Renowned Ballet Dancer Michaela DePrince Dies at 29, Leaving Inspiring Legacy

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a celebrated ballet dancer known for her remarkable journey from a Sierra Leone orphanage to prestigious international stages, has passed away at the age of 29. Her family announced her untimely death on September 13, 2024, leaving the dance world and her admirers in mourning.

DePrince's life story is one of resilience and determination. Born in 1995 during Sierra Leone's civil war, which lasted from 1991 to 2002, she spent her early years in an orphanage. Despite facing discrimination due to vitiligo, a condition causing pale patches on the skin, DePrince found hope in a magazine image of a ballet dancer.

Adopted by an American couple around 1996-1997, DePrince pursued her passion for dance with unwavering dedication. By age 17, she had already made significant strides in her career, featuring in a documentary and performing on "Dancing With the Stars," which premiered in 2005.

DePrince's professional journey included notable achievements:

• Graduation from the American Ballet Theatre's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
• Principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, founded in 1969
• Performances with the Dutch National Ballet, established in 1961
• Joining the Boston Ballet in 2021, New England's first professional repertory ballet company

In her memoir, "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina," DePrince shared her experiences, contributing to the growing trend of dancers offering insights into their demanding profession. She also authored a children's book, "Ballerina Dreams," further extending her influence.

"All I remember is she looked really, really happy. I wished to become this exact person."

DePrince's story resonated with many, particularly aspiring young Black dancers. Her journey from a war-torn country to the world's most prestigious stages exemplified the transformative power of art and perseverance.

Beyond her dance career, DePrince was committed to humanitarian causes. She served as a War Child Ambassador, supporting an organization founded in 1993 to protect children in conflict areas. This work reflected her personal experiences and desire to help others facing similar challenges.

DePrince's family, including five sisters and two brothers, remembers her not only for her artistic achievements but also for her compassion and determination to make a difference. They have requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to War Child to continue her legacy of supporting children affected by armed conflict.

The ballet world has lost a bright star, but Michaela Mabinty DePrince's impact will continue to inspire generations of dancers and dreamers. Her life serves as a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of representation in the arts, and the ability of one individual to effect positive change in the world.