The ballet community mourns the loss of Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who at 29, left an indelible mark on the arts as a principal soloist at Boston Ballet.
People reported that the world of ballet has been struck by the sudden passing of Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the celebrated ballerina of the Boston Ballet. DePrince, who had captivated audiences with her exceptional performances and remarkable personal story of resilience, died at the young age of 29.
This sad event was confirmed on September 13, 2024, when her managing team shared the news via her Instagram account.
Born in Sierra Leone, DePrince faced early adversity as an orphan but was adopted by an American family, which changed the trajectory of her life. She moved to the United States where her blossoming passion for ballet took root, defining her future in profound ways.
Her ballet journey began at the American Ballet Theatre's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet. Her progression was rapid and by 2012, she had joined the prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem.
This was just the starting point of a distinguished career that eventually led her to the stages of the Dutch National Ballet and later, in 2021, to the Boston Ballet as a principal soloist.
Michaela’s early life in Sierra Leone and her ascent in ballet was brought to a broader public through her stirring portrayal in the documentary "First Position." This helped not only spotlight her prowess as a dancer but also her powerful backstory of overcoming nearly insurmountable odds.
Her last memorable performance was as 'Giselle' with the English National Ballet at the Coliseum in London on January 13, 2017. This performance anchored her reputation as a world-class ballerina, capable of bringing complex roles to life with elegance and emotional depth.
Following the announcement of her passing, tributes began to pour in from all corners of the globe, reflecting the widespread impact of her career and her journey.
Her story of triumph and challenge resonated with many, making her not just a star in the ballet world but also a symbol of perseverance and strength.
"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," a statement by Team MDP read. This not only highlights her influence in dance but also her wider humanitarian efforts, including her work with orphans and children in third-world countries.
Her sister Mia shared personal memories, reflecting on their childhood in an African orphanage and their creative plays which prefigured Michaela's future in performing arts. "My beautiful sister is no longer here," Mia lamented.
"From the very beginning of our story back in Africa, sleeping on a shared mat in the orphanage, Michaela (Mabinty) and I used to make up our musical theater plays and act them out."
Despite her promising career and plans, DePrince’s life was tragically cut short. The cause of her death remains undisclosed, adding a layer of sorrow to her sudden departure.
Boston Ballet’s heartfelt statement echoes the shock and deep loss felt by the artistic community: "We were so fortunate to know Mabinty; she was a beautiful person, a wonderful dancer, and she will be greatly missed by us."
DePrince is survived by her five sisters and two brothers. The family has announced that memorial services will be private, respecting their need for privacy during this difficult time.
As the dance and broader arts communities come to terms with this profound loss, the sentiment shared by her sister Mia encapsulates the bereavement felt by many: "Whether she was leaping across the stage or getting on a plane and flying to third-world countries to provide orphans and children with dance classes, she was determined to conquer all her dreams in the arts and dance. Michaela (Mabinty) has left her footprints in the sand and on so many stages across the world. She will be truly missed."