Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a trailblazer and one of the ballet world’s brightest stars, passed away aged 29 on Friday. A spokesperson announced the news on her Instagram page. Her family issued a statement and called DePrince an “unforgettable inspiration.”
DePrince’s life
Michaela was born in Kenema, Sierra Leone, in 1995, and was sent to an orphanage at the age of three after both of her parents died during the civil war. In an interview with the Associated Press in 2012, DePrince said that she was “mistreated at the orphanage because she suffered from vitiligo”.
She was adopted at the age of four by an American couple and brought to New Jersey. Her adoptive mother encouraged her interest in ballet, and she later went on to perform with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Dutch National Ballet, and the Boston Ballet. DePrince also made history by becoming the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
She rose to fame after featuring in the 2011 documentary First Position. She also appeared in Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade and performed on Dancing with the Stars.
Watch the music video of “Freedom” by Beyoncé featuring Kendrick Lamar from the album “Lemonade”:
DePrince became a dedicated humanitarian and constantly advocated for children affected by conflict and violence.
Her death was announced by her team via a statement on her official Instagram profile. “With pain in our hearts, we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond,” the caption read.
“Her life was one 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 cause of death has not been announced yet.
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