Renowned ballet dancer Michaela DePrince recently passed away at the age of 29, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, perseverance, and compassion.
The world of ballet recently lost a shining star with the sudden passing of Michaela DePrince. The trailblazing dancer left the world too soon at the age of 29, though her cause of death remains undisclosed. In an official statement on Facebook, DePrince’s family announced that her passing had been “sudden.” She is survived by her sisters Mia, Beelee, Jaye, Mariel, Amie, and her brothers Adam and Erik.
DePrince lived a fulfilling life, defying the odds and paving her own path despite her harrowing past. She not only accomplished much throughout her career, but also served as an inspiration to millions of people around the world—both as a humanitarian and black ballerina.
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Overcoming Adversity
DePrince came a long way to become the respected ballerina that she was. Born Mabinty Bangura in a war-torn Sierra Leone, her father died in the hands of rebels while her mother passed away shortly after from starvation.
The ballerina was also born with vitiligo, a condition that results in patches of skin losing color. Unfortunately, the superstitious in the country believe it to be a sign of bad luck or a “curse of the devil,” which resulted in DePrince’s uncle abandoning her in an orphanage (where the stigma against people with her condition would persist).
It was in this orphanage where DePrince would cultivate an interest in ballet, taking inspiration from a ballerina she saw on a magazine cover. As her sister, Mia, expressed in the statement on her passing, DePrince carried a love for the performing arts at a tender age.
“From the very beginning of our story back in Africa, sleeping on a shared mat in the orphanage, Michaela (Mabinty) and I used to make up our own musical theater plays and act them out,” Mia shares. “We created our own ballets. She would choreograph, and I was the composer and conductor.”
As luck would have it, a family in the U.S. adopted DePrince along with eight other children, adding her to a big family of 11 kids.
A Groundbreaking Ballet Journey
DePrince’s parents would soon recognize her great potential in ballet, enrolling her in a variety of classes to help hone her talents. She studied at the Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre, shattering barriers as she became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, reports Noor Nanji of the BBC.
She began gaining the public’s attention after starring in the acclaimed 2011 documentary, First Position, which detailed the experiences of young dancers working to reach the top of their profession. She continued to make a name for herself, debuting in the popular show Dancing with the Stars at the age of 17.
The Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam eventually recruited her as well, giving her the opportunity to become an apprentice, as DePrince would later become a second soloist at the elite dance company, Boston Ballet, in 2021, as Alex Traub of The New York Times. The year before that, Forbes included her in their 30 Under 30 Europe list under the Art & Culture category.
The ballerina has made great strides in the dance world, becoming an inspiration to many aspiring ballet dancers, especially those of African descent (much like another great, Misty Copeland). Many will remember her for her powerful performances, which displayed an inimitable athleticism and energy.
Legacy of Care
While DePrince is no longer with us, her legacy remains in the various media projects she starred in and created, as well as the advocacies she supported. This includes a guest performance in Beyoncé’s music video for the song “Freedom” (ft. Kendrick Lamar) from the album Lemonade; a role in the animated-live action hybrid film Coppelia (2021); as well as a touching memoir she co-authored with her adoptive mother entitled Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina.
Throughout her life, DePrince never forgot where she came from, working alongside the organization War Child for many years as its ambassador. She even staged a number of charity galas to help children living amid violence and armed conflict, like the successful “Dare to Dream” gala with War Child Netherlands.
Beyond her talent, loved ones and fans will always remember DePrince for her compassion and desire to make the world a better place.
Michaela’s Mark
Tributes from friends, mentors, colleagues, and dance companies poured in upon news of the ballerina’s passing.
“Michaela had so much more to give, not just to ballet, but to the world. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of dancers, but her absence leaves a void that will be felt deeply,” writes Misty Copeland in an Instagram post. “The ballet world, and all those whose lives she touched, will miss her profoundly. She was a bright light, and her impact will never be forgotten.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michaela Mabinty DePrince,” writes the Dance Theatre of Harlem in an X post. “Her story is one of resilience, strength, grace, and courage.”
The American Ballet Theatre also released its own tribute post to the dancer on X, describing her as “a brilliant artist and beloved member of the ABT family” and extending its condolences to her loved ones.
Her sister Mia writes in her official statement: “She was an inspiration. Whether she was leaping across the stage or getting on a plane and 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. Michaela has left her footprints in the sand and on so many stages across the world. She will be truly missed.”
Banner photo via Instagram @michaeladeprince.
