Michaela Mabinty De Prince was a talented international ballerina whose heartwarming personal story inspired many. I met her once, when she was a child at Dance Theater of Harlem, while I studied in NYC for the summer in college around 2007. We stood next to one another at the barre and we were nearly the same height at the time. My colleagues wanted me to ask her age because she was so uniquely talented. I believe she said she was 12. I gave her a compliment and she gave me one too as polite children tend to do. Michaela was a darling child with big, bright eyes and a precious smile. I remembered her for so long and, suddenly, she was a famous ballerina! I watched from afar as her technique improved over time with maturity and strength. Michaela’s lines were like a Kadir Nelson ballerina illustration come to life. She lived so fully, and danced without fear, while exuding sweetness at the same time. Rest in peace in paradise, Michaela Mabinty DePrince.
Have a Pleasant Day!
-Rae
