AJDC

Out of extreme precaution we will follow suit and close for this evening. Please check the parent group for make up information.
Everyone stay safe in the weather

🎉✨ Happy Birthday to Maria Tallchief (1925–2013) 🩰🩰

Today, we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Maria Tallchief, 𐓏𐓘𐓸𐓧𐓟 𐓵𐓪͘𐓬𐓘 (Two Standards), a trailblazing 𐓏𐒰𐓓𐒰𐓓𐒷 woman who became America’s first major prima ballerina. 🌹
Born in Fairfax, OK, Maria Tallchief broke barriers in the world of ballet, bringing strength, grace, and pride to one of the most demanding art forms. As the first Native American to hold the title of prima ballerina, she paved the way for generations of dancers—shattering stereotypes and redefining what excellence in classical dance could look like.

Her artistry lit up the world’s greatest stages, from the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo to the New York City Ballet, where she became the muse of George Balanchine and inspired timeless performances. But throughout her groundbreaking career, Tallchief never forgot who she was—an Osage woman whose heritage and perseverance shaped her discipline, passion, and humility.

Today, we honor her as a cultural icon, a pioneer, and a symbol of Native excellence in the arts.

Maria is memorialized through writings by her daughter, Elise Paschen, a renowned poet with numerous published books, including her most recent book, “Blood Wolf Moon,” which features personal reflections on her mom’s life and career. 🩰🩰

We are open for classes tonight Monday January 19th.

Merry Christmas 🎄

Back from Disney and back in the studio before Christmas break!