BIRD OF FIRE: THE STORY OF MARIA TALLCHIEF

Betty Marie Tallchief joined the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, she was a native, home-town girl of 17 who knew nothing of the politics and intrigues of her new life. She soon ""learned a great deal, some of it about dancing"". Daughter of an Orange Indian, she successfuly resisted all pressures to ""Russianize"" her name, as was then the custom. With George Balanchine as her maiter, and later her first husband, she progressed from the corps de ballet to soliste and finally to prima ballerina. Maria and her younger sister, Marjorie, a fine dancer in her own right, came from a closely it family, and the author gives us many glimpses of the life that remained dear to the sisters even when their careers had to take precedence over their personal wishes. Ballet is discussed from both sides of the footlights, and a welcome glossary is included. Some insights into the philosophy of true artistry is provided in this account of a great artist's development. Recommended for all who are interested in a theatrical art that has grown in importance to America almost simultanousely with Tallchief's career.