The gruesome death of American-Surinamese ballerina Michaela Mabinti Deprince, whose passing was recently announced on her official Instagram profile, has left the dance community around the world in mourning.
Given that Prince had an incredible life and influence, the news shocked the entire artistic community. The sense of loss and sadness experienced by her colleagues, fans and the dance community as a whole was heightened by the lack of an official cause of death being revealed.
DePrince's heartbreaking announcement on Instagram read:
“With pain in our hearts, we share the loss of the star ballerina Michaela Mbinti Defrins, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet and beyond. Her life was defined by grace, purpose and strength. The unwavering commitment Her dedication to her art, her humanitarian efforts and her courage to overcome unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us.
She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest places. Although her time with us was too short, her glow and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of everyone who touched her story for generations to come.”
The early life of Michaela de Prince
Michaela Mbinti de Prince was born on January 6, 1995, in Sierra Leone, at a time when the country was devastated by a civil war. She lost her parents at a young age, leaving her an orphan during the war. Her early childhood was characterized by unimaginable hardship, but her life took a major turn when she was adopted by an American family.
This adoption set the stage for what would become an extraordinary journey – a journey of hope, resilience and determination. De Prince found her calling in ballet, an art form that has historically struggled with diversity. Yet she defied the odds, not only breaking barriers but also redefining the expectations of what a ballerina could be.
