Michaela DePrince image credit-instagram.com/michaeladeprince
Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a remarkable figure in the world of ballet and an inspiration to many, has passed away at the age of 29. The tragic news was announced on her Instagram page on Friday, though the cause of death has not yet been disclosed. DePrince’s life was marked by her extraordinary grace, resilience, and dedication to both her art and humanitarian efforts.
A Life Defined by Strength and Inspiration
In the announcement shared on Instagram, a heartfelt tribute described DePrince’s life as “one defined by grace, purpose, and strength.” The post highlighted her unwavering commitment to ballet, her humanitarian work, and her ability to overcome unimaginable challenges. “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.”
Following the announcement, DePrince’s sister, Mia, shared her own grief, reflecting on their shared childhood. “I am truly in a state of shock and deep sadness. My beautiful sister is no longer here,” she wrote, recalling how the two had dreamed of becoming ballerinas while growing up in an orphanage in Sierra Leone.
A Difficult Start in Life
Born Mabinty Bangura in war-torn Sierra Leone, DePrince’s early years were marked by tragedy and hardship. At the age of three, she was sent to an orphanage after both of her parents died during the country’s civil war. In the orphanage, DePrince suffered from mistreatment and malnutrition, largely due to her vitiligo, a condition that causes loss of skin pigment.
“We were ranked as numbers, and number 27 was the least favorite and that was my number,” she said in an interview with the Associated Press in 2012. DePrince’s circumstances were so dire that she received the least food and care, enduring a year of neglect before being adopted.
Adoption and the Dream of Ballet
In 1999, DePrince and her sister Mia were adopted by an American family, allowing her to escape the hardships of the refugee camp. Her new family encouraged her passion for ballet, a dream ignited when she saw a photo of a ballerina in a magazine at the orphanage. However, even in the U.S., DePrince faced obstacles. At the age of eight, she was told that America was not ready for a Black girl ballerina, and a year later, a teacher expressed doubts about investing in her future in ballet due to her race.
Despite these setbacks, DePrince persisted, attending the prestigious Rock School for Dance Education and earning a scholarship to study at American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. She later became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Rising to International Stardom
DePrince’s talent and determination led her to international stages. In 2012, she performed in her first full ballet in South Africa and later joined the Dutch National Ballet’s junior company. She gained further recognition for her appearance in Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade, where her grace and presence captivated audiences around the world.
In 2021, she joined the Boston Ballet as a second soloist and performed the lead role in the ballet film Coppélia. Throughout her career, DePrince never forgot her roots and spoke often of the importance of representation in ballet, advocating for the inclusion of more Black and brown dancers.
A Voice for Change in Ballet
As one of the few prominent Black ballerinas, DePrince understood the importance of her role in changing the landscape of ballet. She credited pioneers like Lauren Anderson and Misty Copeland for helping pave the way for dancers like her. “There’s not a lot of us,” she once said, “but what I always try to think about, and what my passion is, is spreading more poppies in a field of daffodils.”
DePrince’s advocacy was not limited to ballet. She spent much of her life working toward humanitarian causes, particularly focusing on the needs of children affected by armed conflict. She had long dreamed of opening a dance and arts school in Sierra Leone, believing that the arts had the power to transform lives, as they had hers.
A Lasting Legacy
DePrince’s influence extended far beyond the stage. Her memoir, Hope in a Ballet Shoe, details her journey from war-torn Sierra Leone to the heights of the ballet world, inspiring countless individuals who face adversity. In lieu of flowers, her family has requested donations to War Child, a charity DePrince supported throughout her life, helping children affected by war.
“This work meant the world to her, and your donations will directly help other children who grew up in an environment of armed conflict,” her family wrote in a statement.
Michaela DePrince’s legacy is one of resilience, inspiration, and the power of art to heal and transform. Her life serves as a testament to the idea that greatness can emerge from even the darkest circumstances, and she will forever be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of ballet.