Ballerina Michaela DePrince, renowned for her role in Beyoncé’s 2016 music video “Freedom,” has tragically passed away at the age of 29. Her team made the somber announcement on Friday, sharing a heartfelt message on her official Instagram account that paid tribute to her extraordinary life filled with determination, artistry, and humanitarian efforts.
The tribute highlighted DePrince’s unwavering dedication to dance and her inspiring story of resilience—overcoming monumental challenges to achieve her dreams. “She was a beacon of hope for many, demonstrating that greatness can emerge from the shadows,” the statement read. The cause of her untimely death has yet to be disclosed.
DePrince’s family also shared their grief on Facebook, emphasizing her profound impact on young Black dancers and the joy she brought to many. In a moving statement, her sister Mia reflected on their childhood experiences in an orphanage, recalling the dances they created together. “From our beginnings in Africa, Michaela, known to us as Mabinty, always had a passion for dance,” she remembered, detailing how they would perform their own musical theater plays and choreograph ballets.
Born in Sierra Leone, DePrince faced unimaginable hardships as an orphan after losing her parents during the country’s civil war. She was adopted by an American family at four, which allowed her to pursue her dreams in ballet. She trained at prestigious institutions like the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
DePrince’s talent was evident early on, earning her a significant role in the acclaimed documentary “First Position,” which chronicled the journey of young dancers preparing for a major scholarship competition. She later danced with the Dutch National Ballet and became a principal soloist with the Boston Ballet.
A published author, DePrince released her memoir “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina” in 2016, alongside a children’s book titled “Ballet Dreams,” where she shared her hopes of establishing a ballet school in Sierra Leone. In the eyes of many, she was not just a talented dancer; she was an inspiration who took time to uplift the next generation of dancers.
DePrince is remembered not only for her artistry but also for her ability to bring light and motivation to those who aspired to follow in her footsteps. She is survived by her sisters Mia, Beelee, Jaye, Mariel, and Amie, as well as her brothers Adam and Erik. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire countless others.
