Ballet World Mourns the Loss of Michaela Mabinty DePrince, Inspirational Dancer, Dead at 29
Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a world-renowned ballet dancer who inspired countless people through her remarkable journey from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone to some of the world’s most prestigious stages, has passed away at 29. Her family confirmed her death in a heartfelt statement shared on her social media accounts. However, the cause of her passing was not disclosed.
“Michaela touched so many lives worldwide, including ours,” her family said. “She was an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story. From her early life in war-torn Africa to stages and screens worldwide, she achieved her dreams and much more.”
Rising from Adversity
DePrince’s life was a true testament to resilience and determination. Orphaned in Sierra Leone during the brutal civil war, she was adopted by an American couple who nurtured her passion for dance. Despite suffering from vitiligo, a skin pigmentation disorder that led to her being labeled as “the devil’s child” in the orphanage, DePrince found hope and inspiration in an image of an American ballet dancer she discovered by chance.
“I lost both my parents, so I was there (the orphanage) for about a year, and I wasn’t treated very well because I had vitiligo,” DePrince shared in a 2012 interview with the Associated Press. “We were ranked as numbers, and number 27 was the least favorite – that was my number, so I got the least amount of food and clothes.” She clung to a vision of hope when she found the photo of a ballet dancer. “All I remember is she looked happy, and I wished to become this exact person.”
DePrince’s dream came true in more ways than one. By age 17, she had already made waves in the dance world, performing on Dancing With the Stars and being featured in a documentary film. She went on to graduate from the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre. She became a principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and her performances took her to international heights with the Dutch National Ballet. Her role as a cultural ambassador and her performances in various countries brought the beauty of ballet to diverse audiences, inspiring many to pursue their dreams in the arts and dance.
An Inspiration to Many
DePrince’s talent and story touched many lives. The Boston Ballet expressed sorrow at her passing: “We were so fortunate to know her; she was a beautiful person, a wonderful dancer, and she will be greatly missed by us all.”
In addition to her performances, DePrince shared her journey with the world through her memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina. This book inspired countless young dancers, especially those of color, to pursue their dreams in the face of adversity. She also wrote a children’s book, Ballerina Dreams, which continues to inspire children to believe that no dream is out of reach, regardless of their circumstances.
Her family reflected on her passion for dance and her desire to help others, particularly children in war-torn regions. Her sister, Mia Mabinty DePrince, recalled their shared memories from the orphanage, where they would make their own plays and ballets. “When we got adopted, our parents quickly poured into our dreams and arose the beautiful, gracefully strong ballerina that so many of you knew her as today,” Mia wrote. “Whether she was leaping across the stage or flying to third-world countries to provide orphans and children with dance classes, she was determined to conquer all her dreams in the arts and dance.”
A Legacy of Hope and Compassion
In addition to her artistry, DePrince was dedicated to humanitarian work. As an ambassador for War Child, she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children in conflict zones. Her efforts led to the establishment of several dance programs in war-torn regions, providing a source of joy and hope for many young lives. Reflecting her deep commitment to giving back to those who shared her difficult beginnings, her family has asked for donations to War Child instead of flowers, saying, “This work meant the world to her, and your donations will directly help other children who grew up in an environment of armed conflict.”
Michaela DePrince’s life was a story of hope, resilience, and achievement against all odds. Her legacy will live on through her extraordinary performances and the countless lives she touched with her inspiring journey. She is survived by five sisters and two brothers, and her family, friends, and the global ballet community will remember her for her grace, strength, and unwavering passion.