TULSA, Okla. — One of the Five Moons of Oklahoma is honored with a special Barbie.
Maria Tallchief, born in Fairfax, Okla., is remembered for revolutionizing the ballet world by becoming the first American prima ballerina and breaking ground as the first member of the Osage tribe to do so.
Renowned choreographer George Balanchine created many legendary roles for her, including The Firebird and the Swan Queen in Swan Lake.
Now, to honor her legacy, Mattel released a new Barbie as part of its Barbie Inspiring Women series. The dolls are designed to celebrate trailblazing women throughout history.
Tallchief's daughter, Elise Paschen, is excited to see this doll come to life.
“My mother just broke all the barriers, so she’s a true trailblazer. It thrills me that millions of young women and young girls across the world will be holding the Maria Tallchief doll and also seeing our Osage orthography."
Marcello Angelini, Artistic Director of Tulsa Ballet, said Tallchief still impacts dance today.
“If you go back enough, everything goes back to Maria Tallchief," he said.
He hopes people who get their own Maria Tallchief doll will learn as much as possible about the legend and her art, “I hope that while they play with it, they take the time to research who Maria Tallchief was and what she’s done for the field of dance."
Paschen is sure the doll will help teach people about her mother and her life.
“They will learn how proud she was to be Osage and to be part of the Osage Nation," she said. "I know the Osage Nation is very proud she’s being represented by Mattel and this doll, so I think it’s quite a groundbreaking moment.”
The Maria Tallchief Barbie is already sold out.
Tallchief and the other "Five Moons" are honored with statues at Tulsa's Woodward Park.
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