Taking Flight

"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

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

This principle from Taking Flight is backed by Michaela DePrince's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

Lesson 2: Adoption and New Beginnings in America

This principle from Taking Flight is backed by Michaela DePrince's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

Lesson 3: Overcoming Racial Barriers in Ballet

This principle from Taking Flight is backed by Michaela DePrince's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

How to Apply Taking Flight's Lessons

The real value of Taking Flight lies in its applicability. After reading, the most important step is identifying which of Michaela DePrince's principles speak most directly to your current situation.

Consider keeping a journal while reading — noting where the ideas challenge your current approach and where they confirm what you already suspected. The friction of your own resistance often points to the most important insights.

Key Quote

"From War Orphan to Aspiring Ballerina: Michaela's Journey Begins" — Michaela DePrince, Taking Flight

About the Author

Michaela DePrince is the author of Taking Flight. The book reflects years of research, observation, and synthesis of evidence from multiple disciplines.