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Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a groundbreaking ballerina known for her extraordinary journey from a war orphan in Sierra Leone to an international ballet star, passed away at the age of 29. Her death, announced on September 13, 2024, shocked and saddened the dance community and her many fans. DePrince's rise to prominence included becoming the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and performing with prestigious companies like the Dutch National Ballet and the Boston Ballet.
Her life was one marked by overcoming adversity, including discrimination within the ballet world. She defied the odds to become a symbol of hope for Black ballerinas, advocating for more diversity in ballet and inspiring countless people with her resilience and talent. DePrince also made cultural waves beyond ballet, such as performing in Beyoncé's "Freedom" video and writing a memoir titled *Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina*.
The cause of her death has not been disclosed, and her passing has left many, including her siblings, in profound grief. Her legacy as a dancer and humanitarian will continue to inspire generations
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Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a trailblazing ballerina and an inspiration to many, has tragically passed away at the age of 29, according to an announcement shared on her Instagram page on Friday. The cause of her death has not yet been revealed.
"Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength," the statement read. "Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us. 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."
Following the news of her passing, DePrince’s family expressed their deep grief. Her sister Mia wrote, "I am truly in a state of shock and deep sadness. My beautiful sister is no longer here. From the very beginning of our story back in Africa, sleeping on a shared mat in the orphanage, Michaela (Mabinty) and I used to make up our own musical theater plays and act them out. We created our own ballets… When we got adopted, our parents quickly nurtured our dreams, and she grew into the beautiful, gracefully strong ballerina that so many of you knew her as today. She was an inspiration."