Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a world-renowned ballet dancer who once shared the stage with Beyoncé, has tragically passed away at the age of 29. Her death was announced through a heartfelt message on her Instagram page.

The statement read, “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. Her life was 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 post went on to say, “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 statement concluded by offering love and prayers to her chosen family, friends, and those who loved her.

Michaela DePrince had an illustrious career as a principal dancer with the Boston Ballet. Before joining Boston Ballet, she danced with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Dutch National Ballet, where she made history as the youngest principal dancer. She also co-authored two memoirs, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina and Ballet Dreams, which chronicled her incredible journey from war-torn Sierra Leone to the global ballet stage.

Born on January 6, 1995, as Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone, DePrince faced unimaginable hardships from an early age. She was orphaned during the country’s brutal civil war when her father was killed by rebels and her mother died from starvation. DePrince was left in an orphanage, where she was often mistreated due to her skin condition, vitiligo, which causes patches of skin to lose pigment. The other children called her a "devil's child."

In 1999, at just four years old, DePrince’s life changed when she was adopted by an American couple, Elaine and Charles DePrince, and brought to the United States. Her new family provided her with the love and support she needed to thrive, and it was soon clear that she had a passion for ballet. Her adoptive mother, Elaine, enrolled her in ballet classes, and her talent quickly shone through.

DePrince's love for ballet began when she found a magazine cover featuring a ballerina near her orphanage. She kept that cover as a reminder of her dream and began training in ballet as soon as she arrived in the U.S. She trained at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia and participated in various prestigious competitions, including the Youth America Grand Prix.

Her breakthrough moment came in 2011 when she starred in the documentary First Position. The film followed six young dancers as they competed for spots in elite ballet schools, and it catapulted DePrince into the international spotlight. That same year, she earned a scholarship to the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York City. She also made her European debut with De Dutch Don’t Dance Division in The Hague, Netherlands.

Throughout her career, DePrince faced challenges, including racial discrimination. She was once told at age eight that she couldn’t perform the role of Marie in The Nutcracker because “America’s not ready for a Black girl ballerina.” Despite such obstacles, she persisted and became a trailblazer in the world of ballet, proving that talent and perseverance can break down barriers.

In 2016, DePrince appeared in Beyoncé’s Lemonade visual album, further elevating her fame. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “[Beyoncé] told me I looked like a creature from another planet. She walked up to me and said, ‘It’s such an honor to have you here.’ I was on cloud nine.”

Ming Min Hui, the executive director of the Boston Ballet, praised DePrince’s impact, saying, “She really was an advocate for what ballet can be—a much bigger art form and a much bigger source of inspiration and hope for people.

DePrince not only inspired through her art but also through her humanitarian efforts. From 2016 to 2024, she served as a goodwill ambassador for War Child, an organization based in Amsterdam that supports children affected by war. She used her platform to advocate for children like herself, who faced unimaginable circumstances.

In addition to her artistic accomplishments, DePrince shared her life story in two memoirs, providing hope and inspiration to countless readers. Her story became a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit.

Michaela DePrince was in a relationship with fellow ballet dancer Skyler Maxey-Wert, whom she mentioned in her memoir. Her personal life, however, was also marked by deep loss. In 2020, she was unable to be with her family when her adoptive father, Charles DePrince, passed away due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. She took time off from her career to grieve and focus on her mental health.

Sadly, DePrince passed away in New York City on September 10, 2024, just one day before her adoptive mother, Elaine, died from heart failure. The family requested that donations be made to War Child in her honor instead of sending flowers.

As of now, the cause of Michaela DePrince’s death remains undetermined. However, her legacy as a trailblazing dancer, an advocate for children, and an inspiration to millions will live on forever.