Full History Of Maria Tallchief In Timeline From 1913

1913: Birth of Frances Tallchief

Maria Tallchief's half-sister, Frances, was born in 1913.

1919: Birth of Thomas Tallchief

Maria Tallchief's half-brother, Thomas, was born in 1919.

1922: Birth of Gerald Tallchief

Maria Tallchief's brother, Gerald, was born in 1922.

January 24, 1925: Birth of Maria Tallchief

Maria Tallchief was born Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief on January 24, 1925, in Fairfax, Oklahoma. Her Osage family name was Ki He Kah Stah Tsa.

1930: Beginning Ballet Lessons with Mrs. Sabin

In 1930, Maria Tallchief began ballet lessons with Mrs. Sabin in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

1933: Move to Los Angeles and Ballet Training with Ernest Belcher

In 1933, the Tallchief family moved to Los Angeles, where Maria continued her ballet training with Ernest Belcher.

1942: Graduation, Move to New York, and Pursuit of a Ballet Career

After graduating from Beverly Hills High School in 1942, Maria Tallchief moved to New York City to pursue a career in ballet.

1942: Near Debut and Continued Training

Maria Tallchief nearly made her debut with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in late 1942 but continued training to prepare for demanding roles.

1943: Breakthrough Performance and Critical Acclaim

In 1943, Maria Tallchief had her breakthrough performance with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, receiving positive reviews from critics like John Martin of The New York Times.

1944: A First Love and Heartbreak

In 1944, during her early years with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Tallchief experienced her first love and subsequent heartbreak with fellow dancer Alexander "Sasha" Goudevitch.

1944: Collaboration with George Balanchine and Rising Stardom

Maria Tallchief began working with choreographer George Balanchine in 1944, marking a turning point in both of their careers. She received critical acclaim and a promotion to soloist.

1945: Balanchine's Critique and Tallchief's Transformation

In 1945, Balanchine's comment about Tallchief's battement tendu, urging her to relearn the basics, was a turning point. She underwent a physical and technical transformation under his and Danilova's guidance, turning her weakness into a strength.

1945: George Balanchine proposes to Maria Tallchief

In 1945, George Balanchine surprised Maria Tallchief with a marriage proposal. Though their connection had been primarily professional, Balanchine expressed his desire to marry her. Initially hesitant, Tallchief accepted after a day of contemplation.

August 16, 1946: Marriage to George Balanchine

Maria Tallchief married George Balanchine on August 16, 1946.

1946: Balanchine Establishes Ballet Society and Faces Opposition in Paris

Balanchine and Kirstein founded the Ballet Society in 1946, which later evolved into the New York City Ballet. The same year, Balanchine faced opposition while working at the Paris Opera Ballet, particularly from supporters of Serge Lifar.

1946: Joining New York City Ballet and Rise to Stardom

In 1946, Maria Tallchief joined the newly established New York City Ballet, co-founded by George Balanchine. She quickly became the company's principal dancer.

1947: Tallchief Joins Balanchine's Company

Upon the expiry of her contract with Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Tallchief joined Balanchine's company in 1947.

October 1948: New York City Ballet Debuts with Tallchief as a Star

The New York City Ballet premiered in October 1948, with Tallchief as one of its leading dancers, marking a significant milestone in her career and in American ballet.

1949: Triumph as "The Firebird"

In 1949, Tallchief's performance as the lead in Balanchine's "The Firebird" was a defining moment, solidifying her status as a prima ballerina and receiving widespread acclaim for her skill and artistry.

1949: Triumph in "The Firebird" and "The Nutcracker"

Maria Tallchief's performance as the Firebird in 1949 brought her international acclaim, solidifying her status as a prima ballerina. Her role in "The Nutcracker" the same year helped popularize the ballet in America.

1952: Maria Tallchief and George Balanchine's marriage annulled

In 1952, Maria Tallchief and George Balanchine's marriage was annulled. Although Tallchief described their relationship as warm and affectionate, both were attracted to other people.

1952: Maria Tallchief marries Elmourza Natirboff

Maria Tallchief married Elmourza Natirboff, a pilot, in 1952. The marriage ended in divorce two years later.

1952: Venturing into Film

Tallchief showcased her talent beyond the stage in 1952, portraying Anna Pavlova in the movie musical "Million Dollar Mermaid."

June 29, 1953: Maria Tallchief Day proclaimed in Oklahoma

June 29, 1953, was declared "Maria Tallchief Day" in Oklahoma, recognizing her ballet achievements and pride in her American Indian heritage.

1954: Record-Breaking Salary and Guest Appearances

In 1954, while working with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Tallchief commanded a then-unprecedented $2,000 weekly salary, highlighting her stature in the dance world.

1954: Transforming "The Nutcracker" into a Classic

Tallchief's performance as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Balanchine's 1954 production of "The Nutcracker" significantly contributed to the ballet's enduring popularity, establishing it as a beloved holiday tradition.

1955: Maria Tallchief meets Henry D. Paschen Jr.

In 1955, Maria Tallchief met Henry D. ("Buzz") Paschen Jr., a Chicago businessman, whom she found refreshing due to his distance from the world of ballet.

1958: Creating a Lead Role and Embracing Motherhood

Tallchief created the lead role in Balanchine's "Gounod Symphony" in 1958. This marked another career highlight before she took a break from dancing to become a mother.

1959: Death of Alexander Joseph Tall Chief

Maria Tallchief's father, Alexander Joseph Tall Chief, passed away in 1959.

1959: Birth of Elise Maria Paschen

Maria Tallchief's only child, Elise Maria Paschen, was born in 1959. Elise went on to become a successful poet and headed the Poetry Society of America.

February 1960: Departure from New York City Ballet

In February 1960, Tallchief concluded her time with the New York City Ballet, marking the end of an era, though she remained active in the dance world.

