The ballet world is mourning the loss of Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a trailblazing ballerina who passed away at the age of 29. Born in Sierra Leone, DePrince's journey from an orphanage to the stages of prestigious ballet companies like the Boston Ballet and her unforgettable appearance in Beyoncé’s Lemonade is a story of extraordinary resilience. As a Black ballerina, she broke barriers in an art form historically closed to people of color and used her platform to speak out on issues of inclusion, becoming a symbol of hope for many aspiring dancers.
Early Life: From War-Torn Sierra Leone to the World Stage
Born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone, DePrince faced unimaginable adversity from an early age. Orphaned by the civil war, she was sent to an orphanage where her vitiligo led to discrimination, being labeled as "the least favorite" and mistreated. But even in those darkest days, a photograph of a ballerina sparked a dream. Michaela, alongside her sister Mia, was adopted by an American family at the age of four, escaping a war zone and beginning a new chapter in the United States.
DePrince’s passion for ballet, ignited by that photograph, grew stronger despite the challenges she faced in a predominantly white art form. Her early experiences in ballet were tainted by racism and exclusion, with one teacher telling her mother that Black girls were not worth the investment. Yet, her determination never wavered.
Rising Through Adversity
DePrince’s journey to becoming a professional dancer was not without obstacles. Even though she began formal ballet training at the age of five, her path was marked by rejection and prejudice. At just eight years old, she was told that America wasn't ready for a Black girl ballerina. These experiences only fueled her drive to succeed.
She trained at the prestigious Rock School for Dance Education, later earning a scholarship to study at the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet. By 17, she was featured in the documentary First Position, which followed young dancers competing for scholarships. DePrince went on to make history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, eventually joining the Dutch National Ballet and later the Boston Ballet as a soloist.
A Voice for Change
Michaela DePrince’s story was more than just her undeniable talent. She was a vocal advocate for inclusion in ballet, often speaking about the lack of representation of Black dancers. DePrince knew her responsibility to inspire future generations. “There are practically no Black people in ballet, so I need to speak out,” she once said. Her message resonated with many, and her presence on stage was a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in oneself.
Her advocacy didn’t stop at ballet. DePrince also had humanitarian aspirations. She spent much of her career supporting causes like War Child, an organization helping children affected by war, and expressed her desire to open a school for dance and the arts in Sierra Leone. Her life was not just about dancing, but about giving back and ensuring the arts could be accessible to those who needed it most.
Legacy of Hope and Inspiration
Michaela DePrince’s life was a beacon of hope, not only for the ballet world but for anyone facing insurmountable odds. Her story showed that no matter where you come from or what challenges you face, beauty, talent, and greatness can emerge. She overcame civil war, loss, discrimination, and health challenges to become one of the most inspiring dancers of her generation.
Her family’s statement after her passing reminded the world of Michaela’s grace and strength: “She was an inspiration.” Indeed, DePrince’s life will continue to inspire young dancers and dreamers worldwide. Her courage in confronting barriers and her dedication to humanitarian causes leave behind a legacy that transcends the stage.
In lieu of flowers, Michaela’s family has asked for donations to War Child, an organization close to her heart, ensuring her work in uplifting those impacted by war continues.
Michaela DePrince’s journey was one of grit, resilience, and talent. From an orphanage in Sierra Leone to performing on some of the world’s most prestigious ballet stages, her life was an embodiment of breaking boundaries. DePrince’s story will live on as a reminder that with passion, strength, and courage, no dream is too big, and no obstacle too great
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