“Dancing with the Stars” ballerina who overcame mockery for spots on her skin, has passed away at the age of 29.
Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a trailblazer and inspiration in the ballet world has died, as per a statement released by her family.
The family announced, “It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beautiful sister, Michaela Mabinty DePrince. Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours.”
The family shared that from her early life in war-torn Africa to stages and screens around the world, Michaela achieved her dreams and so much more. Her passion and impact on the dance world, especially in inspiring young black dancers to follow their dreams, were tremendous.
Michaela DePrince attends the Tommy Hilfiger presentation in Milan during the Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020 in Milan, Italy, on September 16, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
“We will miss her and her gorgeous smile forever and we know you will, too,” penned the family. Michaela is survived by her sisters Mia, Beelee, Jaye, Mariel, and Amie, as well as her brothers Adam and Erik.
Michaela and Mia DePrince attend day 3 of the GUESS Portrait Studio in Toronto, Canada, on September 11, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Mia is deeply saddened by her sister’s death. Speaking of how close they were, she said, ” 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 own musical theater plays and act them out.”
Mia DePrince, Michaela DePrince, Jules Jarvis Fogarty, and Miko Fogarty of “First Position” pose during the 2011 Toronto Film Festival in Toronto, Canada, on September 11, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
The sisters would create their own ballets, which Michaela would choreograph and Mia would be the composer and conductor.
“When we got adopted, our parents quickly poured into our dreams and arose the beautiful, gracefully strong ballerina that so many of you knew her as today. She was an inspiration,” narrated Mia.
She mourned her sister, highlighting that Michaela was unwavering in her pursuit of her dreams. Whether leaping across the stage or traveling to provide dance classes to orphans in developing countries, she remained dedicated to her art.
She emphasized that her sister has left a lasting impact with her footprints on stages worldwide and will be deeply missed.
Michaela’s management team also mourned her as a ballerina whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many. They shared that she has left an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond.
The management reflected on Michaela’s life, describing it as one defined by grace, purpose, and strength. They pointed out her steadfast dedication to her art, her humanitarian work, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges, which will continue to inspire many.
Michaela Mabinty DePrince was a beacon of hope, demonstrating that beauty and greatness can emerge from even the darkest circumstances.
“Though her time with us was far too brief, her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story, for generations to come,” the management added.
The family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time and announced that services will be private. In place of flowers, they asked for donations to War Child, an organization Michaela was deeply involved with as a War Child Ambassador.
This cause was immensely meaningful to her, and contributions go to children’s support who, like the ballerina, grew up in conflict-ridden environments.
Michaela came from an unconventional background to soar to great heights, having been born in Sierra Leonne just four years after a civil war broke out in the country. Sadly, her biological parents were killed in the war.
Michaela Mabinty DePrince as a young girl, from an Instagram post, dated January 6, 2024 | Source: Instagram/michaeladeprince
In addition, Michaela dealt with ridicule and harassment as she was born with vitiligo, a skin condition. When her parents were still alive, they educated her on her condition and took care of her but when they died, she was left defenseless and alone.
Michaela Mabinty DePrince as a young girl, from an Instagram post, dated January 6, 2024 | Source: Instagram/michaeladeprince
“In Sierra Leone, they didn’t understand the fact that just because I had white patches on my skin, that I was just born this way, they thought I was a curse. They started to call me ‘the devil’s child,’ because anybody that would look like this would be the child of the devil,” she divulged.
Michaela’s uncle took her to the orphanage, knowing he could never get a good bride price for her due to her skin condition. He never went back to get her.
“Every day in the orphanage I was starving. I have never felt so alone before. How could this happen to me?” she recalled. Luckily, Michaela made a friend in the orphanage.
Michaela’s friend, Mabinty Suma, was always sick but she had a kind heart. She would listen to the ballerina’s fears and dreams, and sing to her whenever she was scared. Mabinty told Michaela bedtime stories when she couldn’t sleep. This special friend Mabinty, is Michaela’s sister, Mia.
From their time together in an orphanage, Michaela and Mia formed a close sisterhood bond and have been there for each other until her passing.
Michaela’s hard work and resilience saw her rise from a girl abandoned in an orphanage by her uncle to a successful and thriving woman. She became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem before moving to the Netherlands to join the Dutch National Ballet.
Her career continued to flourish upon her return to the US, where she performed with the Boston Ballet, enchanting audiences with her talent. Michaela shared her remarkable story of resilience and triumph in her memoir, “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina.”
The memoir has been translated into multiple languages and published in twelve countries. Her follow-up book, “Ballet Dreams,” further extended her impact, reaching audiences beyond the stage.
In addition to her dance career, Michaela was a committed humanitarian. She advocated for children affected by conflict as an Ambassador for War Child Holland. She also hosted her gala, Dare to Dream, to support the well-being and mental health of children in war zones.
Michaela will be remembered not only as a trailblazing ballerina but also as a dedicated humanitarian, leaving a lasting impact through her performances and advocacy work.
