Michaela DePrince, a Sierra Leonean American Ballerina for Boston Ballet, Dies at 29

The ballet community is mourning the death of dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a professional ballerina for the Boston Ballet and star of the 2011 First Position documentary who died at the age of 29.

DePrince grew up as an orphan in Sierra Leone before being adopted by an American family and moving to the U.S., she told Glamour in 2015.

Passionate about dancing since childhood, she studied at the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet before joining the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 2012. She also danced for the Dutch National Ballet and joined the Boston Ballet as a principal soloist in 2021.

The news of DePrince’s death was confirmed in a statement posted to her official Instagram account on Friday, Sept. 13.

“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,” the statement, signed by “Team MDP,” began.

DePrince’s life was “one defined by grace, purpose, and strength,” her team continued. “Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us,” remembering the dancer as someone who “stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places.”

Team MPD continued, by adding, “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. Love and prayers go to her chosen family, friends, and those who loved her.”

A cause of death has not been made available.

DePrince is survived by her five sisters and two brothers. In a written statement on Facebook, her sister, Mia, said she is “truly in a state of shock and deep sadness” following her sister’s death.

“My beautiful sister is no longer here,” Mia continued. “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 recalled how she and her sister “created our own ballets” as children.

“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,” Mia shared, calling her sister “an inspiration.”

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“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,” Mia concluded.

The DePrince family thanked the public for “their privacy as they navigate this very difficult time” and said memorial services for the ballerina will be private.

Boston Ballet also issued a statement honoring DePrince on Friday. “We’re sending our love and support to the family of Michaela Mabinty DePrince at this time of loss,” the company said, adding, “We were so fortunate to know Mabinty; she was a beautiful person, a wonderful dancer, and she will be greatly missed by us.”