NEW VIEWS Documentaries & Dialogue – “Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil le Clercq”
NEW VIEWS Documentaries & Dialogue
Documentary filmmaking plays an important role in the sharing of ideas, and as an art form gives voice to issues of critical importance. The Aspen Institute Arts Program and Aspen Film bring to the Roaring Fork Valley NEW VIEWS Documentaries & Dialogue, a series featuring critically acclaimed documentaries and conversations with special guests. NEW VIEWS is generously sponsored by Leonard Lauder, and Jane and Michael Eisner.
“A magnificent behind-the-scenes view of the New York City Ballet… a compelling tale of love, friendship, and perseverance.” – San Francisco Chronicle
Of all the great ballerinas, Tanaquil Le Clercq, known to all as “Tanny,” may have been the most transcendent. She was the inspiration and then the wife of choreography genius, George Balanchine. She also sparked the imagination of Jerome Robbins, who created his famous version of “Afternoon of a Faun” for her. Then, in 1954, at age 27 and at the height of her fame, she was struck down by polio.
Nancy Buirski’s radiant film finds a tone to match Tanny’s exquisite dancing and long, lovely physique, well represented in photos, home movies, and kinescopes. In addition to being a rich and compelling story of a dancer who can no longer dance and a muse who can no longer inspire, Buirski’s movie is also a vivid portrayal of a world and a time gone by. In addition to the breathtaking photos and archival footage, “Afternoon of a Faun” also features interviews with those who knew Tanny, including dancers Jacques D’Amboise and Arthur Mitchell (USA, 2013, 87 min.).
Producer/director/writer Nancy Buirski and choreographer/dancer Arthur Mitchell will be featured in a post-screening conversation.
Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com, (970) 920-5770, or through the Wheeler Opera House.
Of all the great ballerinas, Tanaquil Le Clercq, known to all as “Tanny,” may have been the most transcendent. She was the inspiration and then the wife of choreography genius, George Balanchine. She also sparked the imagination of Jerome Robbins, who created his famous version of “Afternoon of a Faun” for her. Then, in 1954, at age 27 and at the height of her fame, she was struck down by polio.