The ballet world is in mourning following the sudden death of Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a principal soloist with the Boston Ballet and acclaimed star of the 2011 documentary First Position. DePrince, who rose from an orphanage in Sierra Leone to international stardom, passed away at the age of 29.
DePrince, who was adopted by an American family and brought to the United States, pursued her passion for ballet from a young age. She trained at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School before joining the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 2012. She later performed with the Dutch National Ballet and became a principal soloist at Boston Ballet in 2021.
Her death was confirmed in a heartfelt statement shared on her official Instagram account on Friday, Sept. 13.
“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,” the statement, signed by “Team MDP,” read.
The tribute celebrated DePrince’s life as one marked by “grace, purpose, and strength,” noting her dedication to both her art and her humanitarian work. The statement highlighted how 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.”
DePrince’s team added that, though her time was cut tragically short, “her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story, for generations to come.”
A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
DePrince is survived by her five sisters and two brothers. In a separate post, her sister Mia expressed her grief, sharing that she is “truly in a state of shock and deep sadness” following Michaela’s death.
“My beautiful sister is no longer here,” Mia wrote. “From the very beginning of our story back in Africa, sleeping on a shared mat in the orphanage, Michaela and I would create our own ballets and musical theater plays. She became the graceful ballerina so many of you knew her as today.”
Mia’s tribute reflected on her sister’s unwavering determination and the impact she had on the lives of children through her dance workshops in developing countries. “Michaela has left her footprints in the sand and on stages across the world. She will be truly missed,” she concluded.
The DePrince family has requested privacy as they navigate this challenging time and have announced that Michaela’s memorial services will be private.
Boston Ballet also released a statement, honoring DePrince’s legacy. “We’re sending our love and support to the family of Michaela Mabinty DePrince at this time of loss,” the company said. “We were so fortunate to know Mabinty; she was a beautiful person, a wonderful dancer, and she will be greatly missed.”
DePrince’s rise to prominence, overcoming unimaginable challenges, inspired many around the world. She will be remembered not only for her talent on stage but for her resilience, compassion, and the joy she brought to others through her art.