Alexandria, VA – Today, the National Women’s History Museum launched a new virtual exhibit as part of their Native American Heritage Month programming, Maria Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina. The exhibit explores the life and career of Tallchief, the first prima ballerina in the United States and the first in the nation to perform beloved roles such as The Nutcracker's Sugar Plum Fairy and the title role of Firebird.

From dancing in her father’s movie theater with her sister in Fairfax, Oklahoma to headlining one of the world's premier ballet companies in New York City, Tallchief elevated American ballet on the international stage and helped popularize the art form in the United States. A proud Osage woman, Tallchief broke boundaries as she navigated the rigid expectations of the ballet world and cultural stereotypes of Native Americans. As a performer, teacher, and role model, Tallchief inspired women from all backgrounds to become performers and ballet enthusiasts.

In addition to this virtual exhibit, the Museum will host author Jennifer Marino Walters on November 18 for a special virtual reading of her children’s book, Maria Tallchief: Native America's Prima Ballerina. Part of the Museum’s Brave Girls Virtual Storytime series for at-home learners, this free virtual program is designed for school-age children in Kindergarten through second grade. The author will answer young audience members' questions following the reading.

The Maria Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina exhibit is available on the Museum’s website, and a biography of Tallchief is featured here.