Sierra Leone-born ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who captivated audiences with her talent and broke barriers in the dance world, has passed away at the age of 29.
Known for her journey from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone to performing on international stages, her family confirmed her “sudden” passing in a statement posted on her personal Instagram page. The cause of death was not disclosed.
DePrince’s family expressed their heartbreak, describing her as an “unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story.”
The post emphasized the profound impact she had on lives around the world, including those closest to her.
Her untimely death has sparked an outpouring of tributes, especially from the ballet community.
American ballerina Misty Copeland, who also shattered racial barriers in the dance world, honored DePrince’s legacy.
“Despite being told the ‘world wasn’t ready for black ballerinas’ or that ‘black ballerinas weren’t worth investing in,’ she remained determined, focused, and began making big strides,” Copeland shared on social media.
Born in 1995 in Kenema, Sierra Leone, DePrince’s early life was marked by tragedy. Both of her parents were victims of the civil war, and at just three years old, she was sent to an orphanage.
There, she endured stigma due to vitiligo, a skin condition that caused depigmentation in patches on her body.
Considered a “devil’s child” by the orphanage staff, her future seemed bleak until an American couple adopted her at the age of four and brought her to the United States.
Once in New Jersey, her adoptive mother quickly recognized Michaela’s fascination with ballet. Her passion for the art led her to formal training, and by the time she finished high school, she had become a rising star.
She made history as the youngest principal dancer at the renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem, and from there, her career only blossomed.
DePrince’s reach extended far beyond the ballet stage. She performed in Beyoncé’s visual album ‘Lemonade’ and appeared on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ at the age of 17.
In 2021, she achieved another career milestone, joining the prestigious Boston Ballet as a second soloist.
Her performances were admired worldwide, and she became a symbol of resilience and grace for dancers and audiences alike.
Beyond her artistic achievements, DePrince was committed to humanitarian causes, particularly advocating for children affected by violence and conflict—drawing from her own experiences as a war orphan.
Her spokesperson said that her artistry “touched countless hearts,” and that her life “was defined by grace, purpose, and strength.”
“Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us. She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places,” the statement concluded.
Michaela Mabinty DePrince’s remarkable life story and achievements continue to inspire a generation of dancers and dreamers, and her legacy will live on in the world of ballet and beyond.
