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Explore the inspiring life of Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a trailblazing ballerina who overcame incredible odds to reach the top of the ballet world. From her early life in Sierra Leone to her groundbreaking career, Michaela DePrince’s story is one of resilience, grace, and advocacy for Black dancers in ballet.
Michaela Mabinty DePrince: A Trailblazing Ballerina and Humanitarian
Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a Sierra Leone-born ballerina who became a trailblazer in the ballet world, passed away at the age of 29. A dancer of immense talent and resilience, DePrince’s journey to becoming a celebrated figure in the ballet community was marked by hardships, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to breaking racial barriers in the predominantly white art form. Her passing, announced by her family on Instagram, has left the dance world mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars. DePrince’s life was defined by grace, determination, and an unwavering dedication to her art, as well as her advocacy for Black dancers in ballet and her humanitarian efforts.
Early Life in Sierra Leone and Adoption
Born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone on January 6, 1995, DePrince’s early life was marred by the brutal realities of the country’s civil war. At just three years old, she was sent to an orphanage after the deaths of both of her parents. There, she endured mistreatment due to her vitiligo, a skin condition that caused patches of her skin to lose pigmentation. In the orphanage, the children were ranked by perceived desirability, and DePrince was assigned the number 27—the least favored. She was given the least amount of food and clothes, and she was frequently the subject of neglect.
In interviews, DePrince recounted the painful experience of living as “number 27,” which often made her feel like an outcast. “I wasn’t treated very well because I had vitiligo,” she once said. However, amidst the bleak conditions of the orphanage, she found hope in an unexpected place—a picture of a ballerina she found in a magazine. That image sparked a dream in young Michaela that would ultimately lead her across the world.
At the age of four, DePrince’s life took a dramatic turn when she was adopted by an American family. Elaine DePrince, who adopted Michaela along with another girl from the orphanage, recalled how the young girl was “sick and traumatized” from the war and the harsh conditions of the orphanage. Despite these challenges, Michaela’s passion for ballet remained strong, and her adoptive parents nurtured that dream.
The Beginning of a Dance Career
Upon moving to the United States, Michaela DePrince began her formal ballet training at the age of five. From the start, her path was not without obstacles. Even as a child, she was told that the ballet world wasn’t ready for a Black ballerina. At the age of eight, she was selected to play the role of Marie in The Nutcracker, but her race continued to be a source of resistance from others in the ballet community. A teacher even told her mother that investing in a Black girl’s ballet career would be a waste of money. Despite the racism and xenophobia she encountered, DePrince’s resolve only grew stronger.
Her big break came when she was featured in the 2012 documentary First Position, which follows six young dancers competing in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix. The film showcased not only DePrince’s remarkable talent but also her resilience in the face of adversity. Through First Position, she earned widespread recognition and a scholarship to the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet, one of the most esteemed ballet institutions in the world.
Breaking Barriers in Ballet
Michaela DePrince’s talent and drive propelled her to significant milestones throughout her career. After graduating from high school, she joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem, becoming the youngest principal dancer in the company’s history. In 2013, she joined the Dutch National Ballet’s junior company, where she continued to challenge stereotypes and excel in a field that had long marginalized Black dancers.
In 2021, DePrince joined the Boston Ballet as a second soloist, a testament to her growing influence in the ballet world. During her time with the company, she performed in leading roles, including Coppelia, and continued to advocate for diversity in ballet. In interviews, DePrince acknowledged the work of pioneering Black ballerinas who had come before her, such as Lauren Anderson and Misty Copeland. She saw herself as part of a growing movement to increase the representation of Black and brown dancers on the world’s stages.
“There are practically no Black people in ballet, so I need to speak out,” DePrince told The Guardian. Her success was not just a personal victory but a victory for all young dancers of color who dreamed of making it in the world of ballet. DePrince often spoke about her desire to inspire future generations, famously saying that she wanted to see “more poppies in a field of daffodils,” meaning she longed for greater diversity in ballet.
Humanitarian Efforts and Advocacy
DePrince’s passion for ballet was matched by her deep commitment to humanitarian causes. Having survived the horrors of war and the struggles of growing up in an orphanage, she never forgot her roots. Throughout her career, she expressed a desire to give back to her home country of Sierra Leone, particularly by opening a school for dance and the arts.
In her memoir, Hope in a Ballet Shoe, co-written with her mother Elaine DePrince, Michaela spoke of how dance had changed her life. She believed that the arts had the power to transform lives, and she hoped to provide similar opportunities for the children in Sierra Leone who might not otherwise have access to artistic training. “Dancing helped me share my emotions and connect to my family—it helped me feel like I was special and not the ‘devil’s child,’” she once said, referencing the cruel treatment she had endured at the orphanage due to her vitiligo.
DePrince was also an advocate for War Child, an organization that supports children living in conflict zones. In lieu of flowers, her family requested that donations be made to War Child in Michaela’s memory, noting that the cause was one that had been close to her heart.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Michaela DePrince’s influence extended far beyond the ballet world. In 2016, she appeared in Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade, dancing in a scene that highlighted both her grace and power. Through her collaborations with high-profile artists and her starring roles in major ballet productions, DePrince brought ballet to a wider and more diverse audience.
Her life story—one of resilience, talent, and determination—has inspired countless people, both inside and outside the dance community. Despite the obstacles she faced, DePrince rose to the pinnacle of her profession, becoming a symbol of hope for marginalized dancers everywhere. She used her platform not only to showcase her talent but also to advocate for greater inclusivity in the arts.
Michaela DePrince’s passing is a profound loss for the world of ballet, but her legacy will undoubtedly live on. Her journey from an orphanage in Sierra Leone to the world’s most prestigious stages serves as a reminder that art has the power to transform lives and that no dream is too far out of reach.
Conclusion
Michaela Mabinty DePrince’s life was defined by an unwavering commitment to her art, her resilience in the face of adversity, and her dedication to making ballet more inclusive. As a ballerina, she broke barriers and inspired future generations of dancers, proving that talent and determination can overcome even the most entrenched prejudices. As a humanitarian, she sought to give back to her home country and help children affected by conflict. Her passing at the young age of 29 is a heartbreaking loss, but her legacy will continue to inspire hope, resilience, and inclusivity in the ballet world and beyond.
In lieu of flowers, DePrince’s family has asked that donations be made to War Child, an organization that was dear to her heart, to continue the work she cared so deeply about—helping children affected by war. Michaela DePrince’s life and career may have been cut short, but her impact will be felt for generations to come.
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