Michaela is a ballerina with the Dutch National Ballet. Her memoir, Taking Flight, was co-authored by her mother, Elaine DePrince. It is being published in 13 countries, and distributed in many more. It is a best-seller in the UK and the Netherlands. Due to her fascinating back story, she has become a spokesperson for disadvantaged children, and child victims of war. She also speaks on the topics of self-esteem and racism in ballet.