Ballerina Michaela DePrince Passes Away at 29, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Inspiration
Boston Ballet principal soloist Michaela Mabinty DePrince has tragically passed away at the age of 29. The heartbreaking news was confirmed via her official Instagram account on September 13, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.
“Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength,” the post read, highlighting her remarkable achievements. “Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us.” The statement also noted, “Though her time with us was far too brief, her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story for generations to come.”
Born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone in 1995, DePrince’s life was marked by both tragedy and triumph. During the brutal 11-year civil war in Sierra Leone, she lost both of her parents at a young age. At the age of four, she was placed in an orphanage, where she endured malnutrition and mistreatment. Her experiences in the orphanage were difficult, but it was also where she first found inspiration to pursue ballet. She famously discovered a discarded magazine featuring a ballerina in a pink tutu, which sparked her lifelong dream of becoming a dancer. “There was a lady on it,” she recalled in a 2012 interview with the BBC. “She was on her tippy-toes, in this beautiful pink tutu, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is what I want to be.’”
DePrince’s life took a turn when she and her sister Mia Mabinty were adopted by an American family in New Jersey. Her adoptive parents recognized her passion for dance and enrolled her at the Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia. DePrince later studied at the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet. Her extraordinary talent and perseverance led her to become a dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Dutch National Ballet, and finally the Boston Ballet, where she joined as a principal soloist in 2021.
Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, made DePrince a global inspiration. She was open about the challenges she faced, not only in her personal life but also in the ballet world, where diversity has historically been limited. As a Black ballerina with vitiligo, DePrince broke barriers and defied expectations. In interviews and public appearances, she often spoke about how her unique story helped shape her identity and art.
In addition to her accomplishments on stage, DePrince was committed to humanitarian work, using her platform to give back to communities around the world. She traveled to various countries to teach dance to children in need and worked to support orphans and underprivileged youth, offering them hope and opportunity through the power of the arts.
DePrince’s family, devastated by her sudden loss, shared their grief publicly. “It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beautiful sister, Michaela Mabinty DePrince,” the DePrince family wrote in a statement on Facebook. “Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours. She was an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story.”
Her sister, Mia Mabinty DePrince, expressed her heartbreak over the loss. “I am truly in a state of shock and deep sadness. My beautiful sister is no longer here,” she wrote. “Whether she was leaping across the stage or traveling to third-world countries to provide orphans and children with dance classes, she was determined to conquer all her dreams in the arts and dance. Michaela has left her footprints in the sand and on so many stages across the world. She will be truly missed. I love you, my beautiful Butterfly.”
DePrince’s extraordinary journey and influence were recognized by many. The Boston Ballet shared their sorrow at her passing, stating, “We’re sending our love and support to the family of Michaela Mabinty DePrince at this time of loss. We were so fortunate to know Mabinty. She was a beautiful person, a wonderful dancer, and she will be greatly missed by us all.”
Throughout her career, DePrince remained a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring people across the globe with her story of overcoming adversity. Her book, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, co-written with her mother, Elaine DePrince, chronicles her incredible journey from war-torn Sierra Leone to international stages. The book has touched readers worldwide, further cementing her legacy as not only a remarkable dancer but also a voice of perseverance and hope.
DePrince’s untimely passing has left a void in the dance community, but her impact will continue to resonate. From the stages she graced to the lives she touched, her legacy is one of strength, beauty, and inspiration.
She is survived by her siblings Mia Mabinty DePrince, Beelee, Jaye, Mariel, Amie, Adam, and Erik. Her story, marked by tragedy and triumph, will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles in their path.
