Ballerina Michaela DePrince’s Remarkable Journey | Megyn Kelly | NBC News

[@m8trxd]

"I really don't have a problem with spots, after dealing with AIDS." OMG the fierceness in that woman's eyes as she said that. What a strange, beautiful and completely nonsensical world we live in.

[@ifym5455]

Her comment caught my attention and resonated with me as well; the way she said it was like the side eye to those who would not adopt this talented young girl based on stupid reasons compared to her losing three children from a deadly disease.

[@puertadoor8738]

How profound!

[@peacebestill662]

This world so evil but thank God for the light we do have in some good hearted people!

[@susanstorm7910]

Can she adopt me?

[@mangosandpineapples4301]

@@susanstorm7910 you can adopt yourself.

[@meikoblock]

I cant believe Michaela, Mia and her mother all went through so much pain until they all finally met each other.

[@snickerdoodle212]

Yes!! Great point!

[@Ontheroxxwithsalt]

I wonder if somewhere, somehow Michaela's birth parents took in the three boys who passed away and now they, too, are a family?

[@catcar8212]

I believe Heaven is a haven. What is impossible here is imaginable, and probable there......

[@dIANne0613]

Mom called the spots pixie dust 😭 #parentgoals

[@mxar2074]

That'd make a really great movie tbh. Very inspirational.

[@nicolejarel5953]

mana_narie x she was in First point in 2011, it's on Netflix; along with many other dancers. Her whole story is on it.

[@mxar2074]

Nicole Jarel oh cool, I'm definitely gonna check it out

[@ilovefacebookandebay]

The film is called First Position.

[@danceballetacro]

Yes I completely agree

[@bungarin4041]

I dont wanna see the teacher's got cut open tho...

[@wr5978]

Michaela's story should be published🌟 Keep shinning bright 🌞

[@violetwade8903]

Qwen R it is

[@jaeyrl]

IT Iᔕ, ᕼEᖇ ᗷOOK Iᔕ ᑕᗩᒪᒪEᗪ "TᗩKIᑎG ᖴᒪIGᕼT"

[@LisaMichele]

She wrote an autobiography and it's really wonderful

[@yulisa5670]

Qwen R it already published

[@LRoos-pf9qk]

Qwen R A

[@stickerlady1774]

“I don’t have a problem with spots after dealing with aids.”🧚🏾‍♀️ Ah, perspective!

[@dreamsatsea]

Michaela is also incredibly graceful... just like the ballerina on the magazine she cherishes. Grace and strength... a formidable combination!

[@Littlething41]

I wonder if that Ballerina is still alive and if they've met? I wonder if she even knows she inspired this story!

[@boblowney]

and this woman who adopted Michaela is a saint of course. People who are moral, good, no, wonderful, and very matter of fact about it all in that they have no idea of who they are. Of course I would adopt this girl, why wouldn't I?

[@deaniawise8615]

Bob Lowney That's because you know her story

[@speakintothemicb]

Deania Wise Exactly!

[@torristamps9711]

The most high is the saint

[@lisabenn8190]

That for me is gold because it takes an incredibly strong, caring WHITE person to adopt a black child because of the racial prejudice they will have to face.

[@hopehope2656]

thank God for that mother that love children.....share her love of true gift......God Bless Michaela and her family......

[@arminhanik4207]

It was that 'god' that killed her parents and her teacher. It was that 'god' that killed the sons of her adoptive mother. Bit selective in your god-praise, ne?

[@happybabyblue27]

Armin Hanik but think about it, if those circumstances didn’t occur she wouldn’t be where she is today. If her parents didn’t die she’d still be in Africa afraid for her life in poverty and definitely not being a ballerina. If her mothers sons hadn’t passed away she wouldn’t have wanted to adopt more children let alone in Africa. Everything happens for a reason

[@Iahaon]

You go girl!!!she's going to be such a good role model to little girls of all colors and ages heck she's one to me and I'm 32!

[@teresaguzman9167]

Noked Johnson Me too!!!!

[@jaynata7301]

Noked Johnson You Are Right

[@music4dance837]

I know she's an inspiration for me! She's such a good dancer and if she can get where she is after all she's been through, I can get where I want to be.

