Trailblazing Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince Passes Away at 29

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, an acclaimed ballerina and a beacon of hope for many in the dance world, has tragically passed away at the age of 29. Known for her determination, artistry, and grace, DePrince’s death was announced on her official Instagram page on Friday, leaving her fans and the ballet community heartbroken. The post described her as a symbol of "grace, purpose, and strength" whose legacy would continue to inspire generations to come. No official cause of death has been revealed.

From Orphan to International Star

Born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone during the country’s brutal civil war, Michaela DePrince’s life story is nothing short of remarkable. Orphaned at the age of three after losing both her parents, DePrince was sent to an orphanage where she faced severe mistreatment. Due to her vitiligo, a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation, she was labeled as the least favored child and was given minimal food and clothing.

DePrince’s fate changed when an American family adopted her in 1999, moving her to the United States. It was here that her passion for ballet blossomed, a dream sparked by a magazine image of a ballerina she had seen as a child in the orphanage. Despite facing obstacles, including being told that America "was not ready for a Black ballerina," DePrince’s determination saw her overcome these barriers.

Climbing to the Top of the Ballet World

Michaela DePrince's talent and perseverance led her to attend the prestigious Rock School for Dance Education, where she honed her skills. She later appeared in the 2011 documentary First Position, which followed six dancers as they competed in the Youth America Grand Prix. DePrince’s dedication earned her a scholarship to the American Ballet Theatre's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, where she trained before becoming the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Over the years, DePrince danced with some of the most prominent ballet companies, including Dutch National Ballet and Boston Ballet. Her talent extended beyond traditional ballet stages, as she performed with Beyoncé in the Lemonade music video, becoming a recognizable face to audiences unfamiliar with the ballet world.

Overcoming Adversity with Grace

Throughout her career, DePrince used her platform to advocate for the inclusion of Black dancers in ballet, a predominantly white space. She openly discussed the racism and xenophobia she experienced in her career, drawing strength from trailblazers such as Misty Copeland and Lauren Anderson, who came before her.

"I always try to spread more poppies in a field of daffodils," DePrince once said, describing her desire to see more diversity in ballet. She remained passionate about creating space for other Black dancers, hoping her story would inspire future generations.

A Legacy Beyond Ballet

Despite her success, DePrince never forgot her roots. She frequently expressed her desire to give back to her home country, Sierra Leone, and hoped to one day open a school for dance and the arts there. In 2015, she released her memoir, Hope in a Ballet Shoe, where she shared her journey and discussed how ballet helped her process the traumas of her early life.

In addition to her dance career, DePrince was an advocate for children affected by war and conflict, supporting the organization War Child, which aids children in war-torn countries. Her family has asked for donations to the organization in lieu of flowers to honor her humanitarian efforts.