Michaela Mabinty DePrince, the trailblazing Sierra Leonean-American ballerina, has passed away at the age of 29. DePrince, known for her remarkable journey from war orphan to international ballet star, died unexpectedly, leaving the dance world and her global fan base in shock.

DePrince made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York before continuing her career with the Dutch National Ballet and later the Boston Ballet. Her performances captivated audiences worldwide, earning her acclaim for both her technical prowess and emotional depth on stage.

In addition to her career as a dancer, DePrince was a prominent advocate for children affected by war. Her memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, chronicled her extraordinary life, growing up in a Sierra Leonean orphanage before being adopted by an American family. The book, translated into multiple languages and published in 12 countries, inspired countless readers. She followed it up with Ballet Dreams, continuing her mission to share hope and resilience.

DePrince also served as an ambassador for War Child Holland, dedicating her time to promoting the well-being of children living in conflict zones. She hosted the Dare to Dream gala, focusing on mental health support for children affected by war.

Her death has left a significant void in both the world of ballet and humanitarian efforts. Fans and colleagues around the world are mourning the loss of an artist and advocate who brought beauty, strength, and compassion to everything she did.