[@zakmik2341]

white people already doing that for all races , even black ppl love what white ballerinas are doing

[@zakmik2341]

black woman is inspired by white ballerinas

[@SmittenKitten.]

I remember seeing her in a documentary about ballet, I can't recall which one, but she stood out in it because of her beauty and passion. So glad to see she's still dancing and flourishing, and for bringing beauty to the world.

[@chelseaa3723]

SmittenKitten First Position !!

[@TheMorganVEVO]

First Position. I love that film. ☺️

[@SmittenKitten.]

Yes!! First Position! I love that documentary, too!

[@reubenoreilly7513]

First Position! I just found out about her just now! I’m so proud of her and I love that she has succeeded!

[@bernadettehoward2561]

The doc was called Strike a Pose she is in

[@tremurder2743]

I would luv 2 c a movie about her from war torn Africa,to bein adopted and becoming a famous ballet dancer...

[@twinkitten1]

tracy clement I second that

[@goldennugget2746]

tracy clement she wrote a book about herself and her life

[@julieontology7214]

This would make a fabulous movie as long as they hire an actual, dark-skinned ballet dancer and not some famous person who had two months of ballet when they were four years old! Great idea!!

[@londonmack9611]

The ballerina battle That’s should be the tittle

[@tns9802]

After dealing with AIDS a few spots were not a problem : beautiful soul. May the Lord abundantly bless you!!!

[@shante6855]

If you ask me, Beyoncé should be honored to collaborate with Michaela, not the other way around. Her mom is a wonderful woman! Michaela is extraordinarily beautiful inside out! Believing in ones self is key to living life. So sorry she endured so much hurt.

[@newnaturel137]

I'm thinking motion picture about her life. Who agrees?

[@potatoon2967]

She wrote a book on her life, "hope in a ballet shoe". Lovely book, I would consider reading it.

[@violetjones649]

I mean, or just a documentary lmao

[@pau1057]

yeeees

[@erinmckenzie4666]

Potatoon I read that I'm a young dancer and she is such an inspiration to me I cried at her story

[@sociallyactive8094]

Yessssss!

[@hadarahbatyah]

Oh my mercy. I was balling the whole entire story 😢 makes me want to adopt.

[@chinwenduibe6665]

Hadarah BatYah me too

[@raqssharqi30]

Hadarah BatYah that’s what I was thinking. I’m 37 yr old black woman and I don’t have any kids and now I’m thinking I should probably adopt. She is very inspiring, she makes me want to be a better version of myself.

[@alystee1]

Hadarah BatYah yes achoti, they need us to to be sisters and mommas

[@flxttercorn604]

Hahha! Same... or even work at an orphanage.

[@Tojoj22]

Hadarah BatYah - sis I never cry but I did

[@LisaMichele]

Such a beautiful and touching story. I read her autobiography... its incredibly good, I would recommend it highly to anyone!

[@pineapplecakec7100]

LA Fresh Life same I loved it and I read it over and over again this is such an inspiring story

[@mzdimplz93]

Whats the book called i need to buy it!!

[@MomTheEbayer101]

What’s the title of the Book?

[@nosbigem]

Thank you. I will read it.

[@sherrisolomon8673]

You know I'm about to about SICK of these Gaddamn Self hating Black folks throughout the world treating their own like Sh#t but will go out of their way to make sure all these all cultures of Caucasions (not just Europeans) people are comfortable when they come around.

[@patriciaburke2401]

Wishing Michaela continued success. Young people everywhere should hear her story and be inspired to be brace, hold onto your dreams and know that God is on your side! May God bless her and her Mom. Her birth Mom and her beloved teacher are surely smiling down on her from heaven

[@kathymyers7279]

Patricia Burke her BIRTH MOTHER? NOT ONE WORD ABOUT THE WHITE COUPLE WHO ADOPTED HER LOVED HER TO HEALTH AND PAID FOR ALL OF HER TRAINING AND WERE HER ANGELS. NOW SHE'S THE BIG HERO. NO. THE ADOPTIVE PARENTS WERE.

[@bab1292]

Kathy Myers her birth mom passed which is more than likely why that comment mentioned her.

