In 2011, audiences had been captivated by a 14 12 months outdated, initially from war-torn Sierra Leone, dancing within the ballet documentary First Place. Michaela DePrince has died on the age of 29.In 2011, audiences had been captivated by a 14 12 months outdated, initially from war-torn Sierra Leone, dancing within the ballet documentary First Place. Michaela DePrince has died on the age of 29.

ARI SHAPIRO, HOST:

In 2012, a teenage dancer captivated audiences within the ballet documentary “First Place.” It was Michaela Mabinty DePrince. She was from war-torn Sierra Leone, and he or she went on to bop professionally, finally becoming a member of the Boston Ballet. Effectively, right now, we discovered she died of undisclosed causes. She was 29. NPR’s Elizabeth Blair has this appreciation.

ELIZABETH BLAIR, BYLINE: Michaela DePrince could not have appeared to suit the standard lily-white world of ballet, however in Bess Kargman’s documentary “First Place,” she appears undeterred.

(SOUNDBITE OF DOCUMENTARY, “FIRST POSITION”)

MICHAELA DEPRINCE: It is a miracle I am even right here. It is – I simply – I can not imagine I am right here.

BLAIR: DePrince was born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone. She was a toddler when her father was killed by rebels. Her mom died shortly after from fever and hunger, in line with her web site. Her ardour for dance started when she was a bit of lady. In her e book, “Taking Flight,” she writes that she danced in her naked toes within the mud of the wet season. She hung out in an orphanage and was finally adopted by an American household.

DePrince made her skilled debut with the Joburg Ballet in South Africa. She appeared in adverts for Nike, Chase Financial institution and different manufacturers. DePrince was an envoy of Conflict Youngster, a corporation that helps youngsters dwelling with violence and armed battle. She stood as a beacon of hope for a lot of, reads a press release asserting her dying, exhibiting that regardless of the obstacles, magnificence and greatness can rise from the darkest of locations.

Elizabeth Blair, NPR Information.

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