Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a celebrated Sierra Leonean American ballerina renowned for her inspiring journey from a war-torn childhood to international stardom, has passed away at the age of 29 in the same week as her adoptive mother, Elaine ‘Mamma E’ DePrince.
On Friday, September 13, the news of her death was shared via her official Instagram page and confirmed by her family, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.
The Instagram post signed by “Team MDP” reads “With pain in our hearts, we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond.” The post also highlighted her journey
DePrince was born Mabinty Bangura on January 6, 1995, in Kenema, Sierra Leone. She lost her father to violence during the civil war and her mother died a while after. Placed in an orphanage, she endured severe neglect and abuse, partly due to her vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigmentation. Despite these trials, a magazine featuring a ballerina spurred her decision to become a ballerina.
In 1999, at the age of four, DePrince was adopted by Elaine and Charles DePrince from New Jersey. Her new family recognized her passion for ballet and supported her pursuit of dance. This was followed by training at the Rock School for Dance Education and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre. Her exceptional talent was highlighted when she participated in the Youth America Grand Prix, leading to significant opportunities in her career.
DePrince made history in 2013 as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She furthered her career with the Dutch National Ballet, where she quickly rose to the rank of soloist. Her technical prowess and expressive performances captivated audiences worldwide, including a notable appearance in Beyoncé’s visual album *Lemonade*, where she performed in the “Freedom” segment.
In 2021, DePrince joined the Boston Ballet as a second soloist, continuing to influence the ballet world with her artistry. Her career was also marked by media appearances, including the documentary First Position and a guest spot on Dancing with the Stars.
Beyond her artistic achievements, DePrince was a dedicated humanitarian. She served as an ambassador for War Child Holland, advocating for children affected by conflict and using her platform to raise awareness about their struggles.
Co-authored by her mother, her memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, chronicles her remarkable life. She also published a children’s book, Ballet Dreams, which extends her influence beyond the stage.
