Michaela DePrince, trailblazing ballerina and humanitarian, dies at 29

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, 29, had recently passed away.

On September 13th, she made known of her passing via Boston Ballet Principal Soloist Liisa Ondrasova’s Instagram post.

With sadness in our hearts, we mourn Michaela Mabinty DePrince’s passing as she left an indelible mark on ballet and beyond with her artistry and spirit inspiring many; leaving an imprint that will live on for decades.” According to a statement issued by her family: “Her life was marked by grace, determination, tenacity; her dedication and resolve in humanitarian work will always serve as an example; her ability to adapt in difficult circumstances will remain an example for all to follow despite difficulties she exhibited brilliance beyond compare.”

The statement also states that “her time with us was incredibly short, her uniqueness and impact will be shining in the hearts of all those who were inspired by her story for the generations to come. Prayers and love go out to her loved ones friends, her loved ones, and all who loved her.”

The cause of death has not been revealed at this time.

In Sierra Leone in 1995, DePrince was a war orphan and then adopted to an American family as a young girl, compatible to the BBC. Obsessed with ballet since she was a child at the age of five, DePrince was enrolled at The Rock School of Dance in Philadelphia.

“We found a Nutcracker video and I watched it 150 times,” she said to the outlet in 2012.

In the meantime, she pursued her passion for ballet her job was a success. She became one of the first principal dancers to be born in the Dance Theatre of Harlem, before making the move into the Netherlands to join the Dutch National Ballet, like to her Instagram. After her return she joined with the Boston Ballet.

DePrince was also an author who was published and journalist, narrating her personal narrative within “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina” as well as her book “Ballet Dreams.”

She was an advocate for children impacted by violence and conflict as her Instagram post states. The athlete served as spokesperson of War Child Holland and hosted the Gala Dare to Dream to promote well-being and mental health among those living in war zones.

As an athlete in Nike’s roster, she was acknowledged on both Facebook and Twitter accounts by being called an incredible athlete who inspired people all over to pursue their goals despite barriers or obstacles to do so.

“She was an invaluable member of Nike, and her legacy will live on through her memoirs and incredible work with disadvantaged youth,” reads a statement issued after her pas