The Five Moons

Maria Tallchief, Marjorie Tallchief, Yvonne Chouteau, Moscelyne Larkin, and Rosella Hightower were all American Indian women, born in Oklahoma during the 1920s, who went on to become prima ballerinas. Nicknamed the “Five Moons,” they achieved the pinnacle of success in their respective ballet careers, making their marks in America and on the international stage. They were named Oklahoma Cultural Treasures in 1997 and a beautiful mural in the state capitol, Flight of Spirit, pays tribute to them. Our guest on this episode is writer, director, actor, and dancer, Russ Tallchief, who is also the great nephew of Maria and Marjorie Tallchief.