About
American dancer best known for becoming the first Native American prima ballerina. She danced with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and the New York City Ballet, performing in such famous pieces as The Nutcracker and The Firebird.
Before Fame
She broke away from social norms at the time for Native American women and moved to Beverly Hills, California with her family to pursue ballet.
Trivia
Her father was a Chief in the Osage Nation.
Family Life
She was married to George Balanchine for six years. She later married Henry "Buzz" Paschen, Jr. and remained with him until his death in 2004. The couple had one daughter, Elise.
Associated With
She and Galina Ulanova were both esteemed prima ballerinas.
Video
Maria Tallchief Highlights
