Who was Michaela DePrince? Tributes pour in as beloved ballet dancer who featured in Beyonce's video dies at 29

Humanitarian and ballerina Michaela DePrince passed away on September 13, 2024, at the age of 29. The cause of the dancer's death wasn't revealed to the public at the time of writing this article. Her spokesperson and family confirmed the news of Michaela's death on her official Instagram page. Followers have since taken to social media to pay tribute to the ballerina, as they grieve her loss.

In their statement, her spokesperson wrote that Michaela's life "was one defined by grace, purpose and strength." They added that she was a "beacon of hope" who inspired people and showed that "beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places."

“Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us. She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places,” the spokesperson wrote on Instagram.

Michaela DePrince's family also released a press statement about her passing and called her an "unforgettable inspiration." The statement noted that she had a huge impact on inspiring Black dancers to pursue their dreams.

Michaela DePrince was born Mabinty Bangura on January 6, 1995, in Sierra Leone to Elaine and Charles DePrince. However, she was orphaned as a young child when her father was killed during Sierra Leone's civil war and her mother died of fever shortly after.

At the age of four, Michaela and her sister were adopted before moving to the US, where she began learning ballet. She studied ballet at the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet. Michaela was a prominent name in the ballet industry and was the youngest-ever principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Fans and followers were stunned to learn that the dancer had passed away, and took to social media to pay tributes to her. They left comments on the Instagram post announcing her death.

Netizens express sadness over the devastating loss (Image via Instagram)

Many fans said that they were "devastated" to have learned about Michaela's death, while others said that she was an inspiration to them and many others. Some recalled seeing her in a documentary and then meeting her, where they fangirled over her while she was "kind and sweet" to them. Others remembered watching the documentary and rooting for Michaela.

Netizens express sadness over the devastating loss (Image via Instagram)

Netizens express sadness over the devastating loss (Image via Instagram)

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Michaela DePrince appeared in ABC’s Dancing with the Stars

After moving to the US, Michaela took up ballet and studied at Philadelphia’s Rock School for Dance Education before making her stage debut. She debuted professionally as the guest principal at the Joburg Ballet in South Africa and has been featured in the ballet documentary First Position.

According to her website, the ballerina performed with the Dance Theatre of Harlem when she was 17. When she turned 18, she joined the Dutch National Junior Company as a second-year member and the main company's apprentice.

She appeared on the reality show Dancing With the Stars and has been featured in a few other videos and documentaries.

She was a part of Beyoncé's 2016 track Freedom. The ballet dancer has also collaborated with organizations, like J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Microsoft, Jockey, Tommy Hilfiger, Harper’s Bazaar, Numero, and Vogue.

Michaela DePrince is a TED talker and an author who has two books to her name. She wrote her memoir Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina in 2016. She worked with her adoptive mother to release her second book, Ballerina Dreams, an illustrated children's book that narrates Michaela's story into ballet stardom.

At the Dare to Dream Gala in 2016, Michaela DePrince was named the Ambassador for War Child Holland. The gala, hosted by the War Child Netherlands, aimed to empower children living in war-torn countries through their dedication to mental health. Since working with the organization, she has taken the Dare to Dream Gala around the globe.

Michaela DePrince has left behind her sisters Amie, Mariel, Jaye, Beelee, and Mia, and her brothers Adam and Erik.