Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, known for her groundbreaking contributions to dance and a performance with Beyoncé, has passed away at the age of 29.

Her death was announced via her personal Instagram page by a spokesperson, with her family describing her as “an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story.” The cause of death has not been disclosed, and her family noted the passing as “sudden.”

DePrince’s journey was remarkable, having risen from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone to international acclaim in the ballet world. Tributes have poured in from around the globe, including from American ballerina Misty Copeland, who praised DePrince’s perseverance despite being told that “the world wasn’t ready for black ballerinas.”

Born in 1995 in Kenema, Sierra Leone, DePrince lost both parents during the civil war and was sent to an orphanage at age three. Suffering from vitiligo, she was labeled a “devil’s child” by others at the orphanage. However, at age four, she was adopted by an American couple and moved to New Jersey, where her passion for ballet quickly emerged. Her adoptive mother enrolled her in dance classes, setting the stage for a meteoric rise.

DePrince made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem after graduating from high school. She gained further fame for her performance in Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” music video and joined the prestigious Boston Ballet as a second soloist in 2021. At just 17, she also appeared on *Dancing with the Stars*.

In addition to her artistry, DePrince was a dedicated humanitarian, advocating for children impacted by conflict and violence. Her spokesperson emphasized that her life “was defined by grace, purpose, and strength,” and that her spirit “inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond.”

Her family concluded, “Michaela stood as a beacon of hope, showing that beauty and greatness can rise from even the darkest of places.”