Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq

Among the legendary ballerinas, Tanaquil Le Clercq stood out as truly exceptional. Her uniquely constructed physique captivated audiences and inspired choreographers. Possessing an elongated, almost equine form, she represented a new ideal for renowned choreographer George Balanchine. Tanaquil’s remarkable movements and distinct onstage charisma made her a muse for two dance icons, Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. She eventually became Balanchine’s wife, and Robbins crafted his celebrated rendition of *Afternoon of a Faun* in her honor. She enjoyed love, fame, and widespread admiration, reigning as the premier dancer of her time — until it all abruptly ceased. At just 27 years old, polio struck, leaving her paralyzed and never to dance again. Her poignant story continues to resonate within the ballet community. *Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq (2014)* is a film available to watch online. Streaming free now on Soap2day or 123Movies, it captures both her triumph and tragedy.