At the age of fifteen Maria Tallchief chose between her two loves—music and dance. Her decision was a happy one for the ballet world, and she soon became one of its most exciting performers. Perhaps her most splendid role was as the beautiful wild bird with magic powers in Firebird, a ballet choreographed by George Balanchine for the New York City Ballet.

The daughter of an Osage Indian, Maria grew up in a small Oklahoma town. She was a serious ballet student from girlhood, and had little time for any other life. Being a prima ballerina with world renowned companies demanded constant rounds of exercises, classes, and rehearsals. Only when she "hung up her toe shoes" for good could Maria devote the time she wished to her husband and daughter. Ballet enthusiasts, however, will always remember her brilliance and grace. Maria Tallchief was truly one of America's finest ballerinas.

From the dust jacket