Sierra Leone-Born U.S. Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince Dies at 29
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 announced on Friday.
In a statement shared on her social media accounts, DePrince’s family expressed their grief and paid tribute to her inspiring legacy. “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. No cause of death was disclosed.
DePrince’s journey from Sierra Leone to global acclaim began after she was adopted by an American family. Despite early hardships, including the loss of her parents and enduring mistreatment at an orphanage due to her vitiligo, she defied the odds. By the age of 17, she had already appeared in a documentary and performed on Dancing With the Stars.
Her memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, chronicles her extraordinary journey from a number-labeled child in Sierra Leone to a celebrated performer. She also authored a children’s book titled Ballerina Dreams.
DePrince’s sister, Mia Mabinty DePrince, recalled their shared childhood in the orphanage and their dreams of performing. “When we got adopted, our parents quickly nurtured our dreams, and Michaela blossomed into the graceful ballerina so many admired. She was an inspiration,” Mia wrote in the family’s statement.
After graduating from high school and the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, DePrince joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem as a principal dancer. She later performed with the Dutch National Ballet before returning to the U.S. to dance with the Boston Ballet in 2021.
Her life and career not only captivated audiences on stage but also fueled her passion for philanthropy. DePrince traveled to developing countries to teach dance to orphans and underprivileged children, determined to give back and inspire others through the arts.
Her death has left a profound impact on the global dance community, where she will be remembered for her talent, resilience, and heart.
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