BWW Remembers: Maria Tallchief--January 24, 1925 - April 11, 2013

Maria Tallchief, the first Native American to win acclaim as a prima ballerina, passed away on April 11, 2013. While she worked with many companies and choreographers, she is most renowned for her collaboration with George Balanchine, first at The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and then, most importantly and famously, at the New York City Ballet. She was married to Balanchine from 1946 until 1952, when the marriage was annulled. Despite this interruption in their private lives, they continued their professional association.

As the celebrated ballerina of the New York City Ballet, Tallchief lead the company into fame, both in the United States and Europe. At New York City Ballet Balanchine created roles on her in Symphonie Concertante, Orpheus, The Firebird, Bourree Fantasque, Jones Beach, Sylvia Pas de Deux, Minkus Pas de Trois, Capriccio Brillante, A La Francaix, Swan Lake, Caracole, Harlequinade Pas de Deux, Scotch Symphony, The Nutcracker, Allegro Brillante, Pas de Dix, Gounod Symphony and PanAmerica. She also danced in his other works such as Symphony in C, Four Temperaments, Concerto Barocco, Serenade, Baiser de la Fee, Prodigal Son, Apollo, Divertimento and La Valse.

Tallchief had the distinction of being the first American born woman to appear with the Paris Opera, both in Paris and Moscow. When the recently defected Rudolf Nureyev made his television debut on American television, he requested Tallchief as his partner.

Maria Tallchief retired in 1966. Luckily we have her many television appearances available on Youtube. People always say that today's dancers are technically more advanced than those of Ms. Tallchief's generation. After you view the videos, I am sure that you will have second thoughts!

Broadwayworld Dance mourns the loss of Ms. Tallchief. Dancers are always among us; great ballerinas are rare.