Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was Michaela DePrince's birth name?
What was Michaela DePrince's birth name?
During her time in the orphanage, what number was Michaela DePrince assigned?
During her time in the orphanage, what number was Michaela DePrince assigned?
What condition did Michaela DePrince suffer from that impacted her time in the orphanage?
What condition did Michaela DePrince suffer from that impacted her time in the orphanage?
What was the significance of the discarded magazine Michaela found?
What was the significance of the discarded magazine Michaela found?
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How did the 'Aunties' at the orphanage view Michaela DePrince?
How did the 'Aunties' at the orphanage view Michaela DePrince?
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What did Michaela DePrince initially believe when she learned about her mat-mate being adopted?
What did Michaela DePrince initially believe when she learned about her mat-mate being adopted?
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Which activity did Michaela engage in repeatedly after being adopted?
Which activity did Michaela engage in repeatedly after being adopted?
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How did Michaela DePrince feel about her skin condition while dancing?
How did Michaela DePrince feel about her skin condition while dancing?
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What was a significant moment for Michaela regarding her skin condition?
What was a significant moment for Michaela regarding her skin condition?
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What challenges did Michaela face as a black ballet dancer in the US?
What challenges did Michaela face as a black ballet dancer in the US?
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Study Notes
Sierra Leone Civil War and Michaela DePrince's Background
- Sierra Leone experienced a brutal civil war from 1991 to 2002, resulting in widespread violence and loss of life.
- Many families were affected, with a significant number of children becoming "war orphans" after losing their parents.
- Michaela DePrince, born Mabinty in 1995, is one such orphan, who faced extreme adversity following the loss of her parents during the conflict.
Life in the Orphanage
- DePrince was placed in an orphanage where she was assigned a number, ranking from 1 to 27, reflecting favor among caretakers.
- She was labeled as number 27 due to her vitiligo, viewed negatively by the orphanage staff as a sign of evil.
- Despite mistreatment, DePrince bonded with another girl, also named Mabinty, who supported her during difficult times.
Discovering Ballet
- A pivotal moment came when DePrince found a magazine image of a ballet dancer in a beautiful pink tutu, inspiring her dream of becoming a ballerina.
- She kept the image as a source of hope and aspiration, symbolizing beauty and love absent in her life.
Adoption by Elaine DePrince
- During an evacuation to a refugee camp due to bomb threats, DePrince learned her friend was to be adopted by an American.
- Elaine DePrince, after learning about Michaela's situation, decided to adopt both Mabinty and Michaela, changing the course of their lives.
- Michaela was initially distracted by her fascination with ballet and pointe shoes, indicating her deep interest in the art form.
Journey to Ballet
- Elaine recognized Michaela's passion for ballet and enrolled her at the Rock School of Dance in Philadelphia.
- Michaela faced challenges with self-consciousness about her vitiligo, initially covering up while dancing.
- A turning point occurred when a teacher reassured her that her dancing abilities, rather than her appearance, were what mattered.
Challenges as a Black Ballerina
- DePrince addresses the struggle of being a black ballet dancer in a predominantly white field, highlighting the obstacles she continues to face in her career.
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Description
This quiz explores the life of Michaela DePrince, a war orphan from Sierra Leone, and her journey from adversity to becoming a ballet dancer. Learn about the impact of the Sierra Leone Civil War on children and how DePrince's dreams were shaped by her experiences in an orphanage. Join us in understanding the strength of the human spirit amidst hardship.
