Michaela Mabinty DePrince, Inspirational Ballet Dancer, Dies at 29

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a trailblazing ballerina who inspired millions with her extraordinary talent and personal story, has passed away at the age of 29. The news of her passing was shared on her Instagram, although no cause of death has been disclosed.

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a trailblazing ballerina who inspired millions with her extraordinary talent and personal story, has passed away at the age of 29. The news of her passing was shared on her Instagram, although no cause of death has been disclosed.

Born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone during the country’s brutal civil war, Michaela experienced unimaginable challenges early in life. Orphaned as a toddler, she was sent to an orphanage where she was ostracized and mistreated due to her vitiligo, a skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigmentation. Despite these hardships, her life took a transformative turn when she was adopted by a family from New Jersey at the age of four.

Michaela’s love for ballet was sparked after seeing a ballerina on a magazine cover as a child, and she quickly developed an extraordinary gift for dance. Her mother, Elaine DePrince, was her greatest source of support, nurturing her passion for ballet from the beginning. Elaine not only enrolled Michaela in ballet classes but also made many of her costumes when she was starting out. Their bond was a cornerstone of Michaela’s success, providing her with the stability and encouragement she needed to rise in a world that wasn’t always welcoming.  A day after learning of her daughter’s sudden death, Elaine DePrince  passed away, her family revealed in a Facebook post.

Michaela gained early recognition through the ballet documentary First Position, which showcased her journey to becoming a rising star. Her professional debut came with the Joburg Ballet in South Africa, and she later made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She went on to perform with the Dutch National Ballet and the Boston Ballet, where she was most recently a soloist.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Michaela became a powerful role model for young dancers, particularly Black dancers and those with vitiligo. Her story of perseverance against prejudice and adversity resonated deeply with those who saw themselves in her. Despite being told that “the world wasn’t ready for Black ballerinas,” Michaela remained determined to change perceptions within the predominantly white world of ballet. She also showed those with vitiligo that beauty and talent transcend appearances, becoming an inspiration to people worldwide facing similar challenges.

Michaela’s influence reached beyond the stage when she appeared in Beyoncé’s Lemonade visual album, earning praise from the global superstar. Her life and career were further chronicled in her memoir Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, co-authored with her adoptive mother. Her humanitarian work as an ambassador for War Child Holland, advocating for children affected by war, reflected her commitment to giving back.

Her death has left a deep void in the world of dance and beyond, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Michaela Mabinty DePrince will be remembered not only for her brilliance on stage but for her courage, grace, and ability to turn adversity into strength. She was a beacon of hope for dancers of color, those with vitiligo, and anyone striving to overcome life’s darkest challenges. Throughout it all, her mother’s unwavering support remained a constant source of strength in her life and career.

Image source: @michaeladeprince Instagram page