Throwback Thursday and Maria Tallchief
Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief (Maria Tallchief 1925-2013) was
born in Oklahoma, and was a member of the Osage Tribe. She was the first Native American to break
into the world of professional ballet, becoming one of the leading ballerinas in
America and the world from 1940s-1960s.
She began her career with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo,
and soon became known for her technical precision and musicality. In 1947 she became the first American to
dance with the Paris Opera Ballet.
She is best known for her work with the New York City
Ballet, performing in many ballets including Scotch Symphony, Orpheus, Firebird and The Nutcracker. She was
married to George Balanchine for a brief time, from 1946 until they separated
in 1951. In 1957 she married Henry
Paschen and together they had a daughter, Elise.
After she retired she founded and became the artistic
director of the Chicago City Ballet.
She was honored with many awards including the National
Medal of Arts, and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Dance History Factoid #22:
“Maria Tallchief was
the first Native American ballet dancer.”
Link of the Day:
Quote
of the Day:
“If you want to feel rich just count all the things you have
that money cannot buy.”
-Proverb
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