2 3 Throwback Thursday and Maria Tallchief | Ballet Webb

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Throwback Thursday and Maria Tallchief




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.”

 

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