Yvonne Chouteau, 1929-2016. Photo from Tulsa Historical Society / Facebook

Yvonne Chouteau, who was one of the world's most well-known ballerinas, died on January 24. She was 86.

Chouteau, who was Shawnee and was listed on the rolls of the Cherokee, rose to fame in the 1940s. She was part of a group of prominent Indian dancers from Oklahoma who were known as the Five Moons. She performed around the world with some of the most prestigious dance groups.

Chouteau used her success to teach a new generation of dancers by establishing a fully accredited dance department at the University of Oklahoma, one of the first in the nation. She also founded what is now the Oklahoma City Ballet.

"She will be long remembered at the university for her impact on the lives of those who were her students," University of Oklahoma President David Boren said in a statement. "After a distinguished professional career she came back to Oklahoma to make an enormous contribution here at home."

Choteau was laid to rest over the weekend.

Get the Story:
Yvonne Chouteau, Native American Ballerina, Dies at 86 (The New York Times 1/30)
Prima ballerina, OU dance school founder leaves rich legacy (OU Daily 1/28)
How Five American Indian Dancers Transformed Ballet in the 20th Century (Hyperallergic 1/28)
Oklahoma Prima Ballerina Yvonne Chouteau Dies At 86 (The Norman Transcript 1/28)
"Five Moons" Oklahoma prima ballerina dies at 86 (Fox23 1/27)
Prima ballerina Yvonne Chouteau, from Vinita, dies at 86 (The Oklahoman 1/26)
OU dance school founder Yvonne Chouteau dies at 86 (The OU Daily 1/26)

An Opinion:
Editorial: Yvonne Chouteau brought grace and acclaim to the state (The Tulsa World 1/30)