Maria Tallchief: Prima Ballerina

What was Tallchief's major impact on the world of ballet?

• She showed the world that women could be more famous than men.

• She inspired young girls to choose ballet over other forms of dance.

• She opened the doors of ballet to people of all backgrounds.

• She led the way for her younger sister to become a famous musician.

Why did Maria's mom enroll Maria in piano and dance lessons at an early age?

• She was a dancer herself as a young girl.

• She recognized that Maria had a musical gift.

• She loved the music created by the piano.

• She worked full time and needed somewhere for Maria to go.

How are Nijinske and Balanchine alike?

• They both encouraged Tallchief to open her own ballet company.

• They both influenced Tallchief and helped her become a better dancer.

• They both played the piano while Tallchief danced.

• They both came from Native peoples, just like Tallchief.

Which of the following sentences is an example of the authors expressing their opinion about Tallchief's dancing?

• She held the title for thirteen years, until 1965.

• Many students whose lives she touched went on to have successful ballet careers.

• Never failing to speak her mind, she was also respected for her intelligence and honesty.

• Tallchief had a fiery stage presence and was also light on her feet.

George Balanchine was a choreographer who started working with Tallchief and the Russian ballet company. What is a choreographer?

• a person who chooses the style and arrangement of steps and moves for a dance performance

• a group of artists who work and perform together

• a person who is first to do something new of different

• a type of dance that uses light leaps and turns

What is the main idea of the section "A National Treasure"?

• After retiring from dance, Tallchief continued making an impact in the world of ballet by opening the Chicago City Ballet and helping mnay dancers become successful.

• Maria Tallchief was the first Native Osage professional ballerina and the first shining star in American ballet.

• Tallchief was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, which honors extraordinary women's achievements.

• As the first American prima ballerina, Tallchief helped inspire a new style of ballet that opened its doors to people of all backgrounds.

Which of the following words best describes Tallchief's personality?

• boring

• playful

• determined

• lucky

What can you infer about the author's point of view from this book?

• The authors believe that Europe has the most talented ballerinas in the world.

• The authors believe that Tallchief deserves much more recognition than she has received.

• The authors believe that Tallchief was a graceful dancer who forever changed the world of ballet.

• The authors believe that more students should pursue ballet and dedicate themselves like Tallchief did.

What caused Tallchief to retire from dance in 1965?

• She wanted to devote more time to her family.

• She received an injury and was unable to dance.

• She had other interests and didn't want to.

• She was tired of New York and wanted to move to Chicago.

In the last section of the book, the authors state that 'Maria Tallchief was an American trailblazer.' Which words from this section help define the word trailblazer?

• first, inspire

• style, ballet

• world, star

• dancer, grand