The ballet community is deeply grieving the loss of Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a principal ballerina with the Boston Ballet and a prominent figure from the 2011 documentary First Position. She passed away at the age of 29.
DePrince's journey began in Sierra Leone as an orphan before she was adopted by an American family and moved to the U.S., as she shared with Glamour in 2015. Her passion for dance was evident from a young age, leading her to study at the American Ballet Theatre's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet. She joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 2012, performed with the Dutch National Ballet, and became a principal soloist with the Boston Ballet in 2021.
Her death was announced in a statement on her official Instagram account on Friday, Sept. 13.
"With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince. Her artistry touched countless lives, and her spirit inspired many, leaving a lasting impact on the world of ballet and beyond," the statement from "Team MDP" read.
The statement from Team MDP further expressed, "Although her time with us was tragically short, her brilliance and legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who were touched by her story for generations to come. Our love and prayers are with her chosen family, friends, and all who cherished her."
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
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DePrince is survived by her five sisters and two brothers. In a Facebook statement, her sister Mia expressed her "deep shock and profound sadness" over the loss.
"My beautiful sister is no longer with us," Mia wrote. "From our early days in Africa, sharing a mat in the orphanage, Michaela (Mabinty) and I used to create our own musical theater plays and perform them."
Mia reminisced about how they would "design our own ballets" as children.
"Once we were adopted, our parents supported our dreams and nurtured the remarkable, graceful ballerina that many of you knew and admired," Mia continued, describing her sister as "an inspiration."
"Whether she was leaping across the stage or traveling to third-world countries to teach dance to orphans and children, Michaela (Mabinty) was resolutely dedicated to achieving her dreams in the arts and dance. She has left her mark on countless stages around the world. Her presence will be deeply missed," Mia said.
The DePrince family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time and announced that memorial services for Michaela will be private.
On Friday, Boston Ballet released a statement honoring DePrince. "We extend our love and support to Michaela Mabinty DePrince's family during this period of loss," the company said. "We were privileged to know Mabinty; she was a remarkable person and an exceptional dancer, and she will be profoundly missed by all of us."