Professional ballerina Michaela DePrince, who performed with Beyoncé, has died at the age of 29.
DePrince became renowned in 2016 after choreographing her own dance moves to accompany the track 'Freedom' from Beyoncé’s visual album, Lemonade.
The 43-year-old 'Crazy in Love' singer released a statement about DePrince’s sudden passing on her website, writing: “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."
The 29-year-old's untimely death was announced on her Instagram account on Friday (September 13). No cause of death has yet been announced.
“Rest in Power: Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince,” the caption stated. “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.
“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," they added.
The caption read 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.”
Many heartbroken followers have flooded the comment section with tribute messages. "My deepest condolences to her loved ones. She has inspired so many people and will be deeply missed," one user said.
"Dear Michaela, your story touched me deeply. Thank you for being a force, for showing the next generations, that dreams can come true. Sending a lot of strength to her family and friends," a second shared.
"Sending so much love to her family, friends, and everyone who danced with her. She was such a light, an inspiration, and an incredible role model for every dancer," a third added.
Born in Sierra Leone, the trailblazing ballerina was born Mabinty Mangura and spent the early years of her life in an orphanage before being adopted by an American couple at the age of four, and moving to the United States.
DePrince made history by becoming the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She then moved to the Netherlands to dance with the Dutch National Ballet before returning to the US to dance with Boston Ballet.
She featured in the 2011 documentary First Position and then appeared on Dancing With the Stars during AT&T’s 2012 spotlight performance. Five years later, she had the opportunity to star in Beyonce's Emmy-nominated film.
DePrince opened up about the moment she met the 'Love on Top' songstress in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, saying: "She said I looked like I was a creature from another planet. 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.”
Boston Ballet paid tribute to DePrince following her death. “We’re sending our love and support to the family of Michaela Mabinty DePrince at this time of loss. We were so fortunate to know Mabinty; she was a beautiful person, a wonderful dancer, and she will be greatly missed by us all.”
Our thoughts are with DePrince's loved ones at this time.
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