I used to have to sleep with the light on. Like, I was just terrified that if I turned it off, when I would wake up, I would be in the orphanage again. — Michaela DePrince Copy Share Image
I remember the first two, three years in the U.S., I kept thinking, 'I'm going to wake up. I'm going to be back in Sierra Leone.' That's what really scared me. — Michaela DePrince Copy Share Image
I know it is easier said than done, but you have to find a way to surround yourself with positivity. — Michaela DePrince Copy Share Image
What I love most about ballet is being able to express my emotions through dance, and to be able to bring others joy through… — Michaela DePrince Copy Share Image
No matter what people tell you, you should focus on your goals and you should do what you want to do, especially if you… — Michaela DePrince Copy Share Image
I didn't really think I would ever make it out of Africa. I dreamt about it, but I didn't think it would happen. — Michaela DePrince Copy Share Image
There is no way that anyone could experience a war and witness all the horror that it brings without gaining a greater respect for… — Michaela DePrince Copy Share Image
I've always wanted to prove people wrong, and that's what drives me. I've been like that since Sierra Leone, when everyone said, 'Nobody is… — Michaela DePrince Copy Share Image
No matter how much talent and drive I had, I know that I could not have made it without the parents who adopted me… — Michaela DePrince Copy Share Image
The thing is for me, I've accepted the way I look and I don't think what anybody says is gonna change what I think… — Michaela DePrince Copy Share Image
Studying ballet is an expensive endeavor. I know I could never have done it without the generosity and sacrifice of my parents, but not… — Michaela DePrince Copy Share Image
Dancing has changed my life. It gave me hope and helped me to deal with my anger about all the things that have happened… — Michaela DePrince Copy Share Image
I want to change the way people look at black ballerinas and how they think about adoption. I want to become a role model… — Michaela DePrince Copy Share Image
