The renowned ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, known as a trailblazing performer and choreographer, passed away on September 10th, at just 29 years old. 

The news of her passing was made public by her family through a post on Instagram, sharing that “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”.

The public is shocked and saddened by her loss, and quickly fans, coworkers, and fellow dance trailblazers have all risen to give condolences and share memories of DePrince. In an Instagram post American Ballet Theater principal dancer Misty Copeland reflects that “[Michaela’s] legacy will continue to inspire generations of dancers, but her absence leaves a void that will be felt deeply.” 

DePrince, born Mabinty Bangura, defied the odds of her early childhood in Sierra Leone amid a civil war which left her orphaned. She used this experience to bring awareness to children affected by war as an ambassador for War Child—a program determined to aid children affected by war and give them safe spaces to grow up. 

DePrince studied at the Rock School of Dance in Pennsylvania, and was a pioneer in the ballet community, performing with the Dance Theater of Harlem, the Dutch National Ballet and Boston Ballet, and leaving a mark of hope and resilience in the dance world.

Though her impact was not only in the dance world, she also had a literary career as she published her memoir Taking Flight, From War Orphan to Star Ballerina in 2014, in addition to Ballerina Dreams, and Hope in a Ballet Shoe in the same year. All three are autobiographical, and are meant for readers at different stages. Beginner readers will enjoy Ballerina Dreams whereas  literature enthusiasts would prefer Taking Flight. For those somewhere in between, Hope in a Ballet Shoe will be perfect for you. All of her works account her childhood in Sierra Leone and the struggles she saw there, and how an act of chance–a gust of wind blowing a ballet magazine into her orphanage room—inspired her. Each work is meant to inspire the reader, young or old, to pursue their dreams by highlighting her own history of struggle.

In 2012 she said she wants to be a great role model for kids. By every account, she was an amazing dancer, friend, and daughter, and she most certainly will continue to inspire dancers for years to come

We are devastated by her loss, and offer our condolences to those who knew her. 

DePrince is survived by her sisters, Mia, Beelee, Jaye, Mariel and Amie, and her brothers, Adam and Erik.

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Image by Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken via Wikipedia