[@danceballetacro]

Agreed

[@MRAAng-on2jg]

Came to the comments years later and I’m disgusted by Kathy’s comment. Michaela’s birth mother is definitely smiling down on her from heaven!! And whilst I think her adoptive parents are such wonderful individuals and parents to Michaela, the comment Kathy made reeks of a white saviour complex narrative, it’s gross.

[@tammi67able]

Beautiful girls! The mother is an angel on earth, I'm so glad she had so much love to gv to two wonderful girls! God bless them all!

[@bitterklinger8160]

She did it with the love of her husband as well.

[@happypolkadots7544]

I literally broke down in floods of tears when Micaela recounted the horrific childhood traumas. Gosh I felt that! I wish her and Mia the very best life could offer, their mom did a terrific job raising them ❤️

[@nanakonadu-]

I'm just wiping off my tears

[@AlishaNic]

I'm literally sobbing from hearing her tell her story. Lupita Nyongo needs to play her in a film. This woman is truly remarkable.

[@andresfelipe619]

She will always be one of my favorite performers in the world because of her determination and work ethic. May she forever have success and praise for the incredible woman that she is.

[@Lara-fn9td]

My goodness is she gorgeous! Beautiful dancer, beautiful person.

[@kualumpurzagreb3408]

She is a beautiful human being. Full of courage. And an amazing Dancer !! Her story transcends all Boundaries. A true embodiment of the strength of the Human spirit. An inspiration to everyone everywhere !!

[@savagetwin52]

I am so touched by this young woman's journey from unimaginable pain of childhood to stellar achievement. Only by amazing grace and love of her adopted mother who supported her unflinching determination to realize a dream so many think impossible. She never thought she could NOT dance her way. b

[@naomideguyane]

For Michaela with admiration : “Dance, when you're broken open. Dance, if you've torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you're perfectly free.” ― Jalaluddin Mevlana Rumi

[@savagetwin52]

Denise Brutus You done made me cry. How beautiful! TU!

[@naomideguyane]

Hugs to you Rosetta & have a happy & healthy New Year!

[@divox9pqr]

I must tell you this young ladies story has moved me greatly....I'm a 68 yr old man, and tears of joy are running down my face as if this child was mine. Great is the accomplishment she has made. Great is the Lord.

[@lindamartial6348]

Her adopted mom is so sweet

[@Oxygen257]

It is absolutely unbelievable, just unfathomable, the evil that people do to each other in the name of war. Thank God, there is a balance where there are good people like Michaela’s mom and dad who saved her life and supported her to a dream come true.

[@arielsmith7699]

This is one of the best things I've seen in awhile. I love that it's the whole story and not just part of it. This is amazing.

[@Missab4000]

I remember her from that documentary First Position!! I'm so happy for her! ❤️

[@danceballetacro]

She was accepted into abt

[@jodimatthews2755]

Me too!

[@JSSteele1]

Thank you. I couldn't remember what it was called. I kept looking at her and asking myself is that the girl who asked her mom if her spots could be seen. Then she came on the screen and mentioned that exact quote.

[@Jayjen35]

danceballetacro Was she? Isn't she dancing with Dutch National Ballet now? She joined as an apprentice. Then she had a lot ofbprincipal roles at the company. And then she was promoted grand sujet for the 2016-17 season. She was at the school at abt but she was never a member.

[@rachellabonair4398]

My dance teacher was in that movie too!

[@bri-yv6dr]

I can’t imagine how she felt as kid in that place . People are so cruel in this world , it’s just a shame . I’m so proud of this girl wow , she’s such a strong person . Now this is an example of a role model .

[@mlh-w463]

Mello Bri I agree!!!!

[@MomTheEbayer101]

What a beautiful mommy & Daddy! I love them!!!❤️😘❤️

[@CJ-mn6iw]

Love her. What a tremendous story. My jaw literally dropped a couple of times. Beautiful young lady both inside and out.

[@LEGACYofChristFullMinistries]

Same here.my daddy use to hate me so much because of I’m left handed. It’s unusual in Africa specially for girls.also he used to tell me you never going to Married. no one will ever want you. After I come to United States I seen lot of people left-handed and I was so happy thought that I never get to married . Well I got happily married and three beautiful children.

