By Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a pioneering ballerina who rose from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone to grace international stages, has died at the age of 29, her family announced Thursday. The cause of death was not disclosed.
DePrince, known for breaking racial barriers in ballet and her appearances with Beyoncé, died suddenly, according to a statement posted on her personal Instagram account. Her family described her as an “unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story.”
Born in Kenema, Sierra Leone, in 1995, DePrince’s early life was marked by tragedy. Orphaned at three during the country’s civil war, she faced discrimination at an orphanage due to vitiligo, a condition causing loss of skin pigmentation. At four, she was adopted by an American couple and moved to New Jersey, where her passion for ballet was nurtured.
DePrince’s rise in the ballet world was meteoric. She made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and later joined the prestigious Boston Ballet as a second soloist in 2021. Her performances captivated audiences worldwide, including a notable appearance in Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” visual album.
Fellow ballerina Misty Copeland paid tribute, noting DePrince’s determination in the face of adversity: “Despite being told the ‘world wasn’t ready for black ballerinas’ or that ‘black ballerinas weren’t worth investing in,’ she remained determined, focused, and began making big strides.”
Beyond her artistic achievements, DePrince was a dedicated humanitarian, advocating for children affected by conflict and violence. Her journey from war orphan to international ballet star inspired many, challenging perceptions in the traditionally white-dominated world of ballet.
DePrince’s spokesperson emphasized her lasting impact: “Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us.”
The ballerina’s story gained widespread attention through her memoir, “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina,” and a documentary. She also appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” at 17, further expanding her influence beyond the ballet world.
As news of her death spreads, the dance community and beyond mourn the loss of a trailblazer who, in her brief but impactful life, redefined possibilities for aspiring dancers of color and served as a beacon of hope for overcoming adversity.
DePrince’s legacy as both an artist and humanitarian is expected to continue inspiring future generations in dance and social advocacy. The ballet world, while grieving her untimely passing, celebrates the indelible mark she left on the art form and her role in promoting diversity and inclusion in classical dance.
