Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who moved to the United States from an orphanage in conflict-torn Sierra Leone and graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, has died at the age of 29. Her death was announced on her personal Instagram page by a family spokesperson, though the cause of death was not given.
“Michaela impacted the lives of so many people around the world, including our own,” her family said in a statement, calling her death “sudden.” Her sister, Mia Mabinti DePrince, expressed her grief, saying, “I am in a state of shock and deep sadness. My beautiful sister is no longer with us.”
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Tributes have also poured in from the ballet world and beyond, with American ballet dancer Misty Copeland writing, “Despite being told that ‘the world wasn’t ready for black ballet dancers,’ she persevered and achieved great successes.” DePrince’s life and career broke barriers for black dancers, challenging stereotypes in the ballet community.
Born in Kenema, Sierra Leone, in 1995, DePrince’s early life was filled with tragedy. She lost both her parents during the country’s civil war and was sent to an orphanage at age three, where she was mistreated because of her vitiligo. DePrince was later adopted by an American couple and moved to New Jersey, where her adoptive mother fostered her love of ballet. She became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and performed in Beyoncé’s Lemonade.
In 2021, she joined the Boston Ballet as a second soloist and appeared on Dancing with the Stars at just 17 years old. DePrince was also a dedicated humanitarian, advocating for children affected by conflict.
Her spokesperson said her artistry “touched many hearts” and that her life was defined by “gentleness, purpose and strength”. He said DePrince’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
DePrince’s family is also mourning the death of his mother, Ellen DePrince, who died around the same time.
