Michaela Mabinty DePrince: Sierra Leonean ballerina dies at 29
Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the ballerina who danced alongside Beyoncé and was celebrated by many as a pioneer in her field, has passed away at the age of 29.
A representative shared the news of her passing on her personal Instagram account, and in a statement, her family described her as an "incredible source of inspiration to all who knew her or learned about her journey."
The reason for death has not been disclosed.
DePrince went through an incredible transformation, rising from the hardships of being an orphan in conflict-ridden Sierra Leone to achieving many honors in the global dance community.
Her family described her passing as "unexpected," stating, "Michaela had a profound impact on countless lives around the globe, including our own."
Messages of admiration have been coming in from various sources, including members of the ballet community.
American ballerina Misty Copeland shared on social media that even when others claimed the "world wasn’t prepared for black ballerinas" or suggested that "investing in black ballerinas wasn’t worthwhile," she stayed resolute, kept her focus, and started to achieve significant progress.
DePrince was born in Kenema, Sierra Leone, in 1995. Unfortunately, she lost both of her parents in the civil war and, at just three years old, she was placed in an orphanage.
In previous discussions, she mentioned how she was regarded as a "devil's child" while living in the orphanage due to her vitiligo, a condition that causes certain areas of skin to lose their color.
When she was four years old, an American couple adopted her and brought her to New Jersey. Her new mother quickly recognized her passion for ballet and signed her up for lessons.
She gained recognition following her high school graduation and made a name for herself as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
DePrince has showcased her talent globally, even appearing in the music video album "Lemonade" by Beyoncé.
In 2021, she became a second soloist with the renowned Boston Ballet and made an appearance on the television series Dancing with the Stars at the age of 17.
A committed advocate for humanitarian causes, DePrince also championed the rights of children who have been impacted by war and violence.
Her representative stated that her artistic talent "moved countless people" and her essence "motivated many, leaving a lasting impression on the ballet world and beyond."
They continued, "Her life was characterized by elegance, determination, and resilience. Her steadfast dedication to her craft, her philanthropy, and her bravery in facing incredible obstacles will always motivate us."
She served as a symbol of hope for countless people, demonstrating that even in the face of challenges, beauty and greatness can emerge from the bleakest situations.
