin Baiano

“Rest in peace Michaela Mabinty DePrince. Your courageous journey and beautiful dance as one of the world’s best ballerinas, will stay with us always,” Beyonce wrote on her website.

Her legacy goes beyond dance.

DePrince was an orphan who escaped violence during her traumatic childhood. She become a public figure in the ballet world and served as a humanitarian, advocating for children affected by conflict and violence.

Her shocking passing was announced via her Instagram account on Friday, Sept. 13; however, her cause of death was not disclosed.

“Rest in Power: Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince,” the caption shared by her team began.

“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 announcement read.

“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.”

DePrince.Photo byRosalie O'Connor Photography

They wrote that DePrince “stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places.”

“Though her time with us was far too brief, her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story, for generations to come,” the statement continued. “Love and prayers go to her chosen family, friends, and those who loved her.”

The Post has reached out to DePrince’s rep, Beyoncé and “DWTS” for comment.

DePrince and Samuel Wilson for the Dance Theatre of Harlem.Photo byNY Post

DePrince grew up in Sierra Leone, Africa, and saw her first image of an American ballerina while in an orphanage.

In 2012, she told the Associated Press she wished “to become this exact person.”

“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,” she said. “We were ranked as numbers and number 27 was the least favorite and that was my number, so I got the least amount of food, the least amount of clothes and what not.”

DePrince performs as Kitri in the production “Don Quixote.”Photo byEPA

DePrince shared that she walked shoeless for miles until she reached a refugee camp. She and two other girls were eventually adopted by a New Jersey couple, which enabled her to move to the United States at the age of 4.

She found comfort in dancing and attended the prestigious Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia, but she faced discrimination along the way.

When DePrince was rehearsing for “The Nutcracker” at 8 years old, someone allegedly told her, “I’m sorry, you can’t do it. America’s not ready for a black girl ballerina,” according to the Associated Press.

“Coppelia” ballerina DePrince.Photo bymichaeladeprince/Instagram

At 9, a teacher reportedly told her mother, “I don’t like to put money into black dancers because they grow up and end up having big boobs and big hips.”

She didn’t let anything stop her from achieving her dreams.

DePrince went on to graduate from the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and worked at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she was the youngest principal dancer in the theatre’s history.

She danced all over the world, joining Amsterdam’s junior company of the Dutch National Ballet in 2013 and the Dutch National Ballet in 2014.

DePrince opened the doors to Hollywood when she performed in Beyoncé’s musical film.