Michaela DePrince

Michaela DePrince was born on January 6, 1995, in Sierra Leone and survived the civil war before being adopted and brought to the United States. Initially rejected by an orphanage because of vitiligo, a skin condition affecting pigmentation, she discovered her passion for ballet through a magazine photo of a Black ballerina. Through determination and rigorous training, DePrince became a professional dancer, joining the Dance Theatre of Harlem and later becoming a principal dancer with major ballet companies. She has performed leading roles in classical ballets including 'Swan Lake,' 'Cinderella,' and 'The Nutcracker,' breaking barriers as a Black female principal dancer in predominantly white institutions. Her autobiography and documentary film have inspired audiences worldwide, demonstrating how passion and perseverance can overcome trauma and discrimination. DePrince has become an ambassador for adoption advocacy and has used her platform to promote diversity in classical ballet. She continues to perform and mentor young dancers, working to transform the ballet world to be more inclusive and representative of diverse talent.