She Persisted: Maria Tallchief

This biography follows Maria Tallchief’s path as a dancer. Although she was told that a more Russian-sounding name might be necessary for a professional ballet career, she kept her Osage name. Tallchief continued working to dance at her best and became America’s first prima ballerina. The account also notes that many well-known American ballets were created for her, linking her career to both dance and Osage identity.