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Shondiin Mayo
ICT
In tribute to Maria Tallchief, the first prima ballerina in the United States, Barbie has created an Inspiring Woman doll that celebrates her legacy.
Tallchief is commemorated in a vibrant red dress, symbolizing her debut in the 1949 production of The Firebird with The New York City Ballet. Forever frozen in time, she will be added to the Barbie Inspiring Women Series, which honors brave women who have forged paths for countless generations of girls.
A member of the Osage Nation, Tallchief was born in 1925 in Fairfax, Okla., where she took up dancing and music. As she improved through the years, Tallchief took the next step of her career and moved to New York City to become a professional dancer. Through perseverance and a stroke of fortune, she became an apprentice with the renowned Ballet Russe Monte Carlo, rapidly advancing from the corps de ballet to prominent leading roles.
At George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet, Tallchief fulfilled her ambition of becoming America’s prima ballerina, marking a historic milestone as the first Native American artist to attain this prestigious position.
Tallchief has not only received recognition, but her daughter, Dr. Elise Paschen, played a significant role alongside the Osage Nation to ensure authenticity in this tribute. As an author, Paschen collaborated closely with Barbie to depict her mother as she remembers her: a dancer, an Osage member and, most importantly, her mother.
Paschen said in a statement released by Barbie said she was excited about the doll honoring Tallchief, emphasizing that it will continue to inspire others to chase their dreams.
She said her mother was an advocate in her own life, encouraging her to step beyond her comfort zone.
“She encouraged me to pursue my own dreams as a poet, and it brings me joy that her story can inspire other young girls to discover their passions and pursue them,” Paschen said.
She said her mother taught others to honor cultural heritage using artistic self-expression to break down barriers, whether through dance, writing or other pursuits. Paschen said she hopes the doll will empower everyone.
Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls at Mattel, emphasized the significance of Tallchief’s contributions.
“Maria demonstrated that determination knows no bounds, and her unwavering commitment to Native American and female empowerment makes her story one Barbie is delighted to share to inspire generations of girls to pursue their dreams and embrace their limitless potential,” she said in a statement.
As the Tallchief Inspiring Woman doll has already hit stores and is being sold online, Barbie is also making donations through the Barbie Dream Gap Project to the Center for Native American Youth. The center is a national organization focused on education and advocacy, collaborating with Native youth to enhance their health, safety and overall well-being.
Continuing this celebration, Barbie hosted an event with the center and the Osage Nation in Oklahoma on Nov. 18.