1960: Maria Tallchief honored by Dance Magazine

In 1960, Dance Magazine recognized Maria Tallchief's contribution to American ballet, highlighting her elegance, brilliance, and the impact of her performances in Europe and Russia.

1960: Joining American Ballet Theatre and Performing in Russia

Tallchief joined the American Ballet Theatre in 1960, later becoming its prima ballerina. Significantly, she became the first American dancer to perform at Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre, a testament to her international recognition.

1962: Expanding Repertoire with Dramatic Roles

Between 1960 and 1962, Tallchief took on more dramatic roles in ballets like "Miss Julie," "Lady from the Sea," and "Jardin aux Lilas," showcasing her versatility as a dancer.

1962: Partnering with Nureyev for His American Debut

In 1962, Tallchief partnered with Rudolf Nureyev for his highly anticipated American debut, broadcast on national television, marking a significant event in both their careers.

1966: Relocating to Germany and Retirement

Following Balanchine's advice, Tallchief moved to Germany in 1966 and briefly led the Hamburg Ballet. Her performance as Cinderella in Peter van Dyk's production was one of her last before retiring at her peak.

1966: Retirement from Dance

Maria Tallchief retired from dancing in 1966.

1966: Final Performance in America

Tallchief's final performance in America took place on the television program "Bell Telephone Hour" in 1966.

1973: Leading the Lyric Opera of Chicago Ballet

From 1973 to 1979, Tallchief served as the director of ballet for the Lyric Opera of Chicago, using her experience to guide and shape the company.

1974: Founding the Lyric Opera Ballet School

In 1974, Tallchief established the Lyric Opera's ballet school, where she imparted her knowledge and passion for Balanchine's technique to aspiring dancers.

1979: Conclusion of Directorship at Lyric Opera

In 1979, Tallchief finished her tenure as the director of ballet for the Lyric Opera of Chicago, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and artistic vision.

1981: Establishing the Chicago City Ballet

Collaborating with her sister Marjorie, Tallchief co-founded the Chicago City Ballet in 1981, demonstrating their shared dedication to promoting dance in their city.

1981: Founding of Chicago City Ballet

Maria Tallchief founded the Chicago City Ballet in 1981.

1981: Death of Thomas Tallchief

Maria Tallchief's half-brother, Thomas, passed away in 1981.

1987: Closure of the Chicago City Ballet

Despite their efforts, the Chicago City Ballet ceased operations in 1987. However, Tallchief's impact on Chicago's dance scene remained undeniable.

1989: Featured in "Dancing for Mr. B" Documentary

Tallchief's legacy was further cemented in 1989 when she was featured in the documentary film "Dancing for Mr. B," offering insights into her career and relationship with Balanchine.

1990: Artistic Advisor to Chicago Festival Ballet

From 1990 until her passing, Tallchief held the position of artistic advisor to the Chicago Festival Ballet, guiding and shaping the company with her expertise.

1996: Kennedy Center Honor

Maria Tallchief received a Kennedy Center Honor in 1996 for her lifetime contributions to dance.

1996: Maria Tallchief receives Kennedy Center Honor

Maria Tallchief was awarded the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor in 1996, acknowledging her lifetime achievements and contributions to American dance.

1997: Publication of Maria Tallchief's autobiography

Maria Tallchief's autobiography, "Maria Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina," co-written with Larry Kaplan, was published in 1997, offering insights into her life and career.

1999: Maria Tallchief receives American National Medal of Arts

Maria Tallchief received the American National Medal of Arts in 1999, a testament to her significant contributions to the arts.

1999: Deaths of Frances and Gerald Tallchief

Maria Tallchief's siblings, Frances and Gerald, passed away in 1999.

2004: Death of Henry D. Paschen Jr.

In 2004, Maria Tallchief's husband, Henry D. Paschen Jr., passed away. Their marriage had endured despite challenges, including Paschen's imprisonment for tax evasion.

2006: Metropolitan Museum of Art pays tribute to Maria Tallchief

The Metropolitan Museum of Art held a special tribute event in honor of Maria Tallchief in 2006, where she named Kenneth von Heidecke as her protégé.

November 2007: Premiere of Maria Tallchief documentary

A documentary titled "Maria Tallchief," produced by Sandy and Yasu Osawa, premiered in November 2007. The film, aired on PBS between 2007 and 2010, showcased Tallchief's life and career.

2010: Maria Tallchief documentary airs on PBS

The documentary "Maria Tallchief" continued to air on PBS until 2010, further solidifying her legacy and introducing her story to a wider audience.

2011: Maria Tallchief receives Chicago History Museum's Making History Award

The Chicago History Museum honored Maria Tallchief with the Making History Award for Distinction in the Performing Arts in 2011, acknowledging her impact on the world of dance.

December 2012: Maria Tallchief breaks her hip

Maria Tallchief sustained a hip fracture in December 2012.

April 11, 2013: Death of Maria Tallchief

Maria Tallchief passed away on April 11, 2013.

2018: Maria Tallchief inducted into National Native American Hall of Fame

In 2018, Maria Tallchief was among the first inductees into the National Native American Hall of Fame, solidifying her place as an influential figure in Native American history.

November 13, 2020: Google Doodle honors Maria Tallchief

On November 13, 2020, Google honored Maria Tallchief with a Google Doodle, celebrating her legacy and impact on the world of dance.

2023: Maria Tallchief featured on American currency

In 2023, Maria Tallchief was featured on the American Women quarter and the Sacagawea dollar, a testament to her lasting impact and recognition as an influential American figure.

2023: American Women Quarters Program

Maria Tallchief is being featured on the 2023 American Women quarters series.

History of Maria Tallchief in Timeline