Maria Tallchief First NationsN. This item is unavailable.Maria Tallchief First NationsN

This biography of Maria Tallchief is a high-interest, low-vocabulary book for adolescents and adults with limited literacy skills. Maria Tallchief (1925-2013) was a famous prima ballerina. Born to a father from the Osage tribe and a mother with Scottish and Irish heritage, Maria Tallchief discovered her passion for ballet at the age of three. At 17, she moved to New York City, where she studied under and then married George Balanchine. Her dedication and hard work resulted in a style of dance that dazzled audiences around the world. Maria Tallchief retired from dance at the age of 40, but continued to support and inspire young ballerinas until her death at age 88. Lexile level: 380L

Terry Barber is the author of over 40 biographies for Grass Roots Press. Before turning to writing, he did training in both corporations and First Nations communities. Terry also co-wrote and directed The Gift of Self-Esteem, a 13-part television series featured on Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Terry and his wife live on Canada's west coast.