Ballet Star Michaela DePrince Dies at 29

Michaela DePrince, a shining star in ballet, has passed away at 29. She grew up as a war orphan in Sierra Leone, moved to the U.S. as a baby, and danced with top companies like the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Dutch National Ballet, and the Boston Ballet.

Michaela DePrince Biography

Rise to Fame

She became well-known from the 2011 documentary First Position, and she also appeared in Beyoncé’s Lemonade and performed on Dancing with the Stars.

Tributes and Impact

Her team shared the news on Instagram, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a brilliant ballerina who touched many lives with her art and spirit. She made a lasting impact on ballet and beyond.”

“They added that Michaela’s life was marked by grace, purpose, and strength. Her dedication to her art, her humanitarian work, and her courage through tough times will always inspire us. She was a symbol of hope, showing that even in the darkest times, beauty and greatness can emerge.”

Early Life and Career

Michaela DePrince was born Mabinty Bangura in Kenema, Sierra Leone on January 6, 1995. When she was just three years old, she lost both her parents—her father was killed in a conflict, and her mother died from starvation.

When Michaela was four years old, an American couple named Elaine and Charles DePrince adopted her and brought her to live in Cherry Hill, New Jersey

DePrince studied classical ballet in the US and starred in the 2011 documentary First Position, which followed young dancers competing for a top ballet school.

She became the youngest lead dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Later, she danced with the Dutch National Ballet and then the Boston Ballet.

In 2012, she appeared on Dancing with the Stars. By 2016, she choreographed a dance for Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” on the Lemonade album. DePrince recalled Beyoncé telling her, “It’s such an honor to have you here,” and she felt overjoyed.

Michaela DePrince’s 2014 memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, was co-written with her adoptive mother and published in 12 countries. In 2018, it was announced that Madonna would direct a film based on the book.

Final Tribute

After DePrince’s death, the Boston Ballet honored her. They said, “We’re sending our love and support to Michaela DePrince’s family.” We were lucky to know her. She was a beautiful person and a wonderful dancer. We will miss her deeply.”

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