Maria Tallchief
Directed by independent filmakers
Sandra '64 and Yasu Osawa
Monday, November 5, 7 p.m.
Templeton Campus Center, Council Chamber

With dynamic archival performance footage, photographs and current interviews with Maria Tallchief and her contemporaries, the life of the first American Prima Ballerina leaps to the screen.

The story draws indelible lines from Tallchief's Osage Indian heritage in Oklahoma, through her training and marriage with George Balanchine, to several breakthrough performances that in turn helped establish ballet in the United States.

Her performance in Orpheus, choreographed by Balanchine to the music of Stravinsky (with sets and costumes by Isamu Noguchi) led to the creation of the New York City Ballet in 1948. She continues to coach ballet hoping to entrust the passion that the native dance of her youth engendered within her.

The 57 minute film will be introduced by the Osawa's, with a Q/A to follow.