In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Elaine DePrince, the adoptive mother of world-renowned ballerina Michaela DePrince, passed away just 24 hours after Michaela’s sudden death. The tragic news was confirmed by the family’s spokesperson, Jessica Volinski, in a Facebook post. Elaine died during a routine procedure in preparation for surgery, adding another layer of grief to a family already mourning the loss of Michaela at the young age of 29.
Michaela and Elaine shared an incredibly close bond. Elaine had adopted Michaela from war-torn Sierra Leone when she was just a child, rescuing her from an orphanage where she had faced abandonment and discrimination due to her vitiligo. Elaine and her husband, Charles, adopted 11 children in total, many of them from difficult backgrounds, but Michaela’s rise to stardom made their story especially remarkable.
Elaine was not only a loving mother but also Michaela’s greatest supporter throughout her ballet career. She encouraged Michaela to pursue her dreams despite the many obstacles in her path, from racial prejudice to societal expectations in the classical ballet world. Together, they co-authored Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, which chronicled Michaela’s extraordinary journey from a child in Sierra Leone to a celebrated dancer on the world stage.
Elaine DePrince was an advocate for the arts and a passionate supporter of her children’s aspirations. Her sudden passing, so soon after Michaela’s, has left the dance and humanitarian communities in deep sorrow. Both Michaela and Elaine had impacted countless lives, not only through their story of resilience and love but also through their work in raising awareness about children in conflict zones and promoting the arts.
This double tragedy has sent waves of grief across the globe, as fans, friends, and colleagues mourn the loss of two remarkable women who exemplified strength, compassion, and dedication. Their legacy, however, continues to inspire and uplift many, as they both advocated for perseverance, hope, and the power of dreams, even in the face of adversity