Childhood and Education Journey of Maria Tallchief in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Maria Tallchief, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Maria Tallchief (Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief) was an Osage and American ballerina, recognized as America's first major prima ballerina and the first Native American to achieve that rank. Her collaboration with choreographer George Balanchine is credited with revolutionizing American ballet. Tallchief's talent and groundbreaking achievements paved the way for future generations of American dancers and brought prominence to ballet in the United States.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1913: Birth of Frances Tall Chief

In 1913, Frances Tall Chief, one of Maria Tallchief's half-siblings from her father's first marriage, was born.

1919: Birth of Thomas Tall Chief

In 1919, Thomas Tall Chief, Maria Tallchief's half-brother from her father's first marriage, was born. He later played football for the University of Oklahoma and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

1922: Birth of Gerald Tall Chief

In 1922, Gerald Tall Chief, Maria Tallchief's older brother, was born. He sustained a severe head injury in childhood, impacting his cognitive function.

January 24, 1925: Birth of Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief

On January 24, 1925, Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief, later known as Maria Tallchief, was born in Fairfax, Oklahoma. She was born with the Osage name Ki He Kah Stah Tsa and would become a renowned Osage and American ballerina.

1930: Early Ballet Training with Mrs. Sabin

In 1930, Maria Tallchief, then known as Betty Marie, began ballet lessons with Mrs. Sabin in Fairfax, Oklahoma. Despite Sabin's flawed teaching methods, this marked the start of Tallchief's formal ballet education.

1933: Move to Los Angeles and Training with Ernest Belcher

In 1933, Maria Tallchief's family relocated to Los Angeles, aiming for opportunities in Hollywood musicals. Tallchief began studying with Ernest Belcher, marking a significant step in her ballet education.

1942: Graduation and Move to New York City

In 1942, Maria Tallchief graduated from Beverly Hills High School and, with the encouragement of Tatiana Riabouchinska, moved to New York City to pursue her ballet career. She also had a bit part in the MGM musical "Presenting Lily Mars" that year.

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1944: First Love with Alexander "Sasha" Goudevitch

In 1944, during her first year at the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Maria Tallchief dated Russian dancer Alexander "Sasha" Goudevitch and they were briefly engaged before he ended the relationship, leaving her heartbroken.

1945: George Balanchine Proposes Marriage

During the summer of 1945, George Balanchine proposed to Maria Tallchief after a Los Angeles performance, despite her uncertainty about her feelings for him.

1945: Balanchine's Tutelage and Transformation

In 1945, while on tour, George Balanchine began to intensely tutor Maria Tallchief, focusing on her basic ballet technique. He helped her transform her weaknesses, particularly her turnout, into strengths, enhancing her overall performance and artistry.

August 16, 1946: Marriage to George Balanchine

On August 16, 1946, Maria Tallchief married George Balanchine, solidifying their personal and professional relationship after he proposed to her unexpectedly.

1946: Balanchine Establishes the Ballet Society

In 1946, George Balanchine partnered with Lincoln Kirstein to establish the Ballet Society, a precursor to the New York City Ballet, setting the stage for new opportunities for dancers like Maria Tallchief.

1947: Joins Balanchine at Paris Opera Ballet

In 1947, after her contract with Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo expired, Maria Tallchief joined George Balanchine in France, where he was a guest choreographer at the Paris Opera Ballet. This move was marked by challenges and controversies, particularly due to opposition from supporters of Serge Lifar.

1951: Divorce from George Balanchine

In 1951, Maria Tallchief and George Balanchine ended their marriage. Despite the divorce, they continued to collaborate professionally.

1952: Married Elmourza Natirboff

In 1952, Maria Tallchief married Elmourza Natirboff, a pilot for a private charter airline.

1952: Marriage to George Balanchine Annulled

In 1952, Maria Tallchief's marriage to George Balanchine was annulled as both were attracted to other people.

1955: Met Henry D. ("Buzz") Paschen Jr.

In 1955, Maria Tallchief met Chicago businessman Henry D. ("Buzz") Paschen Jr.

1958: Created Lead in Gounod Symphony

In 1958, Maria Tallchief created the lead role in George Balanchine's "Gounod Symphony" before taking a leave of absence to have her first child. This performance was a notable achievement in her career.

1959: Death of Alexander Joseph Tall Chief

In 1959, Alexander Joseph Tall Chief, Maria Tallchief's father and a member of the Osage Nation, passed away. He was married to Ruth Porter, who was of Scottish-Irish descent.

1959: Birth of Daughter Elise Maria Paschen

In 1959, Maria Tallchief gave birth to her only child, Elise Maria Paschen, who later became an award-winning poet.

February 1960: Leaves New York City Ballet

In February 1960, Maria Tallchief left the New York City Ballet. During her tenure, she also made guest appearances with other companies.

1966: Retirement from Dancing

In 1966, Maria Tallchief retired from dancing after relocating to Germany and briefly becoming the lead dancer of the Hamburg Ballet. One of her last performances was in the title role of Peter van Dyk's "Cinderella".

1966: Final Performance in America

In 1966, Maria Tallchief's final performance in America was on television's "Bell Telephone Hour", marking the end of her stage career in the United States.

1974: Founded Lyric Opera's ballet school

In 1974, Maria Tallchief founded the Lyric Opera's ballet school, where she taught the Balanchine technique, emphasizing the importance of respecting both the art of ballet and the artist.

1981: Death of Thomas Tall Chief

In 1981, Thomas Tall Chief, Maria Tallchief's half-brother and a former football player for the University of Oklahoma and the Pittsburgh Steelers, passed away.

1999: Death of Frances Tall Chief

In 1999, Frances Tall Chief, one of Maria Tallchief's half-siblings, passed away.

2004: Death of Henry D. Paschen Jr.

In 2004, Maria Tallchief's husband, Henry D. ("Buzz") Paschen Jr., died. They had remained together even through his brief imprisonment for tax evasion.