Movie spotlight
Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq
Of all the great ballerinas, Tanaquil Le Clercq may have been the most transcendent. With a body unlike any before hers, she mesmerized viewers and choreographers alike. With her elongated, race-horse physique, she became the new prototype for the great George Balanchine. Because of her extraordinary movement and unique personality on stage, she became a muse to two of the greatest choreographers in dance, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. She eventually married Balanchine, and Robbins created his famous version of Afternoon of a Faun for her. She had love, fame, adoration, and was the foremost dancer of her day until it suddenly all stopped. At the age of 27, she was struck down by polio and paralyzed. She never danced again. The ballet world has been haunted by her story ever since.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary chronicles the life and career of Tanaquil Le Clercq, a prominent ballerina of the New York City Ballet during the mid-20th century. Through archival footage and interviews, it explores her artistic achievements, her profound impact on modern dance, and the tragic illness that cut her career short. The film also delves into her relationships with choreographer George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, highlighting her pivotal role in their creative visions.
Critical Reception
Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq was generally well-received by critics, who praised its insightful look into a significant figure in dance history and its evocative use of archival material. The film was lauded for its sensitive portrayal of Le Clercq's life and career, though some noted its deliberate pacing.
What Reviewers Say
Appreciated for its sensitive and insightful portrait of a captivating dancer.
Praised for its rich archival footage and exploration of 20th-century ballet.
Noted for its poignant depiction of a life dedicated to art, ending too soon.
Google audience: Audiences generally found the documentary to be a moving and informative tribute to Tanaquil Le Clercq, celebrating her artistry and the historical context of her dance career. Many viewers were particularly touched by her personal story and the legacy she left behind.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Received positive reviews and was recognized for its contribution to dance documentary filmmaking.
Fun Fact
The film's title is derived from 'L'après-midi d'un faune' (The Afternoon of a Faun), a ballet choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky, for which Le Clercq later performed a significant role.
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