chouteau was born in fort worth, texas on march 7, 1929. inspired to dance at age four after seeing the great ballerina alexandra danilova dance in oklahoma city, chouteau studied at the school of american ballet in new york before danilova recommended her in 1943 to serge denham for the ballet russe de monte carlo. at 14, she was the youngest dancer ever accepted. her first solo role was as prayer in "coppelia". (1945). at age 18, she was the youngest member inducted into the oklahoma hall of fame.