Do you ever watch the Nutcracker Ballet for Christmas? Maria Tallchief was the ballerina dancing with George Ballanchine at its premiere in 1954.

Tallchief (1925-2013) was America’s first Native American prima ballerina. She revolutionized and popularized American ballet, and spoke on behalf of her Osage heritage all her life. She was known for known for “dazzling audiences with her speed, energy and fire.” (The New York Times)