Michaela DePrince: A Shining Ballet Star Gone Too Soon at 29

On September 14, 2024, the ballet world lost one of its brightest and most inspirational talents. Michaela DePrince, born Mabinty Bangura in Kenema, Sierra Leone, passed away suddenly at the age of 29. The news of her death was first announced on her personal Instagram account and later confirmed by her family in a joint statement on Facebook. No cause of death was disclosed.

Born on January 6, 1995, DePrince faced immense hardships early in life. During the brutal civil war in Sierra Leone, she lost both her parents and was taken to an orphanage at the age of three. There, she was isolated due to her vitiligo, a skin condition that set her apart from other children. Despite suffering from malnourishment and rejection, she harbored a deep passion for dance.

In 1999, at just four years old, DePrince was adopted by Elaine and Charles DePrince, a couple from New Jersey, who saw her potential and enrolled her in ballet classes. Her talent blossomed, and by the age of 14, she earned a scholarship to the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, marking the start of her illustrious journey in ballet.

Michaela rose to international fame after starring in the 2011 documentary *First Position*, which showcased the struggles and triumphs of young ballet dancers. She performed on stages around the world, eventually joining the renowned Boston Ballet as a second soloist. Beyond the stage, Michaela also became a motivational speaker, sharing her inspiring story with audiences worldwide.

In addition to her ballet career, DePrince expanded her influence into pop culture, appearing in Beyoncé’s *Lemonade* visual album and on the popular show *Dancing with the Stars*. Her memoir, *Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina*, chronicled her extraordinary journey from an orphanage in Sierra Leone to international stardom, showing how she defied both the odds and societal expectations.

Her passing has deeply affected the ballet community. American ballerina Misty Copeland honored DePrince by sharing a video of her dancing and a passage from her own book, *Black Ballerinas*, which highlighted Michaela’s perseverance. “Despite being told the world wasn’t ready for Black ballerinas, she remained determined, focused, and made great strides,” Copeland wrote.

Michaela DePrince's life serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. Though her journey was tragically cut short, her legacy will continue to inspire generations of dancers and dreamers worldwide. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of art to transcend boundaries.

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/michaela-deprince-sierra-leonean-american-ballerina-boston-ballet-dies-rcna171135