After coming to the US as an orphan from war-torn Sierra Leone, ballet star Michaela Mabinty DePrince’s ascent to the world stage was seen as a story of success over adversity.
But in a double tragedy for the young dancer’s family, it has emerged that both the 29-year-old ballerina and her adoptive mother died within 24 hours of each other this week.
“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.”
Growing up as an orphan
DePrince lost both of her parents during the Sierra Leone’s civil war when she was three years old. Forced into an orphanage where she was reportedly neglected, abused and bullied, the ballerina said ballet saved her spirit during a period when she felt “helpless.”
She had previously spoken of how her vitiligo, a skin pigmentation condition, saw her branded the “devil’s child” and receive less food and clothes than the other children.
“I wasn’t treated very well,” she said, but recalled how a photograph of an American ballerina in a magazine that blew against the gate of the orphanage captured her imagination.
“All I remember is she looked really, really happy,” DePrince said in 2012, describing how she wished “to become this exact person”.
Her life took a turn when she was adopted – along with her sister, Mia Mabinty DePrince – after a year at the orphanage by an American couple living in New Jersey.
Her adoptive mother, noticed her interest in ballet and enrolled her in classes.
After graduating from high school and the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, DePrince made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
By the age of 17, she had featured in a documentary and had performed on the TV show “Dancing With the Stars”.
DePrince rose to become 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.
Beyond her captivating performances, Mabinty DePrince was a humanitarian. As ambassador for War Child Holland, the ballerina advocated for children affected by conflict and violence. She also hosted the Dare to Dream gala, which promoted the well-being and mental health of children living in war zones.