Barbie welcomes Maria Tallchief to the Barbie Inspiring Women Series

Written By: Osage News Staff

(OSAGE RESERVATION) Maria Tallchief, proud Osage woman whose grace and talent catapulted her to fame as America’s first prima ballerina, has been memorialized as one of the world’s most recognizable toys, a Barbie doll.

Read this story on Osage News here. 

To commemorate this historic event, the Osage Nation will celebrate the launch of the new Barbie Inspiring Women doll created to honor Tallchief on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, at 10 a.m., at the Constantine Theater in Pawhuska. This announcement partners with Mattel Inc.’s Barbie® brand, Maria Tallchief’s family, and the Osage community. The Barbie Inspiring Women line by Mattel celebrates trailblazing women throughout history, capturing their likeness in stunning detail.

The Maria Tallchief Barbie, which showcases the transcendent dancer in her Firebird costume, goes on sale today for $35. The doll is available now on Mattel Creations here and also at Target here.

According to a news release, the development of the Maria Tallchief Barbie was guided by her daughter, Dr. Elise Paschen, who will be a special guest speaker at the Osage Nation event.

“I am thrilled that my mother, Maria Tallchief, is receiving a Barbie Inspiring Women doll in her honor. She encouraged me to pursue my dreams as a poet, and it brings me joy that her story can inspire other young girls to discover and pursue their passions. There is immense value in honoring your heritage while also breaking down barriers through the power of artistic self-expression – whether through dancing, writing, or another passion – and I hope this doll instills that power in everyone.”

The Barbie dolls’ look mirrors Tallchief’s Firebird costume, a groundbreaking performance that introduced her as one of the most impressive ballerinas of all time. Igor Stravinsky initially commissioned Firebird for the famous Ballets Russes in 1910. Balanchine adapted it for the New York stage with new choreography, sets, and costumes by Russian artist Marc Chagall. The New York Times dance critic John Martin wrote of Firebird that Balanchine “has asked her [Tallchief] to do everything except spin on her head, and she does it with complete and incomparable brilliance.”

“Barbie is proud to honor Maria Tallchief, widely considered America’s first prima ballerina, in the Barbie Inspiring Women series. As she rose through the New York City Ballet, where she achieved the highest-ranking position for female dancers in the ballet company, she remained deeply connected to her Osage Nation heritage,” said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, Mattel. “Maria demonstrated that determination knows no bounds, and her unwavering commitment to Native American and female empowerment makes her story one Barbie is delighted to share to inspire generations of girls to pursue their dreams and embrace their limitless potential.”

The packaging includes Tallchief’s biography and her Osage name in English and Osage orthography: 𐓏𐓘𐓸𐓧𐓟 – 𐓍𐓪͘𐓬𐓘 which means “Two Standards.” Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear will also speak at the event, noting the importance of Tallchief’s legacy among Osages and beyond.

“Maria Tallchief was an extraordinary person with immense talent who remained grounded in her Osage culture,” said Standing Bear. “She remains a guiding light for many across the globe, especially here at home on the Osage Nation Reservation. Her many accomplishments exemplify that you can achieve your dreams with hard work and determination. We are proud that Mattel and the Tallchief family created a Barbie honoring Maria to ensure future generations learn about her remarkable life.”

The honoring will include Oscar-nominated Osage singer Scott George, Grayhorse Tail dancers, and a performance by Josee Lane and Waylon Malone, students at Dancemaker Academy. They will perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Maria Tallchief originated the role in George Balanchine’s version of The Nutcracker, which he created for the New York City Ballet and premiered in 1954.

About Maria Tallchief: In 1942, at 17, Maria Tallchief moved to New York City to pursue her dreams of becoming a dancer. With luck, grit, and determination, she joined the famed Ballet Russe Monte Carlo as an apprentice and moved quickly through the ranks, dancing first in the corps de ballet and later performing leading roles. In George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet, Tallchief achieved her goal of becoming America’s prima ballerina, the first Native American artist to achieve the rank.

Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief was born on January 24, 1925, in Fairfax, Oklahoma. Her father was a member of the Osage Nation. Her mother, Ruth Porter, had grown up very poor and could never take dancing lessons. When Tallchief and her sister Marjorie showed interest in dancing, their mother immediately placed them in lessons. Tallchief excelled at dance and music. During her teen years, the family moved to Los Angeles, California, in hopes of securing advanced ballet training for their daughters and opportunities for them to dance professionally.

Upon graduating high school, Tallchief moved to New York City to pursue ballet full-time. She was selected as an apprentice with the Ballet Russe, the premier Russian ballet company in the United States. As her career began to take off, many tried to persuade Tallchief to change her last name so that dance companies would not discriminate against her. She refused and continued to perform as Maria Tallchief. In 1947, she became the first American to dance with the Paris Opera Ballet. After marrying choreographer George Balanchine, who created her signature Firebird role, she became prima ballerina of the New City Ballet. One of Tallchief’s best-known roles was the Sugar Plum Fairy, which she originated in The Nutcracker. In 1960, Tallchief performed at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, making her the first American to do so.

After retiring from dancing, Tallchief and her sister opened the Chicago City Ballet, a ballet school and dance company. Never forgetting her Native American ancestry, she spoke out against injustices and discrimination. Tallchief not only broke barriers for Native Americans but also became one of the only American dancers of her era recognized as a reigning prima ballerina and international superstar. She died on April 11, 2013.

About Mattel: Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.