Legendary ballerina Maria Tallchief dies at 88

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http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/12/legendary-ballerina-maria-tallchief-dies-at-88/



One of America’s finest ballerinas and the muse and wife of legendary choreographer George Balanchine has died, aged 88.

Maria Tallchief died Thursday in Chicago, where she had founded the short-lived Chicago City Ballet, the family announced. She had previously been the dazzling prima ballerina with the New York City Ballet from 1948 to 1965, working with Balanchine, who was also briefly her husband.

“My mother was a ballet legend, who was proud of her Osage heritage,” said daughter Elise Paschen in a statement, referring to Tallchief’s Native American background.

“Her dynamic presence lit up the room. I will miss her passion, commitment to her art and devotion to her family. She raised the bar high and strove for excellence in everything she did.”

Balanchine created the lead role of Stravinsky’s “Firebird” for her, among many others, while her performances in the choreographer’s take on “Swan Lake” and “Orpheus” helped cement his stature.

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1. ...

[Tuesday Afternoon]

2. she dances with the angels now.

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3. Rest in peace.