AceShowbiz - Michaela DePrince, the acclaimed ballerina who captured hearts worldwide, has died at the age of 29. Her passing was announced on September 13 via her Instagram account, but the cause of death has not been disclosed.

As a war orphan in Sierra Leone, Africa, DePrince faced unimaginable challenges. She witnessed horrors and endured severe abuse. However, she found solace in dance, which became her lifeline. At the age of 4, she was adopted by an American couple and moved to the United States.

Despite facing discrimination along the way, DePrince persevered. She attended the prestigious Rock School for Dance Education and graduated from the American Ballet Theatre's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. She then joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem, becoming its youngest principal dancer.

DePrince went on to perform globally, including with Amsterdam's junior company of the Dutch National Ballet and the Dutch National Ballet. She graced the screen in Beyonce Knowles' Emmy-nominated musical film "Lemonade", starred in the 2021 ballet movie "Coppelia", and was featured on "Dancing with the Stars".

Beyond her artistry, DePrince made a significant impact as a humanitarian. She used her platform to advocate for children affected by conflict and violence, serving as an ambassador for organizations such as War Child Holland.

Her passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes, including a heartfelt statement from Beyoncé, "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."

DePrince's legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding us of the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit. She will be remembered not only for her exceptional talent but also for her unwavering determination and the positive impact she made on the world.