The ballet dancer who fought to wear brown tights | Michaela DePrince | Rebels | BBC Sport

Michaela's passion for ballet was discovered as a war orphan in Sierra Leone when she saw a ballet dancer on the front of a magazine. This gave her hope for a better life and after being adopted by American parents her dream was made a reality. As one of the only professional black ballet dancers, she is fighting for change so that more young black women are inspired to follow in her footsteps.
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From war orphan to ballet legend | Michaela DePrince | Rebels | BBC Sport

[@robinafrica3456]

I trained for 16yrs but it’s been 30yrs since I’ve danced!!🩰 I remember dying my pointe shoes dark brown to match my skin tone. I was told when I was dancing that I didn’t have the typical Black girl body and I excelled in ballet.

[@tw9576]

She shines like a jewel onstage

[@MsMozette]

Keep dancing. You're amazing and such a fantastic role model.

[@rosanerio2]

Oh! She is soo wonderful!! I can`t imagine the struggles that she`s been through as a LOVER OF BALLET, as a Balerina, as a person!! I felt sick hearing that people would say horrible words to her just because of the colour of the skin...sad...BUT, waht a soul!! Proved everyone wrong!! You are an INSPIRATION, Michaela!! God bless you!!

[@vf9322]

She is amazing! Every time I listen to her I get emotional. God bless her and her family!

[@stephaniemoura8354]

She certainly is not a typical ballerina, and what the hell is wrong with this? She's amazing. I've heard about her in Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls, and asap I looked for her dancing. Seriously, wth is wrong with the world to judge her dancing just because of her color? By the way, brown tights are really beautiful.

[@mb-hn1pq]

you fight girl, absolutely awesome achievement!! God only knows your strength. Congratulations 🙏

[@MrGloryglorymanutd18]

She is fantastic and very beautiful.

[@emilysleightholme2404]

I discovered her when her biography, 'hope in a ballet shoe', jumped out at me at the book shop, and I read it as soon as I got home in one sitting - couldn't put it down! Highly recommend

[@skyeoak683]

May I just say how absolutely beautiful those tights look ❤️

[@1088RIL]

She is an amazing ballerina but also a very smart woman with a gift for words. I admire her tremendously. Keep on going!

[@luisecawthorne1025]

So wonderful that there is someone who feels that dance is expression of her heart. Beautiful artist

[@matrixcolor]

Ive watched a few documentaries about the struggle black dancers have gone through over the years. This is sad and wrong that they have had to fight hard to have a place among the ballet community. These dancers are phenomenal and deserve to have the same chance as anyone else. Michaela is amazing!!

[@djbaggyeraareyggabjd1087]

If this wasn’t recorded for our viewing people would never know what Michaela went through as a black woman in ballet. Well done Michaela ✊🏿

[@nampijjanazifah6358]

Thank you for proving them wrong. It's not the the body type its passion and determination.

[@craftyjoy9410]

You are a beautiful woman and Ballerina! I’m so proud of you you that you didn’t give up! The tough times you terrible but you seem like you used that to push yourself through to get yourself where you’re at today!

[@stephaniemullen448]

A seed was planted in you and I'm glad you didn't let no one or nothing stop you keep on growing into the beautiful person that you where made to be inside and out 💖

[@jewelmathews1444]

The brown does look so much better, she is right! The line looks better! One day i have hope that humans will evolve & race will not be an issue! We can improve & be better. And young people like her lead the way! She is such an inspiration!

[@luvSA511]

You deserve every bit of happiness..

[@halseylaiz]

This is one of my favorite stories. Keep inspiring!! 💜💜💜💜