According to posts on her social media on Friday, Michaela DePrince, 29, who moved to the United States and defied the odds to become a famous ballerina after being left an orphan during the civil war in Sierra Leone, passed away.
DePrince, a second soloist with the Boston Ballet, was a highly regarded dancer who also performed with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Dutch National Ballet.
“With pain in our hearts, we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond,” said the statement posted by her team on Instagram and Facebook.
There was no word on what caused her death.
Confirming the news, the Dance Theatre of Harlem wrote on X that “DePrince, was an activist and humanitarian, advocating for children affected by conflict and violence.”
“She served as an Ambassador for War Child Holland and hosted her gala, Dare to Dream, dedicated to promoting the well-being and mental health of children living in war zones.”
DePrince suffered from vitiligo and was neglected in an orphanage after her uncle left her during the violent civil war in her native West Africa.
The narrative of DePrince was turned into the documentary “First Position.”
She also had an appearance in Beyonce’s 2016 hybrid album and film “Lemonade,” which explores the lives of African American women.
