03/15/2023 | News release | Archived content
Maria Tallchief as Eurydice in Balanchine's "Orpheus," circa 1948.
Maria Tallchief (1925-2013), widely considered the first American prima ballerina, is being honored by the U.S. Mint with her likeness on a quarter. Born in Fairfax, Oklahoma, in the Osage Nation, she began dance lessons as a young girl and excelled at dance and piano.
At the age of 17, she moved to New York City to pursue her dreams of becoming a ballerina. She was selected for the Ballet Russe of Monte Carlo, the premier Russian ballet company in the United States. In 1946, Tallchief married famed choreographer George Balanchine and joined his New York City Ballet. With Tallchief's exceptional technique and energy and Balachine's expertise and innovation as a choreographer, they transformed classical ballet.
Tallchief later remarried, moved to Chicago and served as artistic director of the Chicago Ballet.
Other women being honored this year on American quarters include:
Learn more about Maria Tallchief.
This vignette was provided by the Chancellor's Commission on Women.