[@Ontheroxxwithsalt]

Of course you did. In America we say there is someone out there for EVERYONE.

[@Ettenyl56jioni]

I am just soooo happy for her. This story does me more good than anything else I can think of today! Michaela is a precious gem that only needed to be polished. Now she sparkles so brightly, who can resist just loving her glow!

[@AsteriETERNAL]

Of course, she was determined! After losing everything she had nothing left to lose. The only way to go from bottom is *up* !

[@omadjourney]

I love those words as I'm about to leave my bottom and the only way is up.

[@AsteriETERNAL]

+Term-B Phillip You *can* do it! Trust your intuition! ;-)

[@omadjourney]

Thanks love.

[@AsteriETERNAL]

♥️

[@crystalball5555]

Asteri ETERNAL ARE YOU STILL AT THE BOTTOM. BECAUSE YOU SOUND DISSAPPOINTED?

[@lindamartial6348]

Bless her adopted mom and dad who kept these two girls together

[@joannsilvia9712]

Linda Martial I truly believe that God sent her adoptive parents to rescue these two beautiful girls. God bless this family.

[@kimberlysmith8299]

Angels truly walk among us...Momma what fine daughters you raised...

[@sandrafox555]

Amazing mom, if only we were all so fortunate.

[@martiegallego4237]

She is a beautiful young Lady!!! I have followed her for some time and am in awe of this talented , gorgeous and kind Young Lady.. The things that she has seen and experienced in her short life is mind boggling!!! What a story!!! Some of our young people should take lessons from her!!! I will continue to sing her praises, and wish all her dreams come true!! Luv Ya !!!

[@TheDancePlace]

Michaela and Mia DePrince were my students when they first came to the states in Cherry Hill. I will never forget the light and determination Michaela had at such a young age, her passion and strength was unstoppable! I am so proud that she never stopped fighting for her dreams. Michaela and Mia you are both so special and the world is lucky to have you! XOXO- Miss Miana

[@calisongbird]

Her story always makes me cry. She's amazing. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Pieisforme]

I sobbed after seeing the pictures of them with pizza. They look so happy 😭

[@jo_verabradleyfan4743]

Pieisforme That picture got to me too. 😢

[@TXejas19]

Pieisforme same

[@valentinaqueenofthevalkyri3128]

Me too :) looking at her before pics at the orphanage made me start ballin my eyes out. I couldn't even imagine what them little girls went through.. so happy they both finally made it out alive, healthy and happy!!!

[@kaylaingraham9038]

What a beautiful, strong and elegant woman. I am in awe of how persistent and driven this individual consistently is and how truly humbling her presence and story is. Thank you so much for sharing with the world and being so venerable and raw in doing so, I am so happy that my daughter is growing up with acsess to information about such a powerful woman as you Michaela. YOU ARE AMAZING !!!

[@IOU88]

Red Rum she is a wonderful woman. Plain and simple we need more people like that.

[@meghankelley9994]

Please turn this in to a movie please

[@btbfree]

Meghan Kelley exactly this is the kind of movie I'll pay the movie house ticket without complaining

[@janayalaude8663]

Tears of joy...God will continue to give you strength.

[@shekinahservices]

This story, I'm crying. Beautiful mother and daughters 💗

[@MrQbenDanny]

BRAVA!!! You are a wonderful BALLERINA!!!!

[@WeShareTheSameAffliction]

She's so pretty 😍😍😍

[@iamimana]

ikr

[@bettywilson3370]

Watching this story I could not stop crying and cheering all at the same time!

[@kaceyhamsher9750]

I am a competitive dancer, and I read Michaela’s book maybe ten months ago, and I was so touched. Before that, I watched “First Position.” I hope she continues her success!

[@shhhh6174]

I’ve met and spoken with this woman. I’ve taken class with this woman. She is the kindest and most inspiring person I have ever met. She inspired me to go after my dreams and keep fighting to get and keep women of color in the ballet world. This representation means everything.

[@Melanin_Move]

That woman is a big blessing that helped those beautiful girls blossom into bigger blessings too. Can hug that mom myself. Look at how God works🤧😢. Man what a beautiful family and story😢🤗. Well stars can spot out stars.

