Watch Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq

Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq is a compelling documentary film about the life of Tanaquil Le Clerq, one of the most famous ballerinas of the mid-twentieth century. Directed by the talented Nancy Buirski, the movie explores the dancer's incredible talent, her rise to fame, and her tragic downfall. The film showcases Tanaquil Le Clerq's early years and her journey towards becoming a renowned ballerina. She was born in Paris, grew up in New York City, and attended the School of American Ballet. She caught the attention of George Balanchine, the founder and artistic director of the New York City Ballet, and joined his company at an early age. In no time, she became one of his principal dancers, and her performances left audiences mesmerized.

Le Clerq was a unique and innovative dancer who inspired Balanchine to create many of his most famous ballets. She was known for her long limbs, perfect posture, and gracefulness. Her artistry and incredible technique set her apart from other ballerinas of her time, and she was hailed as a trailblazer in the ballet world.

Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq explores the devastating turn that Le Clerq's life took when she contracted polio. The film documents her struggle with the disease, her resilience, and her refusal to give up on her dreams. The documentary also provides insight into the ballet world, how it regarded dancers in the wake of the polio epidemic, and the difficulties faced by dancers when their careers were cut short.

The film features interviews with dancers who worked with Le Clerq, including Jacques d'Amboise, one of her dance partners and lifelong friend, and Barbara Horgan, who was the general manager of the New York City Ballet throughout the time Le Clerq was active. Additionally, footage of Le Clerq dancing in her prime years is interspersed throughout the film, which paints a vivid picture of what made her such an amazing performer.

Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq is an impactful and moving documentary. It is not only about dance, but also about resilience, tragedy, beauty, and creativity. The documentary showcases not just Le Clerq's talent, but also her spirit, perseverance, and strength of character. It is a poignant reminder of how fragile life can be and how even the most talented individuals can face unexpected challenges.

Nancy Buirski's direction provides a nostalgic look at the ballet world of the 1950s, the music, the fashion, and the choreography, and the deft integration of archival footage brings Le Clerq's performances to life. The editing and sound design are also notable, as they perfectly complement the tone and pacing of the narrative.

In conclusion, Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq is a must-watch documentary for not just dance enthusiasts, but for anyone who appreciates good storytelling. It is a moving tribute to a remarkable woman whose talent and spirit captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The film is a reminder of the grit and determination that underpin the creative process, and it underlines the power of art in lifting the human spirit.

Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 76.