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## A Star Too Soon Extinguished: Remembering Michaela Mabinty DePrince

 

The ballet world mourns the loss of a trailblazing talent and an inspiring advocate for inclusion. Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a ballerina whose life was a testament to the enduring power of hope and resilience, passed away at the age of 29. Though the cause of her death remains undisclosed, the shock and grief reverberate through the dance community and beyond, leaving a void that will be felt for years to come.

## A Star Too Soon Extinguished: Remembering Michaela Mabinty DePrince

DePrince’s story

is one of triumph over adversity, a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome immense challenges. Born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone, her life took a tragic turn at the tender age of three when both her parents perished in the brutal civil war that ravaged the country.  DePrince, along with countless other children, was forced into the harrowing reality of an orphanage, where she faced neglect and physical mistreatment, her skin condition of vitiligo further isolating her.

 

The horrors of the war

continued to haunt DePrince. She described a desperate trek, shoeless and barefoot, across miles of unforgiving terrain to reach a refugee camp, an ordeal that would leave its mark on her young psyche.  The  orphanage’s imminent bombing forced her to seek safety, leaving her to endure further displacement and hardship. 

 

Yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. A photograph of a ballerina, its image imprinted upon DePrince’s memory, sparked an enduring passion for dance. It was a spark that transcended the grim reality of her surroundings, a beacon of beauty and grace in a world consumed by conflict. At the age of five, DePrince’s journey towards ballet began.

 

Though her dedication to dance was unwavering, her path wasn't paved with ease. Even as she began training, prejudice and societal limitations reared their ugly heads. At eight, DePrince was told the United States was not ready for a Black girl ballerina, despite having been selected to perform the role of Marie in "The Nutcracker." The heartbreaking dismissal, a stark reminder of the deeply embedded racism within the dance world, fueled her determination. A year later, at the age of nine, DePrince faced another crushing blow when a teacher explicitly stated to her mother that Black girls were not worth investing money in.

 

DePrince’s

 resilience was tested, but not broken. She persevered, attending the Rock School for Dance Education, a prestigious and selective ballet school, where her exceptional talent was finally recognized and nurtured.  This marked a pivotal turning point in her journey. At the age of 17, DePrince was featured in the critically acclaimed documentary “First Position,” which captured her journey alongside six other dancers as they prepared for the Youth America Grand Prix. Her talent shone through, earning her a scholarship to study at American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet.

 

This scholarship opened doors to a world of opportunities. DePrince graduated high school and joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem, becoming the youngest principal dancer in the theatre’s history, a feat that marked a significant milestone in her career. In 2012, she graced the stage for her first professional full ballet performance in South Africa, a moment that underscored her commitment to the art form.

 

The following year, DePrince joined the junior company of the Dutch National Ballet, furthering her artistic growth and honing her skills. Her talent, however, was not confined to the traditional ballet world.  In 2016, audiences unfamiliar with ballet recognized her through her captivating performance in Beyoncé’s “Lemonade,” where she danced with grace and power, embodying the essence of vulnerability and strength. 

 

DePrince's influence

 extended beyond the stage. In 2021, she joined the prestigious Boston Ballet as a second soloist, her contributions adding to the diversity and richness of the company. The same year, she took on the lead role in "Coppelia," a ballet film, showcasing her versatility and range as an artist.

 

Throughout her career, DePrince spoke candidly about the challenges she faced as a Black dancer in a predominantly white world. She used her platform to advocate for inclusivity and diversity within the dance community, acknowledging the importance of providing opportunities for Black and brown dancers. She expressed gratitude for the pioneers who paved the way for her, acknowledging the legacy of dancers like Lauren Anderson, Heidi Cruz, and Misty Copeland. 

 

Despite

 her achievements, DePrince never forgot her roots. She dedicated herself to humanitarian work, actively supporting organizations like War Child, which aids children affected by armed conflict.  Her commitment to her homeland, Sierra Leone, inspired her to dream of opening a school for dance and the arts in her native country, a project she intended to pursue after retiring from dancing. She saw the arts as a transformative force, a way to uplift and empower children, particularly those who might not have access to the same opportunities she had.

 

Michaela Mabinty DePrince’s life story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable hardship, hope can blossom. Her passion for dance, her unwavering pursuit of excellence, and her commitment to social justice have left an indelible mark on the ballet world and beyond.  She embodied the spirit of resilience, advocating for a more inclusive and diverse world through her artistry. While her untimely passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt, her legacy as a trailblazer and an inspiration will continue to shine brightly. 

 

Her memory, and the inspiration she provided, will serve as a call to action for those seeking to foster a more equitable and inclusive future for the arts.  It is a future Michaela Mabinty DePrince so bravely fought for.