Trailblazing Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince Passes Away at 29

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a trailblazing ballerina and inspiration to many, has passed away at 29, as confirmed by a spokesperson on her Instagram page Friday. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.

The announcement read: “Her life was a testament to grace, purpose, and resilience. Her unwavering dedication to her art, humanitarian efforts, and bravery in overcoming profound challenges will continue to inspire us. She was a symbol of hope, showing that beauty and greatness can emerge even from the darkest circumstances.”

Following the announcement, DePrince’s family released a heartfelt statement. Her sister, Mia DePrince, expressed her shock and sorrow, remembering their shared experiences from their childhood in Africa. “From our early days in the orphanage, Michaela and I created our own musical theater plays and ballets. Our parents supported our dreams and nurtured Michaela into the beautiful and strong ballerina many came to admire,” she wrote.

Born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone, DePrince was placed in an orphanage at age three after the death of her parents in the civil war. She faced mistreatment and malnutrition there, as she later shared with the Associated Press in 2012. Despite these hardships, her passion for ballet was sparked by a photograph of a ballerina.

DePrince was adopted by an American family in 1999 and moved to the U.S. at the age of four. Her ballet training began at age five, and despite facing racial barriers, she persisted. At 17, she was featured in the documentary First Position and earned a scholarship to the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet. Her remarkable career included becoming the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and performing with the Dutch National Ballet and the Boston Ballet.

DePrince also appeared in Beyoncé’s Lemonade and starred in the ballet film Coppelia. Throughout her career, she advocated for greater inclusion of Black dancers in ballet and expressed a desire to establish a dance school in Sierra Leone.

In honor of her legacy, DePrince’s family requests donations to War Child, an organization she supported. “Your contributions will help children affected by armed conflict, reflecting Michaela’s lifelong commitment to humanitarian causes,” they stated.