The ballet world is mourning the loss of Michaela DePrince, a celebrated ballerina who passed away at the age of 29. DePrince, born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone, overcame extraordinary challenges to become a principal soloist with the Boston Ballet.
DePrince’s early life was marked by tragedy and hardship. She lost her parents during the Sierra Leone civil war and faced severe discrimination due to her vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigment. Despite these obstacles, she was adopted by an American family, which allowed her to pursue her passion for ballet.
Her journey to stardom was documented in the film First Position, and she gained further international recognition through her appearance in Beyoncé’s Lemonade video. DePrince also authored a memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, which detailed her inspiring life story.
The cause of her death has not been disclosed, leaving fans and the ballet community in deep sorrow. DePrince’s legacy extends beyond her remarkable talent; she was also known for her humanitarian efforts and advocacy for children in war-torn regions.
