Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a renowned figure in the world of dance, has tragically passed away at the age of 29.
The Boston Ballet principal soloist’s passing was confirmed via an emotional announcement on her official Instagram account on September 13.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a shining star whose talent captivated audiences and whose resilience and courage inspired countless lives,” the statement reads. “Her life was a testament to grace, strength, and determination. Her dedication to her art and her humanitarian work touched the hearts of many, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of ballet and beyond. Her story was one of overcoming insurmountable odds, reminding us that beauty and greatness can indeed emerge from the darkest of times.”
The statement further added that while “her time with us was far too short, the brilliance of her life and the impact of her legacy will resonate for generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with her chosen family, friends, and all those who loved her.”
As of now, no cause of death has been disclosed.
Born in Sierra Leone in 1995, DePrince endured the harsh realities of war at a young age, becoming an orphan before being adopted by an American family. Her remarkable journey was shaped by her early love for ballet, which began when she was just five years old. Enrolled in the Rock School of Dance in Philadelphia, young Michaela’s passion was ignited by a Nutcracker video she watched more than 150 times, as she shared with the BBC in a 2012 interview.
DePrince’s rise in the ballet world was nothing short of extraordinary. She made history as the youngest principal dancer at the prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem before expanding her career internationally with the Dutch National Ballet in the Netherlands. Eventually, she returned to the U.S. to join the Boston Ballet as a principal soloist.
In addition to her illustrious ballet career, DePrince was a published author. She chronicled her remarkable life journey in her autobiography, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, and later released Ballet Dreams, further sharing her story with the world.
Her influence extended beyond the stage. DePrince was a passionate advocate for children impacted by violence and conflict. As noted in the Instagram post, she served as an Ambassador for War Child Holland and spearheaded initiatives like her Dare to Dream gala, which promoted mental health and well-being for children living in war zones.
DePrince’s remarkable achievements as an athlete also led her to a partnership with Nike, with the sports brand paying tribute to her on social media. “Michaela DePrince was an incredible athlete who inspired us and people across the globe to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges,” Nike shared. “Her contribution to the world and her work with disadvantaged youth will continue to inspire.”
“She was a treasured member of the Nike family, and her story will live on through her memoirs and her advocacy for those less fortunate,” the statement concluded.
