Ballet Star Michaela DePrince Passes Away at 29, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Inspiration

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the trailblazing ballerina who performed with Beyoncé and shattered barriers in the dance world, has tragically passed away at the age of 29.

Her death was announced on her personal Instagram page by a spokesperson, with her family adding in a heartfelt statement: “Michaela was an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story.” The family described her passing as “sudden” but did not disclose the cause of death, leaving the dance world in mourning.

DePrince’s life was a remarkable journey. Born in 1995 as Mabinty Bangura in war-torn Sierra Leone, she was sent to an orphanage at the age of three after losing both parents to the brutal civil war. Labeled a “devil’s child” because of her vitiligo, she faced rejection and isolation until she was adopted by an American couple at the age of four. In her new home in New Jersey, her adoptive mother recognized Michaela’s love for ballet and enrolled her in dance classes—a passion that would change her life.

DePrince rose to global fame, defying the odds and breaking barriers in the world of classical ballet. She made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and went on to perform internationally, including a standout appearance in Beyoncé’s Lemonade video album.

In 2021, she joined the prestigious Boston Ballet as a second soloist, further solidifying her reputation as a world-class dancer. DePrince’s immense talent also caught the attention of television audiences when she starred in Dancing with the Stars at the age of 17.

Tributes have poured in from all corners of the ballet and performing arts communities, honoring her resilience, artistry, and pioneering spirit. Michaela DePrince’s extraordinary journey from an orphanage in Sierra Leone to the global stage is a testament to the power of perseverance, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

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