Celebrated Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dies at 29

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the celebrated ballerina who captivated audiences worldwide and performed alongside Beyoncé, has passed away at the age of 29. The announcement was made via a spokesperson on her personal Instagram account, with her family describing her as an “unforgettable inspiration” to those who knew her or were touched by her story. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.

DePrince’s life story is one of remarkable resilience and transformation. Born in Kenema, Sierra Leone, in 1995, she was placed in an orphanage at the tender age of three after losing her parents during the civil war. In the orphanage, she faced harsh treatment due to vitiligo, a condition that causes loss of skin pigmentation, which led some to view her as cursed. However, her fortunes changed when she was adopted at four years old by an American couple, and she soon moved to New Jersey. Her adoptive mother recognized DePrince’s passion for ballet and enrolled her in classes, setting the stage for her extraordinary career.

DePrince rose to prominence as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a milestone that marked the beginning of her illustrious career. Her talents were showcased globally, including in Beyoncé’s acclaimed “Lemonade” music video album. In 2021, she joined the Boston Ballet as a second soloist and also made a notable appearance on “Dancing with the Stars” at the age of 17.

Her impact extended beyond the stage. DePrince was a dedicated humanitarian, advocating for children affected by conflict and violence. Her spokesperson praised her for touching “countless hearts” through her artistry and for leaving a lasting impression both in ballet and beyond. They highlighted her life as one defined by “grace, purpose, and strength,” emphasizing her role as a beacon of hope and a testament to overcoming adversity.

DePrince’s sister, Mia Mabinty DePrince, expressed profound grief, describing the loss of her sister as both “shocking” and deeply saddening. The sisters shared a close bond from their early years in the orphanage, where they created their own musical theater plays and ballets, with Michaela choreographing and Mia composing. “She left her footprints in the sand and on so many stages across the world. She will be truly missed,” Mia said in a statement.

The DePrince family is mourning two losses this week: Michaela’s passing and that of their mother, Elaine DePrince. In an interview, Mia recounted the devastating moment she learned of Michaela’s death shortly after receiving news about their mother. “It was really hard to hear because I normally pick up the phone to call my mum with anything, and it occurred to me that I couldn’t call her,” she shared.

Elaine DePrince, who had adopted Michaela and her sister Mia, played a crucial role in their development. She enrolled young Michaela in the Rock School of Dance in Philadelphia, driving the 45-minute journey from New Jersey daily. The DePrince family hopes to continue Michaela’s legacy, with Eric DePrince expressing a desire for her to be remembered as someone who “worked hard to improve the lives of others.”

Michaela DePrince’s death marks the end of a life that inspired many and showcased the power of determination and grace. Her contributions to ballet and her humanitarian efforts will be remembered and cherished by those she touched.