Ballet Dancer Michaela DePrince (29) Passes Away: She Touched Countless Hearts
Ballet dancer Michaela DePrince, 29, has passed away. The cause of her death has not been disclosed. The news was shared on her Instagram page by her team. Born in Sierra Leone, DePrince spent many years performing with Het Nationale Ballet in Amsterdam.
In a statement, her team expressed profound sorrow, noting, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince. Her artistry touched countless lives, inspired many, and left an indelible mark on the world of ballet and beyond.”
A Journey of Resilience
DePrince’s early life was marked by tragedy. After losing her parents—her father was killed in the Sierra Leonean conflict and her mother died of starvation—she faced severe hardships in an orphanage. There, she endured bullying and neglect due to the white spots on her skin.
At the age of 4, she was adopted by an American couple who supported her dream of becoming a ballerina. Despite facing obstacles and being told she did not fit the conventional mold for a ballet dancer, DePrince pursued her passion with determination. Het Nationale Ballet noted in an obituary, “Her journey was fraught with challenges, but her resolve was unwavering.”
A Star in the Ballet World
At 17, DePrince moved to Europe to join Het Nationale Ballet in Amsterdam, where she rose to the position of second soloist. Ted Brandsen, the ballet’s director, praised her, saying, “She was a dancer with immense jumping power and charisma—a true star.”
DePrince’s story was an inspiration to many, particularly as a black ballerina from Africa who overcame significant adversity to achieve success in the ballet world. Brandsen remarked, “She became a role model for many, demonstrating extraordinary talent and promise despite her difficult beginnings.”
In 2022, DePrince continued her career with the Boston Ballet in the United States. Her versatility extended beyond ballet; she appeared in music videos for Beyoncé and Dutch band Chef’Special, played a lead role in the film Coppelia (2021), and had her autobiography, They Called Me Devil’s Child, optioned by Madonna.
A Lasting Legacy
The news of her passing was met with profound sadness. The National Ballet expressed its shock, with Brandsen stating, “It is a huge shock.”
The Boston Ballet honored her memory on Instagram, acknowledging her as “a beautiful person and a wonderful dancer” and expressing their deep gratitude for having known her.
DePrince’s commitment to charitable causes was notable. She supported organizations like War Child, driven by her own experiences. War Child expressed sorrow at her death, recalling, “She reached out to us ten years ago, driven by her desire to help children in conflict zones, inspired by her own challenging past.”
Michaela DePrince’s legacy lives on through her remarkable contributions to ballet and her dedication to helping others.
