Michaela DePrince, one of the few internationally renowned dancers of color, passed away at 29. An orphan of the civil war in Sierra Leone, she was adopted by an American family. The announcement of her passing was made on her Instagram account on September 13, 2024. Her death has sparked a wave of tributes far beyond the world of dance.
Born in 1995 in Sierra Leone, Michaela DePrince, whose real name was Mabinty Bangura, had a tragic start to life. Her father was killed by rebels during the civil war. Her mother died shortly after, leaving the young girl orphaned at three years old. She was placed in an orphanage where she suffered abuse and stigmatization due to her vitiligo, a condition that depigments the skin. Michaela’s life changed when, at four years old, she was adopted by an American family.
Upon arriving in the United States, Michaela discovered classical dance. Passionate, she quickly progressed. At 17, she became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York. Her rise in the ballet world was not easy. In addition to the physical challenges inherent in this demanding discipline, she faced racism. She was told that “the world wasn’t ready for black ballerinas.” Yet, she persevered, overcoming obstacles.
After her time in New York, she joined the Dutch National Ballet. She was the first black dancer to join the troupe. Her performances earned her international recognition. She then joined the Boston Ballet in the United States, continuing to impress with her talent and determination. Michaela also danced for the Joburg Ballet in South Africa, where she played leading roles.
Outside the stage, Michaela DePrince was a humanitarian activist. She worked with War Child Holland, an organization helping children in war zones. She was also very active in promoting mental health and well-being for children affected by conflicts. She notably organized the Dare to Dream gala to support these causes.
Her story was told in the documentary First Position by Bess Kargman in 2012. Her autobiography Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, co-written with her adoptive mother, was published in 2014. This book was to be adapted into a film by Madonna in 2018, but the movie has yet to be released.
Tributes in the dance world have multiplied. The Boston Ballet expressed on Instagram their love and support for Michaela’s family. The American Ballet Theatre hailed a “brilliant artist” and a “beloved member of the ABT family.” Dancer Misty Copeland, the first African American principal dancer at ABT, said she was “devastated” by this loss. Debbie Allen, renowned choreographer and actress, wrote on Twitter: “Michaela, you brought a light that inspired millions of young black girls to reach an unprecedented level of resilience and to keep dreaming.”
The world has lost not only a ballet star but also a symbol of perseverance and courage. Michaela DePrince will remain an inspiration for generations of aspiring young dancers. Her contributions to dance and her fights against discrimination, among other things, will remain etched in memory.