Emmy Noether: Revolutionary Mathematician Who Linked Symmetry and Conservation Laws.
Maria Tallchief, born Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief on January 24, 1925, in Fairfax, Oklahoma, rose from Osage Nation roots to become a groundbreaking ballerina. As the first Native American to achieve prima ballerina status, she starred in iconic roles for the New York City Ballet and influenced generations through her artistry and resilience, earning national honors.
Early Life and Introduction to Dance.
Growing up on the Osage reservation, Tallchief moved to Beverly Hills, California, at age three with her family. Inspired by her Scottish-Irish mother’s encouragement, she began piano and ballet lessons, training under renowned teachers like Bronislava Nijinska. At 17, she joined the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, adopting the name Maria Tallchief to honor her heritage while pursuing professional opportunities.
Support Women’s and Girls’ Rights Globally!
Your support helps sustain our three core-programs which have reached and impacted 8.2M+ viewers this year alone!
Partnership with Balanchine and Rise to Stardom.
In 1946, Tallchief married choreographer George Balanchine, becoming his muse for ballets like Firebird (1949), which propelled her to international fame with its demanding role showcasing her technical precision and dramatic flair. As prima ballerina for the New York City Ballet from 1947 to 1965, she excelled in works like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, touring worldwide and appearing on television.
Challenges and Advocacy for Native Representations.
Facing typecasting and cultural biases, Tallchief refused roles that stereotyped Native Americans, emphasizing her identity as an artist first. Her marriage to Balanchine ended in annulment in 1952, but she continued thriving, marrying twice more and raising a daughter while balancing career and family
Support Women’s and Girls’ Rights Globally!
Your support helps sustain our three core-programs which have reached and impacted 8.2M+ viewers this year alone!
Later Career and Enduring Legacy.
Retiring in 1966, Tallchief founded the Chicago City Ballet in 1981 and taught at institutions like the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Honored with the Kennedy Center Honors (1996) and National Medal of Arts (1999), her story inspires through biographies, children’s books, and the U.S. Mint’s 2023 quarter featuring her image.
“Above all, I wanted to be appreciated as a prima ballerina who happened to be a Native American, never as someone who was an American Indian ballerina.”
Stay Informed with our Newsletter.
Receive exclusive invitations to our programs; free films to watch from free film collection Voices For Change; news about gender equality around the world; and access to our partners’ programs.
