2:00 pm | $10, $6 children | 91 minutes | Documentary | Biography | Drama
“It offers hardheaded commentary about the rigors of a dancer’s life and how everyone who chooses a dance career is aware of its brevity.”
– The New York Times
“no balletomane should miss this one.”
– The New York Post
Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq is a new biographical documentary of the legendary ballerina written and directed by Nancy Buirski. Featuring interviews with her New York City Ballet friends Jacques d’Amboise, Arthur Mitchell and Patricia McBride, the documentary uses rare and forgotten footage to present Le Clercq’s incredible artistic and personal legacy.
Of the great ballerinas of the 20th Century Tanaquil Le Clercq may have been the most transcendent. She mesmerized viewers and choreographers alike. The film uses personal photographs and correspondence to explore the little known romantic triangle between herself, Jerome Robbins and George Balanchine, whom she married. She was the foremost dancer of her day until it suddenly all stopped. At age 27, Le Clercq was struck down by polio and paralyzed. She never danced again.
Marie Claire Magazine called Afternoon of a Faun, “The Ballet Film We Are Currently Swooning Over.” Variety said, “[it] soars.”
Dance Film Sundays, a series which started in June 2010 under the auspices of the Rosendale Theatre Collective, are held on the 2nd Sunday of every month at Rosendale Theatre.