[@Thefouroceans101]

my parents knew her they escaped the war as well my mother always wanted to be a dancer but she made me one instead

[@Oxygen257]

Hope you are making her proud. But then again, if dancing is what YOU want to do.

[@pnojazz]

I'm so moved! I wanted to hear more. What drive! All the best to Michaela. The greatest thank you to her adoption Mom and Dad for providing a loving home to both Michaela and her sister.

[@horseygurl143]

Exactly!

[@marisanm8]

I have followed Michaela since I saw First Position in theatres back in 2012. She is an inspirations not only to dancers but to all. I hope to see you perform one day Michaela.

[@awang557]

The DePrince's are the real angels.

[@Zinlue]

Seen this story so many times and it’s always heart warming ! She deserves every bit of success she’s getting ❤️🙏🏾

[@mjamitche5245]

OMG I'm in tears! Thanks for covering this story and uploading.

[@kaylajones4356]

Love her story. Love you Michaela

[@Sara-vn2kz]

I see a like button, but I need a love button on this video! She's so inspiring! We need more stories like this and less stories about Nazis.

[@yasmine5105]

She is beautiful,both young ladies are beautiful. Every time she looks in to the mirror she should know that her parents are there. Wow! What a monster that teacher was to tell her such a thing. A nasty monster. And what great parents who adopted them are a blessing.

[@Rooted991]

Happy tears of joy. You're living my life long dream. I was was so determined that I wrote the ballet company. I enclosed 4 of my report cards proving that I work hard and asked for a chance to attend classes with the ballet company. I never heard back from the ballet company. At that time the very idea of a Black ballerina was unrealistic to some. I simply believed that if I were given the opportunity they would see that I was born to dance. Listening to your story, you have no idea how proud I am of you . Continue to excel and live your dreams!

[@wetukabisa217]

An excellent success story. Thanks to this wonderful woman who made it possible for the two orphans to achieve their dreams. I wish you all God 's blessings.

[@horseygurl143]

Literally one of the greatest stories ever told! And she's such a lovely ballerina!

[@reneezaia]

Such a compelling story of courage, perseverance, love and compassion. Her inner and outer beauty is amazing. I'm feeling so inspired and moved.

[@meveratt4024]

Okay never complaining again.

[@Maz-zb9uf]

Everyone story is different what she has been though is not hard than what you been though it's just everyone journey different .

[@amarantineevol4192]

When I was a girl my parents bought me a black barbie ballerina doll..it was the only Barbie I ever owned but was one of my favorites. This girl brought back that memory to me... and now as an adult I see what my parents were trying to instill in me at a time when everyone would rush for white dolls.. I only prob ever owned onr white doll...this whole video has me in tears...#life

[@mouna3242]

Michalea life is a testimony. God bless her. Talent truly comes from hard work, and passion.

[@Christina_320]

Wow, I stumbled on this video, this is so deep and inspiring! ❤️

[@Jerusalem23]

my face is wet from tears. what a wonderful story. God bless her adopted mother. This lady saved her and her friend.

[@shelli-ann9369]

I was 'scared' to click on this link thinking I would read a lot of racist and ignorant comments about her being a black ballerina, but I am pleasantly surprised 😀

[@gissellept]

Shelli-Ann same girl, everytime A person of color does something amazing there is always people there to complain. I was so happy to see people being supportive towards her.

[@blah7983]

People don’t always like Misty, but it’s mostly because she puts so much emphasis on her race when a lot of it was her build, and she isn’t a typical dancer technique wise. She tried to change the game not herself (style, not appearance) when changing yourself is at the corps of ballet. Michaela is amazing, so is Precious Adams (arguably better than Michaela). People assume that just because people don’t all like Missy they are racist

[@veranielalunebleue6705]

Her mouth,Kerry Washington. Her whole face,Lupita😊

[@monember2722]

Et ouais thats what i thought.

[@barbie5154]

I did too! I'm so bad with faces that I didn't want to mention!

[@theresefrancis9283]

Honestly, my first thought when I saw her 'spots' was how pretty they looked.

