History of Maria Tallchief in Timeline

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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1942: Krassovska's near departure

Late in 1942, Krassovska nearly quit the company, potentially leading to a sudden promotion for Tallchief. Though Krassovska returned, the incident highlighted the need for Tallchief to prepare for technically difficult roles quickly.

1943: Krassovska Leaves and Tallchief Receives Positive Reviews

In the spring of 1943, Krassovska left the company after an argument with Denham, which thrust Tallchief into a prominent role. She received positive reviews, including praise from The New York Times critic John Martin for her performance in Nijinkska's Chopin Concerto.

1944: Collaboration with George Balanchine and Promotion

In 1944, George Balanchine began working with Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo on "Song of Norway," marking a significant turning point in his and Tallchief's careers. Balanchine gave Tallchief a solo and made her Danilova's understudy. Following the ballet's success, Tallchief's salary was increased to $50 per week, and she was promoted to "soloist."

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.

October 1948: Debut with the New York City Ballet

In October 1948, Maria Tallchief became one of the first stars and the first prima ballerina of the New York City Ballet, marking a significant moment in her career and in the history of American ballet.

1949: Stars in The Firebird

In 1949, Maria Tallchief danced the lead role in "The Firebird," choreographed by George Balanchine. The debut was a sensation, launching her to the top of the ballet world and earning her the title of prima ballerina.

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: Portrays Anna Pavlova in Million Dollar Mermaid

In 1952, Maria Tallchief portrayed Anna Pavlova in the movie musical "Million Dollar Mermaid", marking one of her appearances on screen.

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1952: Marriage to George Balanchine Annulled

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

June 29, 1953: "Maria Tallchief Day" Declared

On June 29, 1953, the Oklahoma Legislature declared it "Maria Tallchief Day" in honor of her ballet achievements and pride in her American Indian heritage.

1954: Performance in The Nutcracker

In 1954, Maria Tallchief performed the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in George Balanchine's reworked version of "The Nutcracker." Her performance significantly contributed to the ballet becoming an annual Christmas classic and a major box-office success.

1954: Returns to the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo

In 1954, Maria Tallchief worked for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, earning $2,000 a week, reportedly the highest salary ever paid to a dancer at the time. This marked a significant moment in her career and recognition of her value in the dance world.

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.

1960: Joins American Ballet Theatre and Performs in Russia

In 1960, Maria Tallchief joined the American Ballet Theatre, later becoming a prima ballerina. That summer, she performed with Erik Bruhn in Russia, becoming the first American dancer to perform at Moscow's Bolshoi Theater. She was recognized for her "aplomb, brilliance, and dignity of the American style."

1960: Dance Magazine Award

In 1960, Maria Tallchief was recognized on Dance Magazine's annual award list for her elegance, brilliance, and modesty, which made a distinguished contribution to the American Ballet Theatre's cultural mission in Europe and Russia.

1962: Expanded Repertoire at American Ballet Theatre

From 1960 to 1962, Maria Tallchief expanded her repertoire at the American Ballet Theatre, taking on more dramatic roles, including the title roles in Birgit Cullberg's "Miss Julie" and "Lady from the Sea," as well as the heroine in Antony Tudor's "Jardin aux Lilas."

1962: Partnership with Rudolf Nureyev

In 1962, Maria Tallchief was Rudolf Nureyev's partner for his American debut, which was broadcast on national television. This partnership was a significant event in both of their careers.

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.

1973: Director of Ballet for the Lyric Opera of Chicago

In 1973, Maria Tallchief became the director of ballet for the Lyric Opera of Chicago after moving to Chicago with her husband, Buzz Paschen.

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.

1979: End of Directorship at the Lyric Opera of Chicago

In 1979, Maria Tallchief's tenure as the director of ballet for the Lyric Opera of Chicago concluded.

1981: Founded the Chicago City Ballet

In 1981, Maria Tallchief, along with her sister Marjorie, founded the Chicago City Ballet, where she served as co-artistic director.

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.

1987: Demise of the Chicago City Ballet

In 1987, the Chicago City Ballet, co-founded by Maria Tallchief, ceased to exist, though she was credited with increasing the popularity of dance in Chicago.

1989: Featured in "Dancing for Mr. B"

In 1989, Maria Tallchief was featured in the documentary film "Dancing for Mr. B".

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1990: Artistic Advisor to Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet

From 1990 until her death, Maria Tallchief was the artistic advisor to Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet.

1996: Kennedy Center Honor

In 1996, Maria Tallchief received a Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime achievements.

1997: Release of Autobiography

In 1997, Maria Tallchief's autobiography, "Maria Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina", co-written with Larry Kaplan, was released.

Maria Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina

Check it on Amazon

1999: Death of Frances Tall Chief

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

1999: American National Medal of Arts

In 1999, Maria Tallchief was awarded the American National Medal of Arts by the National Endowment of the Arts.

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.

2006: Special Tribute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

In 2006, the Metropolitan Museum of Art presented a special tribute to Maria Tallchief, during which she officially named Kenneth von Heidecke as her protégé.

November 2007: Premiere of "Maria Tallchief" documentary

In November 2007, the documentary "Maria Tallchief" by Sandy and Yasu Osawa of Upstream Productions premiered.

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2010: "Maria Tallchief" Documentary Aired on PBS

The documentary "Maria Tallchief" that aired on PBS between 2007 and 2010.

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2011: Chicago History Museum's Making History Award

In 2011, Maria Tallchief received the Chicago History Museum's Making History Award for Distinction in the Performing Arts.

December 2012: Hip Fracture

In December 2012, Maria Tallchief broke her hip.

April 11, 2013: Death of Maria Tallchief

On April 11, 2013, Maria Tallchief, a celebrated Osage and American ballerina, passed away. She was known as America's first major prima ballerina and the first Native American to hold the rank.