Maria Tallchief

Maria Tallchief was interviewed on Sept. 19, 1994, by Bruce Duffie for The Opera Journal, speaking about her career in ballet. She said that the purpose of ballet is to entertain, to which Duffie asked, “Where’s the balance between that entertainment and the art?”

“The art is there from the very beginning,” she replied. “This is what it’s all about. From your first plié you are learning to become an artist. In every sense the word you are poetry in motion.  And if you are fortunate enough, as I was, to be connected with the genius of Balanchine, then you are not only poetry in motion, but you are actually the music. …The other day I had a horrible discussion with somebody who said to me, ‘Oh, well, music’s not important.’ … I said, ‘But they can’t dance well if the music is not good. They have to be inspired, they have to be lifted by the music. When you are able to relax within this music, you are showing your artistry.’ And that’s what it’s about.”

Additional Interview With Maria Tallchief
Tallchief recounted her childhood as a ballerina in an interview with Evelyn Cisneros for Words on Dance, March 8, 1998.

To learn more about Maria Tallchief, read her profile on findingDulcinea.