Great ballet story: from Sierra Leone to the US
This young woman has seen enough upheaval to last ten lifetimes, and yet what a triumphant story. I don’t know about you, but it brings tears to my eyes:
And here’s her autobiography. I haven’t read it, but the Amazon reviewers like it. It appears to be geared to preteens and teenagers.
Which reminds me: Christmas and Chanukah coming! Amazon portal! Buy! (You’ll hear that again before the holidays are through.)
What an inspiring young woman. Thanks for sharing.
I first learned about Michaela via the documentary, First Position: http://www.balletdocumentary.com/ How nice to see that she is living her dream.
Max Ehrmann: “With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.” Michaela is living proof!
She had been through a lot, and thank goodness she made it out of hell.
I do think her mother is quite probably “full of it” because I find it extremely hard to believe that in 2003 ANY one told her, “America’s not ready for a black ballet dancer.” Lauren Anderson is MY age–she made prima EONS before 2003. Tai Jimenez is only seven years younger.
I know it is not an exact comparison, but her life in the orphanage sounded more like life in a gulag or concentration camp. And she had no reason to think everything was going to be ok. She embodies the definition of courage: fear that has said its prayers.
I saw her on Dancing with the Stars a couple of years ago (guest performer, obviously), I’m so glad she has become a professional dancer.
As a dad of two daughters who were once part of the ballet world all I can say is wow, what a rare talent and compelling story. Knowing the work and dedication which is required makes it all the more so. And she has beautiful lines as well!