Maria Tallchief: Native American Ballerina

In this biography, readers follow Maria Tallchief, a member of the Osage Nation, as she pursues a career in classical ballet despite the barriers faced by Native Americans in the arts. The book recounts her early years of rigorous training, her acceptance into the prestigious School of American Ballet, and her meteoric rise to become a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. It also explores the personal conflict she navigated between honoring her Native American heritage and meeting the expectations of a predominantly white art world. Through perseverance and talent, Tallchief broke new ground for Indigenous artists, leaving a lasting legacy on American dance.