Maria Tallchief

Maria Tallchief (1925-2013) was a famous prima ballerina. Born to a father from the Osage tribe and a mother with Scottish and Irish heritage, Maria Tallchief discovered her passion for ballet at the age of three. At 17, she moved to New York City, where she studied under and then married George Balanchine. Her dedication and hard work resulted in a style of dance that dazzled audiences around the world. Maria Tallchief retired from dance at the age of 40, but continued to support and inspire young ballerinas until her death at age 88.