Michaela Mabinty DePrince, an iconic and pioneering ballerina, died at age 29. Born in Sierra Leone, this famous and inspiring ballet dancer of her time lived a life full of resilience, talent, and lots of grace. Her death was confirmed through her official Instagram page on Friday, September 13, 2024, by a spokesperson. No cause of death has been reported so far.
Her life was filled with breakthroughs, personal and professional, within the highly exclusive world of ballet. Michaela DePrince was more than a simple ballerina: she was a humanitarian, a spokesperson for diversity within the arts, an example of hope for people all over the world.
Michaela DePrince Biography summary
- Full Name: Michaela Mabinty DePrince
- Birth Date: January 6, 1995
- Death: September 13, 2024
- Birthplace: Sierra Leone
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
- Occupation: Ballerina
- Cause of Death: Unknown
Who Was Michaela DePrince?
Michaela DePrince was born Mabinty Bangura in war-torn Sierra Leone. Orphaned by the conflict when she was three years old, she was put in an orphanage and experienced extreme ill-treatment, partly due to her vitiligo-a skin condition with depigmentation. She was labeled “Number 27” in the orphanage, believed to be the lowest ranking.
In 1999, she and her best friend, Mia Mabinty, were adopted by an American couple-Elaine and Charles DePrince. The DePrince family took Michaela and Mia from a Ghanaian orphanage and brought them to the United States, where they were given the chance to pursue their dreams. Elaine and Charles DePrince encouraged Michaela in her love of ballet, and Michaela often credited her adoptive parents with facilitating her success.
Michaela was also close with her adoptive sister, Mia, with whom she shared much of the early childhood trauma and quickly adapted to a new life in the U.S.
Michaela DePrince Husband and Personal Life
As of the time of her passing, there is no widely reported information about Michaela DePrince being married or having a husband. She kept much of her personal life private, focusing primarily on her career and humanitarian efforts.
Michaela DePrince’s Achievements
Throughout her career, Michaela shattered numerous barriers and defied stereotypes, particularly those related to race in ballet. Below are some of her most notable achievements:
- First Position Documentary: At the age of 17, Michaela gained international recognition through her appearance in the acclaimed ballet documentary First Position, which showcased her talent and determination as she prepared for the Youth America Grand Prix.
- Scholarship to American Ballet Theatre: Following her success in First Position, Michaela received a scholarship to the prestigious American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet.
- Youngest Principal Dancer at Dance Theatre of Harlem: Michaela joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem, becoming the youngest principal dancer in the company’s history.
- Dutch National Ballet: Michaela later joined the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam, where she continued to rise in prominence and performed major roles in classical and contemporary ballets.
- Boston Ballet: In 2021, she joined the Boston Ballet as a second soloist, where she performed leading roles, including a standout performance as the Swan in Coppélia.
- Performance with Beyoncé: Michaela also captured mainstream attention when she appeared in Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade, further showcasing her versatility as an artist.
- Humanitarian Work: Michaela was committed to giving back and expressed a desire to open a dance school in Sierra Leone to provide opportunities for children affected by war. She spent much of her career advocating for the inclusion of Black and brown dancers in ballet and supporting organizations like War Child, a cause close to her heart.
Trailblazing Legacy and Passing
Michaela’s death has sent shockwaves through the ballet and performing arts worlds. Her sister, Mia DePrince, was overcome with emotion as she paid a heartfelt tribute to her sister, bound by such a strong bond from the time they had spent at the orphanage in Sierra Leone: “We created our own ballets… My beautiful sister is no longer here, and my heart is broken.
Although the cause is not yet known, the resonance of her life and legacy cannot be taken away. Michaela’s story is one of perseverance and a commentary on the vital role representation in the arts continues to serve. For the years that will pass, her legacy remains one of continued inspiration for aspiring dancers to keep pushing forward, especially for those coming from differentially represented communities.
Michaela DePrince net worth
As of 2024, the current net worth of Michaela DePrince has not widely been reported or confirmed, but with such a brilliant professional life as a ballet dancer, her work with some of the most renowned ballet companies like Boston Ballet and Dutch National Ballet, along with her mainstream appearances in Beyoncé’s Lemonade, she is likely to have gathered considerable earnings from performances, endorsements, and collaborations.
Irrespective of her economically well-placed woman status, Michaela is more reputed for her philanthropic deeds and also for her voice for inclusivity regarding ballet.
Top 10 FAQs about Michaela DePrince
1. Who was Michaela DePrince?
Michaela DePrince was a Sierra Leonean-born ballerina who rose to international fame despite a challenging early life. She performed with companies like the Boston Ballet and the Dutch National Ballet and was known for breaking racial barriers in ballet.
2. What caused Michaela DePrince’s death?
As of now, no official cause of death has been reported for Michaela DePrince.
3. What are some of Michaela DePrince’s career highlights?
Her career highlights include performing with the Boston Ballet, being featured in Beyoncé’s Lemonade, and becoming the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
4. How did Michaela DePrince get into ballet?
Michaela developed a passion for ballet after seeing a picture of a ballerina in a magazine while at an orphanage in Sierra Leone. She began training in ballet after being adopted and moving to the United States.
5. Did Michaela DePrince face challenges in her career due to her race?
Yes, Michaela often spoke about the racism and xenophobia she faced in the ballet world. She was once told that the world was not ready for a Black ballerina, but she persisted and became a trailblazer for diversity in the arts.
6. What was Michaela DePrince’s role in First Position?
First Position is a documentary that followed Michaela and other young dancers as they competed in the Youth America Grand Prix. Her appearance in the film garnered her international recognition.
7. What inspired Michaela DePrince’s humanitarian work?
Michaela’s experiences growing up in war-torn Sierra Leone and her adoption inspired her to give back to children in similar situations. She expressed a desire to open a dance school in Sierra Leone and supported War Child.
8. What was Michaela DePrince’s role in Lemonade?
Michaela appeared in Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade, where she danced in one of the segments, showcasing her talent to a broader audience.
9. What ballet companies did Michaela DePrince dance with?
Michaela danced with several prestigious ballet companies, including the Dutch National Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and the Boston Ballet.
10. What legacy does Michaela DePrince leave behind?
Michaela DePrince leaves behind a legacy of resilience, talent, and advocacy for black and brown dancers in ballet. She inspired countless individuals and broke barriers in an art form traditionally dominated by white dancers.
Michaela DePrince’s life was one of overcoming the odds from the walls of an orphanage in Sierra Leone to stages across the world. Her passion for ballet and humanitarianism have left a mark on this world that will never be erased. A death as early as 29 is heartbreaking, but the little she lived will keep inspiring and empowering future generations of dancers.
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