Maria Tallchief, born Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief to Alexander Joseph Tall Chief, a full-blooded member of the Osage Nation and Ruth Porter, of Scottish-Irish descent on January 24, 1925, in Fairfax, Oklahoma. Maria and her younger sister, Marjorie grew up on the Osage reservation and began dancing at an early age. Their mother, recognizing their potential, moved the family to Los Angeles to provide better opportunities for her daughters.
Early Life
Maria Tallchief’s involvement in ballet started at a very young age. At only a few years old, Maria and her family moved from the Osage reservation in Oklahoma to Los Angeles, California, where they could access better dance training. In Los Angeles, Maria studied ballet under several prominent teachers, including Bronislava Nijinska and David Lichine. Her rigorous training and dedication paid off as she quickly advanced with her skills. By the age of 17, she joined the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, a prestigious touring company. Her talent and hard work catapulted her to fame, leading to her significant contributions to the world of ballet.
Rise to Fame
The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, a renowned touring company based in New York City showcased her exceptional talent. Her dedication quickly garnered attention and she became a featured soloist. Her performances in George Balanchine’s choreographed works elevated her status in the ballet world. In 1946, Maria married Balanchine, and their artistic partnership transformed American ballet, blending classical techniques with innovative choreography.
New York City Ballet
In 1946, Balanchine, along with Lincoln Kirstein, co-founded the NYCB. In 1948, recognizing Maria’s extraordinary abilities, Balanchine invited her to join the newly established company as its prima ballerina. Maria created and performed many iconic roles under Balanchine’s choreography. Her tenure at the NYCB not only helped elevate the company’s reputation but also played a significant role in popularizing ballet in the United States. As , She held the position of prima ballerina of the NYCB from 1948 to 1965. Her performance as the Firebird in Balanchine’s adaptation of the Stravinsky ballet remains legendary. She also captivated audiences with her portrayal of the Sugar Plum Fairy in “The Nutcracker,” a role she helped popularize as a Christmas tradition in America. Her collaborations with Balanchine defined an era and brought international acclaim to the NYCB.
Personal Life and Values
Despite her professional success, Maria faced personal challenges, including the end of her marriage to Balanchine. She remarried twice, first to aviator Elmourza Natirboff and later to Chicago businessman Henry “Buzz” Paschen, with whom she had a daughter, Elise. Maria valued education and the arts, and she dedicated much of her post-performance life to nurturing young dancers and promoting arts education.
Legacy and Honors
After retiring from performing in 1966, Maria continued to influence the dance world as a choreographer and teacher. She co-founded the Chicago City Ballet in 1980 and served as its artistic director. Maria’s contributions to ballet earned her numerous accolades, including the Kennedy Center Honors in 1996 and the National Medal of Arts in 1999. She received induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Cultural Impact
Maria Tallchief remained deeply connected to her Osage heritage throughout her life. She refused to change her last name, proudly representing her Native American identity on the world stage. Maria often spoke about the importance of honoring one’s heritage and used her platform to raise awareness about Native American culture. Her story has been celebrated through various mediums, including a Barbie doll in Mattel’s Inspiring Women series and numerous books and documentaries.
Maria Tallchief passed away on April 11, 2013, at the age of 88, leaving an indelible mark on the history of ballet. To learn more about her, click here.