Michaela DePrince: A Pioneering Life in Ballet Ends at 29

The Legacy of Michaela DePrince

Michaela DePrince, a prominent figure in the ballet world, passed away at the age of 29, as announced on her Instagram page on Friday. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Born in Sierra Leone as Mabinty Bangura, DePrince moved to the United States after being adopted from an orphanage where she faced mistreatment.

Early Life and Struggles

She began her ballet training at age five and faced various challenges due to her race. Despite this, she rose to fame and danced with prestigious companies, including Boston Ballet. DePrince's family expressed their grief, with her sister Mia DePrince sharing, “I am truly in a state of shock and deep sadness. My beautiful sister is no longer here.”

Impact on Ballet and Advocacy

DePrince’s early life in Sierra Leone was marked by loss and hardship. Both of her parents died in the civil war, and she suffered from vitiligo, which led to mistreatment at the orphanage. Her adoptive mother found her and her adoptive siblings in Ghana in 1999, after they fled the orphanage fearing it would be bombed.

In her career, DePrince attended the Rock School for Dance Education and later received a scholarship to study at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet. She performed with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Dutch National Ballet, and was featured in Beyoncé’s Lemonade.

Despite her achievements, DePrince encountered racism and xenophobia in ballet. She spoke about the importance of representation, saying, “There are practically no Black people in ballet, so I need to speak out.”

A Vision for the Future

DePrince had a passion for humanitarian work and aimed to open a dance school in Sierra Leone. She believed the arts could have a transformative effect, saying, “Dancing helped me share my emotions and connect to my family.”

Donations in her memory can be made to War Child, reflecting her commitment to helping children affected by armed conflict. Her family noted, “This work meant the world to her, and your donations will directly help other children who grew up in an environment of armed conflict.”