Michaela DePrince, an internationally celebrated ballerina who broke barriers in the world of classical dance, has passed away at the age of 29. Her death was announced on her Instagram account by a spokesperson, leaving many in shock and deep sorrow. DePrince was known for her dedication to ballet and her unwavering commitment to empowering Black dancers. Though the cause of death has not been revealed, the impact she made during her short life is undeniable.
Her family expressed their grief in a heartfelt statement. Her sister, Mia DePrince, shared memories of their childhood, recalling how they grew up in an orphanage in Sierra Leone, dreaming of dancing. “She was an inspiration,” Mia wrote. Those who knew Michaela describe her life as one marked by grace, strength, and the desire to uplift others, especially Black and brown dancers who face obstacles in the ballet world.
A Life Defined by Challenges and Triumph
Michaela DePrince’s journey to becoming a professional ballerina was filled with challenges, but her resilience and passion helped her overcome them. Born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone, she was orphaned at a young age due to the country’s civil war. She spent time in an orphanage where she was mistreated, partly because of her skin condition, vitiligo. Despite the hardships, she remained hopeful and dreamed of a better future.
At the age of four, Michaela was adopted by an American family and moved to the United States. It was here that she first pursued her love of ballet. After seeing a picture of a ballerina in a magazine, she became determined to follow that path. Despite being told at a young age that the world wasn’t ready for a Black ballerina, Michaela persevered. By the age of eight, she was already making waves, proving her talent and determination.
Breaking Barriers in the World of Ballet
Throughout her career, Michaela DePrince consistently broke barriers in the predominantly white world of ballet. She trained at the prestigious Rock School for Dance Education and later earned a scholarship to study at American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet. At just 17, she was featured in the documentary First Position, which highlighted her talent and dedication.
Her career took off when she joined the Dutch National Ballet and later became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. One of her most notable performances was in Beyoncé’s Lemonade, where she danced in an iconic scene wearing a tutu and headpiece. In 2021, she joined the Boston Ballet, continuing to perform at the highest levels of her craft.
Michaela not only made her mark on the stage but also served as an inspiration to many aspiring dancers, especially young Black dancers who looked up to her as a role model. She often spoke about how the Black ballerinas who came before her, such as Lauren Anderson and Misty Copeland, inspired her to keep going despite the discrimination she faced.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Advocacy
Michaela DePrince’s legacy extends far beyond her performances. She was a passionate advocate for diversity in ballet and worked tirelessly to create opportunities for other Black and brown dancers. In interviews, Michaela often spoke about her desire to see more representation in ballet. “There are practically no Black dancers in ballet, so I need to speak out,” she once said.
Her humanitarian efforts also made a significant impact. Throughout her career, she was committed to giving back, particularly to children affected by war. One of her lifelong dreams was to open a school for dance and the arts in Sierra Leone, using the arts to transform lives the way ballet transformed hers.
Her family has asked for donations to War Child, an organization Michaela supported, in lieu of flowers. This request reflects her dedication to helping children who, like her, grew up in environments of armed conflict.
