The Five Moons Ballerinas refer to five Native American ballerinas from Oklahoma who each made a tremendous impact in shaping ballet in America and abroad during the mid-20th century. This distinguished group includes Yvonne Chouteau, Maria Tallchief, Marjorie Tallchief, Rosella Hightower, and Moscelyne Larkin. The Five Moons Ballerinas broke barriers and made significant contributions to the world of ballet, becoming cultural icons and ambassadors for their heritage. Oklahoma City Ballet pays honor to these celebrated trailblazers who continue to be a vibrant source of pride for Oklahoma. Their influence continues to inspire, and their legacies have left a huge imprint on the history of ballet.
March 7, 1929 - January 24, 2016
Yvonne Chouteau (Shawnee) was born in Fort Worth, Texas and raised in Vinita, Oklahoma. She joined the prestigious Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo at the young age of 14 and danced with the company for 14 years. Later, she and her husband Miguel Terekhov co-founded the Oklahoma City Ballet and the Department of Dance at the University of Oklahoma. Chouteau was celebrated for her versatility and grace on stage, as well as her commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting ballet in her home state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma City Ballet’s Yvonne Chouteau School is named in her honor.
January 24, 1925 - April 11, 2013
Maria Tallchief (Osage) was born in Fairfax, Oklahoma. At 17, she moved to New York City to dance with the renowned Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. She soon married well-known choreographer George Balanchine and followed him to Paris, where she became the first American to perform with the Paris Opera Ballet. Eventually she danced with the New York City Ballet where she became America’s first prima ballerina. Her technical prowess, expressive style, and dedication to the art form earned her widespread acclaim and numerous awards. Her fame continues today with her likeness featured on a U.S. quarter as well as a $1 coin celebrating American Indians in Ballet.
October 19, 1926 - November 30, 2021
Marjorie Tallchief (Osage), from Fairfax, Oklahoma was the younger sister of Maria Tallchief and also achieved significant success in the ballet world. She danced with several prestigious companies, including American Ballet Theatre and the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Tallchief was the first Native American dancer to be named a “premiere danseuse etoile,” the highest rank at the world-renowned Paris Opera Ballet. She served as the Director of Dance at Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida from 1989-1993.
January 14, 1925 - April 25, 2012
Moscelyne Larkin (Peoria/Eastern Shawnee) was born in Miami, Oklahoma. At 15, she joined the renowned Original Ballet Russe, touring throughout Europe and the Western Hemisphere. In 1948 she joined the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo dancing in many leading roles, where she was admired for her technical skill and dramatic presence on stage. She and her husband, Roman Jasinski, founded the Tulsa Ballet in 1956. She organized the first Oklahoma Indian Ballerina Festival in 1967, in which four of the Five Moons performed to honor their heritage.
January 10, 1920 - November 4, 2008
Rosella Hightower (Choctaw) was born in Durwood, Oklahoma. She had a distinguished international career, dancing with several influential companies including the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, American Ballet Theatre, Original Ballet Russe, and Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas. Her contributions to ballet extended beyond her performances, as she was also a respected teacher and mentor to many young dancers. In 1962, Hightower founded the Centre de Danse Classique in Cannes, France which became one of Europe's leading ballet schools. In 1982, she became the first American director of the world-renowned Paris Opera Ballet.