Celebrated ballerina Michaela DePrince dead 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 in a statement on her Instagram page, though the cause of death has not yet been revealed.

“Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength,” the statement read. “Her unwavering dedication to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us. She stood as a beacon of hope, proving that beauty and greatness can emerge from the darkest of places.”

“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 all who loved her.”

DePrince was just a toddler when she first encountered the image of a ballerina — a magazine page that had blown against the gate of the orphanage where she was staying during Sierra Leone’s civil war. The image was of an American ballet dancer balanced on pointe.

“All I remember is she looked really, really happy,” DePrince told The Associated Press in 2012, just before her first professional full ballet performance. She said she wished “to become this exact person.”

In the harsh environment of the orphanage, “I saw hope in it. I ripped the page out and stuck it in my underwear because I didn’t have anywhere else to put it.”

DePrince, who suffered from a skin pigmentation disorder, was cruelly labeled “the devil’s child” at the orphanage. Despite this, she went on to achieve her dream, becoming the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem before moving to the Netherlands to join the Dutch National Ballet. Later, she performed with the Boston Ballet after returning to the U.S., where she continued to captivate audiences.

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 book, Ballet Dreams, further expanding her influence beyond the stage.

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