Maria tallchief

Tallchief was choreographer George Balanchine's muse and a crucial part of the rise of the New York City Ballet.

Maria Tallchief, an Osage woman, revolutionized ballet in the 1940s and became America’s first prima ballerina. The Osage Ballet hopes to continue her legacy.

The love for L'Heure Bleue outlasted Maria Tallchief's marriage to Balanchine, a genius choreographer who changed the face of American ballet.

Maria Tallchief, of the Osage Nation, was New York City Ballet and America's first prima ballerina. She helped popularize "The Nutcracker."

Marjorie Tallchief - France & USA - 1948: Marjorie Tallchief was a ballerina of Osage Nation heritage. She is the sister of ballerina Maria Tallchief and was the first Native American to become "primere danseuse etoile" in the Paris Opera Ballet. #womens #history #indigenous #women #artists #athletes

Maria Tallchief as Eurydice in Balanchine’s “Orpheus,” c. 1948 / Photo from the estate of George Platt Lynes/the George Balanchine Trust/NYC Ballet Archives

Ms. Tallchief achieved renown as an early prima ballerina with the New York City Ballet, dancing for George Balanchine and entertaining audiences with her speed, energy and fire.

Acclaimed dancer of rare talent broke down ethnic barriers and performed with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo