The Yogi’s spent some time Saturday afternoon at the Tulsa History Center. Among other things we found was a series of sculptures entitled “The Five Moons.” It consists of five sculptures by Gary Henson and Monte England depicting the Five Oklahoma Indian ballerinas who achieved international acclaim in the 1940’s to the 1960’s for their dancing. After their dancing careers, they continued in various teaching and director roles in the dance fields for decades.
First row, from left to right: Yvonne Chouteau (Shawnee Tribe), Rosella Hightower (Choctaw Tribe), Moscelyne Larkin (Peoria-Shawnee tribe)
Second row, left, Marjorie Tallchief, (Osage Nation), and then her sister Maria Tallchief.
The achievements and contributions to the world that these women made are many. For example, Maria Tallchief originated the role of the Sugar Plum fairy in the Balanchine version of The Nutcracker. Click on the links to find out more about them.
In 1997 these women were honored by the State of Oklahoma as State Treasures. We Okies are very proud of them.
Check out That’s My World for more images of our shared world.
Here is a link to a YouTube video featuring Rudolf Nureyev dancing with Maria Tallchief.
What an interesting and informative post – I confess I’d never heard of them.
How beautiful! It’s about time to celebrate the beauty of the Aboriginal People.
Fantastic post!! I knew of Maria Tallchief, but not the others. This is a fantastic memorial to very deserving Native Americans and I’m so glad it happened in Oklahoma!! The statues are gorgeous! Terrific photos! Thanks for this one for sure!! Enjoy your day!
Sylvia
I remember my mother talking about Maria Tallchief. I always wondered how she knew of her when I know that she never went to a ballet but mother was very in the know about ballet and opera.
Fascinating post! They all look so graceful.
A great post Yogi, I loved learning about these ladies. Thank you for the links and the videos also.
Beautiful sculptures.
I thought I knew Tulsa pretty well. I’m going to have to go check the statues sometime.
The sculptures are outstanding! Very graceful!
Beautiful images, beautifully taken.
Oh my! such talents and such grace. They so deserve those statues for them. Really beautiful! have a good week!
My world is here.
The statues are beautiful. I have seen the Nutcracker. The ballerinas were really great.
Nice one shared, so interesting to know about this dance form.
What graceful sculptures – just lovely!
Beautiful sculptures of lovely art form.
I enjoyed the youtube footage and was fascinated to learn of these Indian dancers. Love the sculptures, too.
I drive by these statues nearly every day. I love seeing these graceful forms. And, enjoyed learning about their histories.
They pose tirelessly for our enjoyment.