Professional ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who once performed alongside Beyoncé, has died. She was 29.
“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, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet and beyond,” a Friday, September 13, statement on DePrince’s Instagram read. “Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us.”
The message continued, “She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places.”
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,” the Friday statement concluded. “Love and prayers go to her chosen family, friends, and those who loved her.”
DePrince was a principal dancer with the Boston Ballet. She previously performed professionally with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Dutch National Ballet. DePrince, the youngest principal at Dance Theatre of Harlem, also authored two memoirs, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina and Ballet Dreams.
DePrince was born in Sierra Leone and raised in an orphanage after both of her biological parents died during the country’s civil war. The dancer was adopted at the age of 4 by an American couple in New Jersey, where her mother noticed DePrince’s interest in dance and enrolled her in ballet lessons.