[@drmilfort]

like the universe with stars and planets and galaxies

[@laurice8056]

Therese Francis, what spots? You’re looking at her Pixie Dust! 😍

[@laurahuynh8333]

Exactly!

[@jonahwilliams4966]

I remember seeing her perform as a guest on Dancing with the Stars. She's something special

[@mlh-w463]

I can't respond I don't know how to, I don't know what to say except this has touched me in a way I cannot explain. I have a granddaughter who's 16 that I cherish and love with all my heart . thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You bring love and determination from a totally different place a good place a special place . God bless, a princess with dots of "LOVE".

[@simplyart24]

what a remarkable story, go my fellow sierra leonian.

[@emanuellancecruz3028]

This is so inspiring!

[@keyapitts]

Blessings to the lady who looked beyond the color of the skin and the flaws and gave these girls a chance at life. May God Bless her and the young ladies.

[@gwendolynsheperd9011]

Oh gosh I cried😭😭😭she dances amazingly, I love her story😭

[@AbiaSaloise]

this left my eyes teary. this adoptive mother inspired me

[@racheloshaksmusic]

Such a painful story makes me feel so grateful and want to work hard

[@Littlething41]

Tears for days man! What an awesome story! I love that #26 & #27 rose above and are STILL best friends and sisters for life! I guess those weren't such bad numbers after all! Hmp!

[@Ontheroxxwithsalt]

It seems #26 and #27 are LUCKY numbers after all.

[@brandyspain7125]

Congrats to this woman. I remember seeing her in the doc, "First Position" 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@WilliamGriffinCellsToCells]

God sends angels with love and color is no barrier. I love stories like this! Sharing this story to show that God's love comes in any color! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TXejas19]

They are both gorgeous

[@baoma.tsesane1742]

this is truly inspiring. As a young black female ballet dancer in a predominantly Caucasian industry,it's extremely tough to stay consistent and open-minded to succeeding. There's many times where I'm often looked down upon and criticised on my weight as well. But this,has shown me a whole different light. I thank moguls like Michaela and Misty Copeland for paving the way for youngins such as myself.

[@brolybroly4485]

wakanda is not a real nation

[@dandygirl6]

what an incredible woman, and such a wonderful dancer!

[@AmberU]

So inspiring!

[@thethemichaelcheung]

Go girl! Your story is inspiring.

[@larrymoonlight2786]

She's so beautiful.

[@antwon5439]

this is an amazing story

[@allthingsequineblog9941]

She is so inspiring. I'm doing a project on strong female women who overcame big challenges and I will definitely choose to write about her. She's incredible.

[@filmtressmu8552]

In my college Library I saw this magazine with a Black Ballerina and Immediately pulled out my camera and took a photo of her. Beautiful inspirational story. She gorgeous, poised. Wow. Now I want to adopt. I see it's Micheala!

[@rosalbahamer994]

What an amazing adoptive mom n child.

[@mitchellwhite9920]

God was always watching you michaela because he wanted you to be strong enough to deal with the challenges associated with 'any' truly creative artist,especially those NOT from wealthy backgrounds that owe thier success to the fortunes in the family. Bravo! But equally important is shown in the fortitude and COMPASSION that came from her adopted family. Her mom is truly a saint that demonstrates what every child would like..a MOTHER that cares and be willing to take that extra step. Both of these women are so blessed to have found each other. Just as michela was so fortunate to have a supportive sister that was there for the bad times and good times.

[@mayablac]

i cried. this was so touching

[@jeanettedawson8500]

Wow, such a touching story. God bless your mom and family for their love and charity. He blessed that with one who soars and flies like an eagle. More blessings and much love for shining brightly in our world. Onward and upward.

[@NaturallyIntuned]

Wow... I love this young lady! What a strong young woman. And Gorgeous may I add!!!!!!

[@psalms2327]

I admire the perseverance that this young woman, Makala has, in all that she has gone through in her life. May she continue to shine. May God continue to bless her life. I'm sorry that her parents are not alive to see her accomplishments. I am also happy to know that she has a best friend that share her struggles and they are there to support one another.

[@linda9389]

A movie of her life would be so wonderful, she is a Beautifully Talented young lady, I am so proud of all her accomplishments. Greater is coming in her life