NYCB Vol. 14 No. 10 - Firebird

Maria Tallchief and Francisco Moncion. Photo by Martha Swope. New York Public Library

“It was Maria Tallchief’s performance in “Firebird,” however, that lifted the evening into that stratum of magic when, no matter how often it occurs, always has about it the air of the unprecedented. Miss Tallchief has always danced the role well, and her flashing technique has never failed to make an electric role of it. But this is a different performance; it is still technically irreproachable, but its emphasis is deeper. There is an inner excitement that projects itself through the movement now, which was not there in the beginning, and it captures and holds the attention with complete authority. This Firebird, indeed, is as much fire as bird, which makes her an enchanting and persuasive creature.”

—John Martin, New York Times, 1954.

Maria Tallchief and Francisco Moncion.

Photos by Martha Swope.

New York Public Library