According to a statement issued by her family, Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a trailblazer and inspiration in the ballet industry, passed away. The statement from the family read, “We announce the sudden demise of our beloved sister, Michaela Mabinty DePrince, with profound regret.” Michaela had a profound impact on a great number of lives, including our own.” The family revealed that Michaela accomplished her goals and much more, from her early years in war-torn Africa to stages and screens all around the world. Her enthusiasm and influence on the dance community were immense, particularly in motivating young Black dancers to pursue their aspirations.
“Her beautiful grin will always be missed, and we know you will too,” the family wrote. Along with her brothers Adam and Erik, Michaela is survived by her sisters Mia, Beelee, Jaye, Mariel, and Amie. Mia is devastated by her sister’s passing. “From the very beginning of our tale back in Africa, sleeping on a sharing mat at the orphanage, Michaela (Mabinty) and I used to make up our own musical theater plays and perform them out,” she remarked, expressing how close they were.
The sisters would compose and conduct their own ballets, with Michaela serving as the choreographer. “Our parents eagerly poured into our aspirations when we were adopted, and from them grew the stunning, beautifully strong ballerina that so many of you knew her as to this day. She was a source of inspiration,” Mia said.
She expressed her sorrow for her sister while emphasizing how Michaela never wavered in her quest of her goals. She never wavered in her commitment to her craft, whether she was vaulting across the stage or touring underprivileged nations to teach dance to abandoned children.
She underlined that her sister will be much missed and that her footsteps have had a lasting influence on stages all over the world. As a ballerina whose talent moved innumerable people and whose spirit inspired many, Michaela was also mourned by her management team. They both agreed that she has made a lasting impression on the ballet community and beyond. The management considered Michaela’s life and said it was characterized by strength, elegance, and purpose. They emphasized her unwavering commitment to her craft, her humanitarian endeavors, and her bravery in conquering impossibly difficult obstacles, all of which will never cease to inspire.
Michaela Mabinty DePrince was a beacon of hope, demonstrating that beauty and greatness can emerge from even the darkest circumstances. “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,” the management added.The family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time and announced that services will be private. In place of flowers, they asked for donations to War Child, an organization Michaela was deeply involved with as a War Child Ambassador. This cause was immensely meaningful to her, and contributions go to children’s support who, like the ballerina, grew up in conflict-ridden environments.