Growing up on the Osage Indian reservation, Maria Tallchief was a gifted pianist and dancer. According to Osage tradition, women are not permitted to dance, but Maria's parents recognized her gifts and allowed her to break the rule. Then when Maria reached the age of twelve, her father told her it was time to choose between her two loves. Maria chose ballet. It was a decision that would change not only the course of her life, but the face of classical ballet in America. The fascinating story of Maria Tallchief's rise to become America's prima ballerina will captivate young readers.

Read the story of the legendary ballerina who now adorns a $1 coin and a US quarter! A fascinating self-portrait of the fairy-tale life of a woman who understood that a committed talent could transform the world around her. "Maria Tallchief and American ballet came of age in the same moment.... Her story will always be the story of ballet conquering America. It was and is an American romance."-Arlene Croce, The New Yorker

Born in 1925, Maria Tallchief spent part of her childhood on an Osage reservation in Oklahoma. With the support of her family and world-renowned choreographer George Balanchine, she rose to the top of her art form to become America's first prima ballerina. Black-and-white illustrations provide visual sidebars to the history of ballet while taking readers through the life of this amazing dancer.

"Maria Tallchief knew she wanted to dance while watching Osage dancers as a child in Oklahoma. For tribal ceremonies, only men were allowed to dance. But, Maria went on to become America's first prima ballerina. She was one of the best dancers in the world"--

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Maria Tallchief! In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Christine Day, readers learn about the amazing life of Maria Tallchief--and how she persisted. Maria Tallchief loved to dance, but was told that she might need to change her Osage name to one that sounded more Russian to make it as a professional ballerina. She refused, and worked hard at dancing her best, becoming America's first prima ballerina. Many famous American ballets were created for Maria! Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Maria Tallchief's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Florence Griffith Joyner, Coretta Scott King, and more! Praise for She Persisted: Maria Tallchief: "A rich, clear picture of how one iconic Native dancer persisted." --Publishers Weekly "Inspiringly shows how Maria Tallchief persisted and made her dreams come true." --Kirkus Reviews

This is the first authorized biography of four twentieth-century American Indian ballerinas: Maria Tallchief, Rosella Hightower, Marjorie Tallchief, and Yvonne Chouteau. Each grew up in Oklahoma during the 1920s and 1930s and went on to achieve international fame. Lili Cockerille Livingston, who worked with all four ballerinas during her own career as a dancer, draws upon her extensive interviews with the women to bring their stories to life while also shedding new light both on the development of New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and the now-defunct Harkness Ballet and Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas.

A biography of the Osage Indian girl from Oklahoma who became one of America's greatest ballerinas.