Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq

Tanaquil Le Clercq stands out among ballerinas for her extraordinary talent and captivating presence. With her unique, elongated physique, she became a favored muse for renowned choreographers George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, even marrying Balanchine. Robbins crafted his iconic piece, Afternoon of a Faun, specifically for her. Tanaquil enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame and adoration, embodying the pinnacle of ballet. Tragically, her career was cut short at 27 when polio left her paralyzed, silencing her artistry. Her poignant story continues to resonate within the ballet community, a haunting reminder of brilliance lost.