American Indian Ballerinas

Description

This book is the first authorized biography of four twentieth-century American Indian ballerinas: Maria Tallchief| Rosella Hightower| Marjorie Tallchief| and Yvonne Chouteau. All raised in Oklahoma during the 1920s and 1930s| these women went on to achieve international fame| each uniquely responsible for changing the image of a ballerina. Lili Cockerille Livingston| who worked with all four of the ballerinas during her own career as a dancer| draws upon her extensive interviews with the women to bring their stories to life. In their own words| they tell about their childhoods in Oklahoma| their early rises to fame| the ups and downs of their personal lives| the challenges of combining marriage and motherhood with a dancing career| and their recent achievements as mentors and teachers of a younger generation of dancers. In tracing the diverse careers of the ballerinas| Livingston fills important gaps in the history of ballet. She sheds new light on the development of New York City Ballet| American Ballet Theatre| and the now-defunct Harkness Ballet and Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas. In addition| she reveals the harshness of touring for dancers| the effect of World War II on the dance world| and revolutionary changes in choreography and training that took place during the women’s performing years. Livingston also explores the tribal backgrounds of the women| showing how their rich cultural heritage contributed to their development as artists and their unique performing styles. At the same time she provides a fascinating glimpse into the worlds of the Osage| Choctaw| and Cherokee-Shawnee tribes to which the Tallchief sisters| Hightower| and Chouteau respectively belong.