Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a renowned ballet dancer who rose from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone to perform on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, has passed away at the age of 29. Her family shared the heartbreaking news in a statement on Friday, posted on DePrince’s social media accounts.
“Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours. She was an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story,” her family expressed. “From her early life in war-torn Africa to stages and screens across the world, she achieved her dreams and so much more.” While the family did not disclose the cause of death, the impact of DePrince’s life and career continues to resonate deeply with all who admired her.
DePrince’s journey to stardom is one of extraordinary resilience and determination. Born in Sierra Leone during the country’s brutal civil war, she faced unimaginable challenges from a young age. After losing both of her parents, she was left in an orphanage where she was treated poorly because of her vitiligo, a skin condition that caused her to be labeled “the devil’s child” by those around her. “I lost both my parents, so I was there (the orphanage) for about a year and I wasn’t treated very well because I had vitiligo,” DePrince recounted in a 2012 interview. She explained how the children were ranked by numbers, with the least favored child given the number 27. “That was my number,” she said. “I got the least amount of food, the least amount of clothes, and whatnot.”
In the midst of the turmoil, a defining moment came when DePrince discovered a photo of a ballet dancer on a magazine page that had blown against the gate of the orphanage. The image of the dancer’s joy struck a chord with her, and she clung to the photo, hiding it in her clothing. “All I remember is she looked really, really happy,” DePrince said, describing how she aspired to become the dancer in the photograph. That image became a symbol of hope and a dream that she carried with her as she navigated the hardships of her early life.
DePrince’s life took a dramatic turn when she was adopted by an American couple. Her new family supported her passion for ballet, and by the age of 17, she had already made significant strides in her career. She was featured in a documentary film and appeared on the TV show *Dancing With the Stars*, showcasing her immense talent and determination. After completing high school, she trained at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. Her talent and hard work led her to become a principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a remarkable accomplishment for someone who had faced so much adversity.
DePrince’s career continued to flourish, and she went on to join the Dutch National Ballet in the Netherlands before returning to the United States to dance with the Boston Ballet in 2021. The Boston Ballet paid tribute to DePrince, saying in a statement to The Associated Press, “We’re sending our love and support to the family of Michaela Mabinty DePrince at this time of loss. 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 addition to her ballet career, DePrince shared her story of triumph in her memoir, *Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina*. The book detailed her journey from the orphanage to the global stage, offering inspiration to countless readers around the world. She also wrote a children’s book, *Ballerina Dreams*, further solidifying her legacy as not only a talented dancer but also a storyteller and advocate for following one’s dreams.
Her sister, Mia Mabinty DePrince, reflected on their shared childhood in the orphanage, where they often made up their own musical theater plays and ballets, dreaming of a brighter future. “When we got adopted, our parents quickly poured into our dreams and arose the beautiful, gracefully strong ballerina that so many of you knew her as today. She was an inspiration,” Mia wrote. “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 DePrince’s influence extended far beyond the dance community. She was an ambassador for War Child, an organization dedicated to helping children affected by armed conflict. Her dedication to this cause underscored her commitment to giving back, especially to those who, like her, grew up in the shadow of war. In her family’s statement, they requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to War Child, explaining that “this work meant the world to her, and your donations will directly help other children who grew up in an environment of armed conflict.”
Michaela DePrince is survived by five sisters and two brothers, all of whom have been deeply touched by her life and legacy. Her family’s statement, filled with love and admiration, summed up the profound impact she had on the world. “We will miss her and her gorgeous smile forever, and we know you will, too.” Michaela DePrince’s life was one of overcoming unimaginable odds, achieving greatness, and inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams despite the challenges they may face. Her story is a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the belief that anything is possible.
