Oklahoma Indian Ballerina

Oklahoma Indian Ballerina was created by Tulsa native Jay O’ Meilia to honor Oklahoma’s four Indian ballerinas. It is located in front of the Bank of Oklahoma Tower, to the west of the PAC.

“Few people have brought this ephemeral art form so vividly to life as the five women known worldwide as Oklahoma Indian Ballerinas.

For almost three decades -- from the late 1930s to the 1960s -- Maria Tallchief, Marjorie Tallchief, Yvonne Chouteau, Rosella Hightower and Moscelyne Larkin dominated ballet stages throughout the world, as star attractions with some of the most famous dance companies of all time.

The Original Ballet Russe. The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. New York City Ballet. Ballet Theatre. The Paris Opera. The Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuervas. Harkness Ballet.

Some of the world's greatest choreographers -- Balanchine, Lichine, Massine, Van Dyk, Bejart, Skibine -- created roles especially for them. They were partnered with some of the finest male dancers in the world, including Rudolf Nureyev, Frederic Franklin, Erik Bruhn and Roman Jasinski.

And because they were among the first American-born ballet stars, these five women helped establish the United States as a true creative force in the world of dance.” Link