Marjorie Tallchief facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marjorie Tallchief
|
|
|---|---|
Tallchief in 1956
|
|
| Born |
Marjorie Louise Tall Chief
October 19, 1926 |
| Died | November 30, 2021 (aged 95) Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
|
| Occupation | Ballerina |
| Spouse(s) |
George Skibine
(m. 1947; died 1981) |
| Children | 2 |
| Former groups | Paris Opera Ballet |
Marjorie Tallchief (born Marjorie Louise Tall Chief) was a famous American ballerina. She was born on October 19, 1926, and passed away on November 30, 2021. Marjorie was a proud member of the Osage Nation.
She was the younger sister of another very famous ballerina, Maria Tallchief. Marjorie made history as the first Native American dancer to become a "première danseuse étoile" (which means "first star dancer") at the important Paris Opéra Ballet.
Contents
Her Early Life and Training
Marjorie Tallchief was born in Denver, Colorado, on October 19, 1926. Her parents were Alexander Tall Chief and Ruth (née Porter). She had an older brother, Gerald, and her sister, Maria.
Marjorie grew up in Fairfax, Oklahoma. In 1933, her family moved to Los Angeles. They moved so Marjorie and Maria could get the best ballet training. She learned from amazing teachers like Bronislava Nijinska and David Lichine. Marjorie's father was a member of the Osage Nation. Her mother had Scottish-Irish family roots.
Her Amazing Ballet Career
After finishing her training in Los Angeles, Marjorie Tallchief started dancing professionally. She joined several important dance companies. Her first professional performance was in 1944. She was a soloist with Lucia Chase and Richard Pleasant's Ballet Theatre.
Marjorie danced with many famous groups. These included the American Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo (1946–47). She also danced with the Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas (1948–55). Later, she was a guest artist with Ruth Page's Chicago Opera Ballet (1958–62). She became a prima ballerina with the Harkness Ballet (1964–66).
Some of her most famous roles were in ballets like Night Shadow (1950) and Annabel Lee (1951). She also shined in Idylle (1954), Romeo and Juliet (1955), and Giselle (1957).
First Native American "Star Dancer"
Marjorie Tallchief was the first American and Native American dancer to be named "première danseuse étoile" of the Paris Opéra Ballet. This is a very high honor in the ballet world. She also performed with the Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas.
During her career, she danced for important leaders. These included U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. She also performed for French President Charles de Gaulle.
After the Stage
After she stopped performing, Marjorie became a dance teacher. She taught at the Dallas Civic Ballet Academy. She also worked as a dance director for the Dallas Ballet. She directed at the Chicago Ballet School and the Harid Conservatory until 1993.
In 1980, Marjorie and her sister Maria started their own company. They co-founded the Chicago City Ballet.
Awards and Honors
Marjorie Tallchief received many special honors. In 1991, she was added to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. This recognized her great achievements.
In October 1997, she and her sister Maria were honored. They were named Oklahoma Treasures. This award was given at the Governor's Arts Awards. Other famous Native American ballerinas, Moscelyne Larkin, Rosella Hightower, and Yvonne Chouteau, also received this honor.
In 2007, a bronze statue was unveiled. It features Marjorie and the other four ballerinas known as the Five Moons. The statue is on the grounds of the Tulsa Historical Society.
Her Family Life
Marjorie Tallchief had two children. She was married to George Skibine, who was a director and choreographer. They got married in 1947.
Marjorie lived in Boca Raton, Florida, for many years. She passed away there on November 30, 2021, at the age of 95.
See also
In Spanish: Marjorie Tallchief para niños
