Michaela DePrince: America’s trailblazing ballerina dies at 29

Michaela DePrince, the star ballerina and author who escaped war-torn Sierra Leone to become the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, has passed away at the age of 29.

Her death was announced through a statement on her Instagram page, though the cause of death remains unknown.

“Her life was defined by grace, purpose, and strength,” the Instagram statement reads. “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, proving that beauty and greatness can emerge from the darkest of places, no matter the obstacles.”

“Though her time with us was far too brief, her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story, for generations to come. Love and prayers go to her chosen family, friends, and those who loved her.”

DePrince was just a toddler when she saw her first image of a ballerina — a magazine page blown against the gate of the orphanage where she lived during Sierra Leone’s civil war. The image was of an American ballet dancer posed on tiptoe.

“All I remember is that she looked really, really happy,” Michaela told The Associated Press in 2012, shortly before her first professional full ballet performance. She longed to “become this exact person.”

Amid the misery of the orphanage, “I saw hope in it. And I ripped the page out and stuck it in my underwear because I didn’t have any other place to put it.”

DePrince, who suffered from a skin pigmentation disorder, was cruelly labeled “the devil’s child” at the orphanage. Nevertheless, she rose to become the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem before moving to the Netherlands to join the Dutch National Ballet. According to the statement, she later returned to the U.S. to perform with the Boston Ballet, continuing to captivate audiences with her talent.

Her memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, has been translated into multiple languages and published in 12 countries. She also released a follow-up, Ballet Dreams, further expanding her influence beyond the stage.

In addition to her dance career, DePrince was a passionate advocate for children affected by conflict and violence, serving as an Ambassador for War Child Holland.