Who was Michaela DePrince? Ballet icon who overcame civil war and orphanhood dies at 29

Michaela DePrince, a renowned ballerina who defied incredible odds to become a beacon of inspiration, has passed away at the age of 29. DePrince, orphaned during Sierra Leone‘s civil war, overcame childhood hardships to rise to the heights of the ballet world. Her death was confirmed Friday through posts on her social media, though no cause was revealed.
Born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone, DePrince was abandoned by her uncle after her parents died during the brutal civil war.She spent her early years in an orphanage where she faced neglect due to her vitiligo, a skin condition. Despite these challenges, she was adopted by an American family and went on to pursue her passion for ballet.
DePrince’s exceptional talent earned her a place as a second-soloist with the prestigious Boston Ballet. Before this, she danced with the Dutch National Ballet and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, where her artistry captivated audiences worldwide.

In addition to her ballet career, DePrince was an advocate for children affected by war. She served as an ambassador for War Child Holland and organized the “Dare to Dream” gala, promoting mental health support for children living in conflict zones. Her story was featured in the acclaimed documentary First Position, and she also appeared in Beyoncé’s Lemonade, further cementing her impact on the global stage.
DePrince leaves behind a legacy of resilience, grace, and humanitarian work, touching countless lives both on and off the stage.