History of Michaela DePrince in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 14, 2024

Michaela Mabinty DePrince is a Sierra Leonean-American ballet dancer known for her work with the Boston Ballet. Her inspiring life story, from surviving Sierra Leone's civil war to becoming a prominent ballerina, has been widely shared.

January 1995: Birth of Michaela DePrince

Michaela Mabinty DePrince was born as Mabinty Bangura in January 1995 in Sierra Leone.

1999: DePrince's Adoption

At four years old, Michaela DePrince, along with another girl named Mabinty (later Mia), was adopted by Elaine and Charles DePrince from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. They were brought to the United States to join the DePrince family, which included nine other children, many of whom were also adopted.

2011: DePrince Rises to Fame

In 2011, Michaela DePrince gained recognition after being featured in the documentary "First Position." The film followed young ballet dancers, including DePrince, as they prepared for the Youth America Grand Prix competition.

2011: DePrince's European Debut and Television Appearance

In 2011, Michaela DePrince made her European debut in the production of "Abdallah and the Gazelle of Basra" with the De Dutch Don't Dance Division in The Hague, Netherlands. That same year, she appeared on the television show "Dancing with the Stars."

July 2012: DePrince Joins Dance Theatre of Harlem

After graduating from the American Ballet Theatre's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York City, Michaela DePrince joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 2012, becoming the youngest dancer in the company. On July 19, 2012, she made her professional debut in the role of Gulnare in the premiere of "Le Corsaire" by Mzansi Productions and the South African Ballet Theatre.

July 2013: DePrince Joins Dutch National Ballet Junior Company

Michaela DePrince joined the junior company of the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam in July 2013.

August 2014: DePrince Becomes an Éleve at Dutch National Ballet

In August 2014, Michaela DePrince transitioned from the junior company to become an éleve (student) at the Dutch National Ballet.

2015: Film Rights Acquired for DePrince's Book

MGM secured the film rights to Michaela DePrince's autobiography, "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina," in 2015.

2015: DePrince Promoted to Coryphée

Michaela DePrince's talent and dedication led to her promotion to the rank of Coryphée at the Dutch National Ballet in 2015.

2015: DePrince's Relationship with Skyler Maxey-Wert

Reports in 2015 revealed that Michaela DePrince was in a relationship with fellow ballet dancer Skyler Maxey-Wert. DePrince had also discussed their relationship in her book.

2016: DePrince's Promotions and Performance with Beyoncé

Michaela DePrince experienced significant advancements in her career in 2016. She was promoted to grand sujet and later to soloist within the Dutch National Ballet, where she was the only dancer of African descent. Additionally, she performed in the "Hope" sequence of Beyoncé's visual album "Lemonade."

2016: DePrince Becomes War Child Goodwill Ambassador

Michaela DePrince took on the role of a goodwill ambassador for War Child, an organization located in Amsterdam, in 2016.

2018: Madonna to Direct DePrince Biopic

In 2018, MGM announced that Madonna would be directing "Taking Flight," a biographical film about Michaela DePrince's life and career.

2021: DePrince Joins Boston Ballet

Michaela DePrince joined the Boston Ballet as a second soloist in 2021.

2021: DePrince Stars in "Coppelia"

Michaela DePrince landed a leading role in the 2021 film "Coppelia." This dialogue-free ballet production blended live dance with animation, presenting a modern take on the classic E.T.A. Hoffmann story.