Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince has died. She was 29.
The news of her death was announced on September 13 on the Boston Ballet principal soloist’s Instagram account.
“It is with pain in our hearts that we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose art touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet and beyond,” the statement said. “Her life was marked by grace, determination and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts and her courage to overcome unimaginable challenges will inspire us forever. She was a beacon of hope to many, showing that despite all obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from even the darkest places.”
The statement continued: “While her time with us was far too short, her genius and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all those touched by her story for generations to come. Love and prayers go out to her adopted family, friends and those who loved her.”
The cause of death has not been disclosed at this time.
DePrince was born in Sierra Leone in 1995 and was a war orphan. According to the BBC, she was adopted by an American family as a child. DePrince was obsessed with ballet from a young age and was enrolled in the Rock School of Dance in Philadelphia at age 5.
“We found a Nutcracker video and I watched it 150 times,” she told the outlet in 2012.
While continuing to pursue her passion for ballet, she made history as the youngest principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem before moving to the Netherlands to dance with the Dutch National Ballet, according to her Instagram account. Upon her return, she joined the Boston Ballet.
DePrince was also a published author, chronicling her life story in Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina and also publishing Ballet Dreams.
She was a humanitarian who advocated for children affected by conflict and violence, her Instagram post said. The athlete was an ambassador for War Child Holland and “hosted their Dare to Dream gala, dedicated to promoting the well-being and mental health of children in war zones.”
Since Nike is an athlete, the sports brand also paid tribute to her on social media, calling her “an incredible athlete who inspired us and people around the world to pursue their dreams – no matter the barriers or obstacles.”
“She was a beloved member of the Nike family and her story will live on through her memoirs and her incredible work with underserved youth,” the statement said.
