Born 1925 in Oklahoma.
Maria Tallchief is the most notable American ballet dancer of Native American ancestry. During her career she was also considered one of the United States' greatest ballerinas because of her control and technique.
Her greatest performances were choreographed by her husband, George Balanchine. They include Orpheus, The Nutcracker and The Firebird.
Tallchief signed with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in 1942 and quickly became a principal dancer. In 1948, she joined the New York City Ballet and was, for a time, its prima ballerina. She also worked briefly with the American Ballet Theater, and as an artistic director after her retirement in 1960. Later in her career she founded the Chicago City Ballet.