It was announced that world-renowned trailblazing ballerina, Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who performed with Beyoncé, amongst other international stars, has died.
Her death was announced on her personal Instagram page, in a statement which her family went on to state that she was an "unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story". Her family said, external her death had been "sudden", adding: "Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours."
DePrince made a remarkable journey from suffering as an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone to numerous accolades in the world of international dance. Her sister, Mia Mabinty DePrince, described being "in a state of shock and deep sadness" as "my beautiful sister is no longer here".
Tributes were pouring in immediately, including from others in the ballet community. American ballerina Misty Copeland, for one, wrote on social media; “Despite being told the 'world wasn’t ready for Black ballerinas' or that Black Ballerinas weren’t worth investing in,' she remained determined, focused, and began making big strides”.
Born in Kenema, Sierra Leone, in 1995, DePrince was sent to an orphanage at the age of three after both of her parents died during the civil war. She has spoken in the past about how she was seen as a "devil's child" in the orphanage because she suffered from vitiligo, a condition in which patches of skin lose pigmentation.
But she was adopted aged four by an American couple and moved to New Jersey. Her adoptive mother quickly noticed her obsession with ballet and enrolled her in classes.
She rose to fame after graduating from high school and made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. DePrince has performed across the world, including in Beyoncé's "Lemonade" music video album.
She joined the prestigious Boston Ballet as a second soloist in 2021 and starred in the TV show Dancing with the Stars when she was just 17. A dedicated humanitarian, DePrince also advocated for children affected by conflict and violence.
Her spokesperson wrote that her artistry "touched countless hearts" and her spirit had "inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond". They added: "Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength.
“Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us. She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places."
"From the very beginning of our story back in Africa, sleeping on a shared mat in the orphanage, Michaela (Mabinty) and I used to make up our own musical theatre plays and act them out," Mia wrote in a statement.
DePrince's sister said the pair used to create their own ballets as children, "she would choreograph, and I was the composer and conductor. She left her footprints in the sand and on so many stages across the world.
“She will be truly missed." The two girls, who were mat-mates at the orphanage, were adopted by an American woman, Elaine DePrince.
In a recent interview, DePrince's siblings - Eric and Mia - said the family was grieving two deaths: Michaela's and that of their mother Elaine. "I had just gotten off the phone with my mum’s doctor with her news when I was alerted about my sister, it just didn’t seem believable,” Mia said.
“It was really hard to hear because I normally pick up the phone to call my mum with anything, and it occurred to me that I couldn’t call her." Elaine enrolled then five-year-old DePrince in the Rock School of Dance in Philadelphia, making the 45-minute drive from New Jersey every day.
DePrince was an ambassador for the charity War Child, and her siblings say they hope to continue on her legacy. Her brother, Eric DePrince, said that he hopes the world can remember his sister "as someone who worked hard to improve the lives of others".
The cause of death was not given. She was 29.
