Taking Flight

1. From War Orphan to Aspiring Ballerina: Michaela's Journey Begins

"I stood in the wings, dressed in a lush black tutu embellished with black feathers and blood-red flowers. A silver tiara studded with crystal rhinestones crowns my hair, which is pulled tightly back in a thick bun."

Early life in Sierra Leone. Born as Mabinty Bangura in war-torn Sierra Leone, Michaela faced numerous challenges from birth. She was born with vitiligo, a skin condition that made her an outcast in her village. The civil war in Sierra Leone brought violence and tragedy to her life, including the loss of her parents.

Discovery of ballet. Amidst the chaos and hardship of life in an orphanage, Michaela discovered a magazine featuring a ballerina. This image became a symbol of hope and inspiration, igniting her dream to become a dancer. Despite the harsh conditions and limited resources, Michaela's passion for dance began to take root.

Key challenges:

• Born with vitiligo, causing social isolation
• Loss of parents due to civil war
• Life in an orphanage with limited resources
• Exposure to violence and trauma

2. Adoption and New Beginnings in America

"I stood outside of my ballet class crying quietly because I didn't want anyone to notice me. We had auditioned for the summer ballet intensive program the week before, and I had skipped a level. A group of mothers went to the director to complain about my placement."

Adapting to a new life. Adopted by the DePrince family, Michaela and her best friend from the orphanage, Mia, began a new life in the United States. The transition brought both excitement and challenges as they adjusted to a new culture, family, and opportunities.

Introduction to formal ballet training. In America, Michaela finally had the chance to pursue her dream of becoming a ballerina. She began taking dance classes and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication. However, she also faced new obstacles, including racial prejudice and intense competition in the ballet world.

Major changes:

• Adoption by an American family
• Access to formal ballet training
• Exposure to new cultural norms and expectations
• Dealing with racial prejudice in a new context

3. Overcoming Racial Barriers in Ballet

"I began to question whether my skin color would prevent me from becoming a ballet dancer. My self-doubts grew when I heard what people said about black ballerinas."

Confronting stereotypes. Michaela encountered numerous instances of racial prejudice in the ballet world. She faced comments about black dancers being "too athletic" or not suitable for classical ballet. These experiences forced her to confront and overcome both external prejudices and her own self-doubts.

Breaking barriers. Despite the challenges, Michaela persevered and began to make a name for herself in the ballet world. Her talent, dedication, and unique perspective as a black ballerina helped her stand out and challenge long-standing stereotypes in the industry.

Forms of prejudice encountered:

• Comments about black dancers' physiques
• Assumptions about suitability for classical ballet
• Limited representation of black ballerinas in major companies
• Pressure to conform to traditional ballet aesthetics

4. The Pursuit of Excellence: Training and Competitions

"I won the Hope Award in Philadelphia that year. It was the top honor for dancers in my age division."

Rigorous training. Michaela's journey to becoming a professional ballerina involved intense training and dedication. She attended prestigious ballet schools, including the Rock School for Dance Education and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre (ABT).

Competitions and recognition. Michaela participated in numerous ballet competitions, most notably the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). Her performances at these events earned her recognition, awards, and scholarships, furthering her career and opening new opportunities.

Key milestones:

• Winning the Hope Award at YAGP
• Earning scholarships to prestigious ballet schools
• Mastering challenging variations and roles
• Balancing intense training with academic studies

5. Family Support and Personal Growth

"As lost as I was without my ballet school, good things did happen as a result of my injury. I actually began to grow closer to Mia again."

Family dynamics. The DePrince family played a crucial role in Michaela's development as a dancer and as a person. Their support, sacrifices, and encouragement helped her pursue her dreams. However, the journey also involved challenges in maintaining relationships with her siblings and adapting to life away from home.

Personal development. As Michaela progressed in her ballet career, she also experienced significant personal growth. She learned to overcome fears, develop resilience, and balance her passion for dance with other aspects of her life.

Areas of growth:

• Strengthening family relationships
• Overcoming childhood traumas and fears
• Developing emotional maturity and resilience
• Balancing personal life with professional ambitions

6. Rising to Stardom: First Position and Beyond

"Tears poured down my face as I watched it for the first time. I wasn't crying over the telling of my story or my memories of painfully dancing through my injury or of being awarded my scholarship. I was crying because I was overwhelmed by emotion for what I sensed the film had unleashed."

Documentary impact. The release of the documentary First Position catapulted Michaela into the spotlight. The film showcased her journey from war orphan to aspiring ballerina, touching audiences worldwide and bringing attention to her talent and story.

Professional opportunities. Following the documentary's success, Michaela received numerous invitations for interviews, performances, and professional engagements. This exposure helped launch her professional career and provided a platform for her to inspire others.

Outcomes of First Position:

• Increased media attention and public recognition
• Invitations to perform and speak internationally
• Opportunities to challenge racial stereotypes in ballet
• Platform to inspire young dancers and share her story

7. Returning to Africa: Coming Full Circle

"Despite my sister's reassurances, I was jittery and nervous at four-thirty in the morning, the time I left for the airport. I hadn't even gotten on my plane yet when I called my mother to tell her that I missed her."

Professional debut in South Africa. Michaela's journey came full circle when she was invited to perform with the South African Mzansi Ballet. This opportunity marked her professional debut and allowed her to return to Africa as an accomplished ballerina.

Emotional impact. Returning to Africa stirred complex emotions for Michaela. She faced her fears and memories of her early childhood while embracing the opportunity to inspire and connect with African audiences. The experience reinforced her desire to give back and make a difference in her birth continent.

Significant aspects of the return:

• Professional debut as Gulnare in Le Corsaire
• Confronting childhood fears and memories
• Connecting with African audiences and young dancers
• Developing plans to support arts education in Africa

Last updated: December 18, 2024