Stories of the Ages: Oklahoma's five Indian ballerinas express graceful heritage

Although having differing Indian backgrounds, perhaps it was a similar spirit that helped propel five young women forward to enjoy and perfect their art and become known as Oklahoma's “Five Indian Ballerinas.”

Maria and Marjorie Tallchief, Rosella Hightower, Moscelyne Larkin and Yvonne Chouteau danced their way into the hearts of art lovers throughout the world. The five ballerinas had the skills and the techniques that all dancers needed, but unlike many dancers, the five ballerinas had the spirit and passion credited to their American Indian heritage and Oklahoma roots.

Maria and Marjorie Tallchief are of Osage heritage; Rosella Hightower of Choctaw heritage; Moscelyne Larkin of half-Shawnee-Peoria heritage; and Yvonne Chouteau of Shawnee-Cherokee heritage.

Devoting hours to rehearsals and performances, each was given the title as prima ballerina in their company — a title not given to all ballet dancers.

After years of performing, each dancer established or expanded dance companies in cities including Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Boca Raton, Fla., and Paris.

As a result of their impact in the world of dance and the proud heritage each holds in their heart, the five ballerinas were named Oklahoma's treasures by former Gov. Frank Keating in 1997. They were honored with a mural, “Flight of Spirit,” in the state Capitol rotunda. The mural artist, Mike Larsen, is an Oklahoma resident of Chickasaw descent.

The five American Indian ballerinas proudly represented their Oklahoma Indian heritage. The ballerinas grew up dancing to traditional American Indian dances, while at the same time their families encouraged them to take ballet lessons.

They first came together during the Louis Ballard Ballet, “The Four Moons,” which celebrated the Indian ballerinas.

During a 1997 Oklahoman interview, Chouteau recalled her feelings when the five ballerinas reunited in Oklahoma in 1967 to dance “The Four Moons.”

“To stand in the wings and watch Rosella Hightower, even at rehearsal gave me goose bumps,” Chouteau said. “To watch Marjorie to see the unique artistry.

“You could see so clearly the Indian heritage. It was uncanny, just uncanny, the way Miss Hightower, the way her feet would touch the floor and leave it. Only an Indian could touch like that fleet, fleet of foot.”

Although the women traveled all over the world, they were still able to start their own families.

Elise Paschen, daughter of Maria Tallchief, said her earliest memories are being a backstage baby.