Dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, An Orphan From Sierra Leone Who Performed On The Biggest Stages Worldwide, Passes Away At The Age Of 29
Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, 29, has passed away, as confirmed by her family. She emigrated from a war-torn orphanage in Sierra Leone and achieved international acclaim. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
Adopted by an American couple, Michaela gained recognition at 17 through a documentary and appearances on “Dancing With the Stars.” She performed with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Dutch National Ballet before joining the Boston Ballet. The company mourned her loss, praising her as a beautiful person and dancer. In her memoir, “Taking Flight,” she shared her difficult childhood, including being mistreated in the orphanage due to her vitiligo, and found inspiration in a magazine photo of a ballet dancer. Her sister, Mia, remembered their childhood dance productions and Michaela’s commitment to uplifting young Black dancers. Survived by two brothers and five sisters, the family requests donations to War Child, an organization Michaela supported, in lieu of flowers.