Renowned ballet dancer and advocate, Michaela DePrince died on Tuesday Sept. 10. She was 29.
On Friday Sept. 13 her team took to Instagram to confirm her death stating, “With pain in our hearts, we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many”.
Beyoncé paid tribute to the late ballerina on her official website saying, “Rest in peace Michaela Mabinty DePrince. Your courageous journey and beautiful dance as one of the world’s best ballerinas, will stay with us forever.”
Micheala DePrince was born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone on Jan. 6, 1995. DePrince lost her parents due to the violence of the civil war when she was 3 years olds. While in foster care DePrince faced immense bigotry from the staff for having vitiligo, even being nicknamed ‘The Devil’s Child’ for having the skin condition.
The bigotry eventually turned into hatred and ridicule as DePrince was often starving in the orphanage and the last child to receive food and clothing. She would then experience unimaginable horror as she witnessed a beloved teacher murdered by the rebels of the civil war.
“I felt very much alone. I really wanted to die. I didn’t see the point. I didn’t think I would have anything good in my life,” DePrince said during her TEDx Talk Amsterdam speech in 2014.
After a gust of wind threw a magazine with a ballerina on its cover page onto the orphanage gate, DePrince knew then that she wanted nothing more than to be a ballerina.
With the aid of her adopted parents Elaine and Charles DePrince, she found solace in ballet, nurturing a dream that would transform her into an international star. DePrince’s talent and determination took her to prestigious stages, including the Dutch National Ballet, where she rose to prominence as a soloist.
Her most memorable work, being featured in Beyoncé’s 2016 music video for her song Freedom.
She became known for her powerful technique and expressive artistry and for breaking barriers as one of the few Black dancers in classical ballet. Beyond her remarkable career, DePrince was a dedicated advocate for diversity in ballet and children’s rights, drawing on her personal experiences to inspire others. In 2016, DePrince became an advocate and ambassador for War Child, an organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children affected by armed conflict through psychological care and educational programs.
In 2014, she published her memoir, Taking Flight, which detailed her journey from war orphan to ballet star, encouraging countless young people to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
In her 2014 TEDxTalks DePrince says “I want you to understand to believe in yourself, to believe that you have talent even if you don’t think you do. No matter what circumstances you are under, no matter how poor or how sad you are at any given moment believe.”
Michaela DePrince’s influence extended far beyond the stage, leaving an indelible impact on both the ballet community and society at large. She is survived by her sister Mia DePrince.
Funeral arrangements and burial service will be held privately.