Michaela DePrince death/ Michaela DePrince legacy/ ballerina Michaela DePrince passes away/ Newslooks/ FORT LAUDERDALE/ Fla./ Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the acclaimed ballerina who rose from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone to international fame, has died at the age of 29. DePrince’s remarkable journey, which included dancing with the Dutch National Ballet and Boston Ballet, inspired countless people worldwide. Her family shared that she will be remembered for her incredible talent and perseverance.
Remembering Michaela DePrince: Quick Looks
- Rising from Adversity: DePrince was born in Sierra Leone, orphaned by war, and suffered from vitiligo, yet she rose to international ballet stardom.
- Acclaimed Career: She danced with prestigious companies like Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dutch National Ballet, and Boston Ballet.
- Legacy: DePrince inspired young Black dancers and worked as a War Child Ambassador to help orphans affected by conflict.
- Family Statement: DePrince is survived by five sisters and two brothers, and her family has asked for donations to War Child in her memory.
Ballerina Michaela DePrince, Born Amid War & Inspiration to Many, Dies at 29
Deep Look
Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the renowned ballerina whose life story of overcoming immense adversity inspired countless individuals, has died at 29, her family announced. Born in war-torn Sierra Leone, DePrince was orphaned at a young age and spent part of her childhood in an orphanage, where she was ostracized due to vitiligo, a skin pigmentation disorder. Despite these challenges, she pursued her dream of becoming a ballet dancer, achieving global recognition and inspiring young dancers along the way.
In a statement posted Friday on DePrince’s social media accounts, her family reflected on the impact she had on the world. “Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours. She was an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story,” the statement read. The cause of her death has not been made public.
DePrince’s life journey was nothing short of extraordinary. After being adopted by an American couple, she quickly demonstrated her talent and passion for ballet. By the age of 17, she had already been featured in a documentary and made an appearance on “Dancing With the Stars.” Her training at the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School set the stage for a successful career, including becoming a principal dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem.
DePrince later joined the Dutch National Ballet, where she continued to shine on the international stage, before returning to the U.S. to dance with the Boston Ballet in 2021. In a statement, the Boston Ballet expressed their sadness: “We were so fortunate to know her; she was a beautiful person, a wonderful dancer, and she will be greatly missed by us all.”
In her memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, DePrince shared the story of her rise from an orphanage in Sierra Leone to becoming a celebrated ballet dancer. She also authored Ballerina Dreams, a children’s book that further inspired young dancers.
Her journey began with immense challenges. DePrince was called “the devil’s child” at the orphanage because of her vitiligo. She was often deprived of basic needs, as she recalled in a 2012 interview: “We were ranked as numbers and number 27 was the least favorite and that was my number, so I got the least amount of food, the least amount of clothes.”
A life-changing moment occurred when a magazine photo of a smiling ballerina blew against the gate of the orphanage. That image ignited DePrince’s dream to become a ballet dancer. “All I remember is she looked really, really happy,” DePrince said. “I wished to become this exact person.” She held on to that hope and determination, sneaking the torn page into her clothing.
DePrince’s success on stage helped pave the way for young Black dancers, as she inspired many to pursue their own artistic dreams. Her family emphasized this legacy in their statement: “We will miss her and her gorgeous smile forever.”
Her sister, Mia Mabinty DePrince, shared touching memories of their childhood in the orphanage, where they would create their own plays and ballet performances. She credited their adoptive parents for nurturing Michaela’s dreams. “She was determined to conquer all her dreams in the arts and dance,” Mia wrote.
Michaela DePrince also dedicated herself to helping others. As a War Child Ambassador, she worked to provide opportunities to children affected by conflict. In lieu of flowers, her family requested that donations be made to War Child, a cause that was close to DePrince’s heart.
DePrince is survived by her five sisters and two brothers. Her family’s heartfelt tribute concluded: “This work meant the world to her, and your donations will directly help other children who grew up in an environment of armed conflict.”
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