In the latter part of 1941, a renown operatic voice Australian Majorie Lawrence is stricken with polio on tour in Mexico and, is often the case in the early stages of polio, completely paralyzed. After a suicide attempt then a laboriously slow recovery, 18 months later with great effort she is singing with retrained vocal muscles at the New York Metropolitan and even amazingly stands on braces, taking two supported steps at her singing climax of Wagner's "Tristan and Isolde' in front of stunned fellow singers, theatrical troupe and packed MET audience (watch INTERRUPTED MELODY, 1955, Eleanor Parker, Oscar nominated). NOW, move forward 15 years, a brilliant tall, inspiring ballerina Tanaquil ("Tanny') Le Clercq has become a dominant American ballerina embarking on a European tour with the New York City Ballet; as is often the case, 'politics' behind the scenes can create or shorten a talented or skilled artist's life, but make no mistake, Tanaquil Le Clercq was a unique ballerina who would always catch a professional's eye or that of a spectator with both her classically trained moves as well as her own unique ones. Just before the tour left the U.S. for Europe in late 1956, she decided to delay taking the new Salk Polio vaccine. What makes Tanaquil's life and this American Masters documentary about her by Nancy Buirski (2014) so inspiring is for THREE reasons- the FIRST is Tanaquil's individual and mesmerizing dancing skills and styles; the SECOND is the two choreographers who impacted her life both professional and emotionally- primarily George Balanchine, her husband for 17 years- and Jerome Robbins, her frequent dance partner who carried a torch for Tanny for decades, which she needed, encouraged and leaned on more frequently, especially after stricken with polio; the THIRD and most impressive aspect of her resilient inner strength and personality to everyone was Tanaquil's resouceful personality and her inner strength and understanding of what was happening to her - then her irrepressible spirit to reinforce her emotional strength- not only do so but over time grow even stronger mentally and be at ease discussing her situation and learn how she could communicate her physical restrictions so others could learn her values to overcome their own limitations and still enjoy herlife and theirs. This introspective about Tanaquil Le Clercq is not really that sad- as much as it's thought provoking how she was able to use what she had to still enjoy and laugh with life and keep herself and those around her motivated- that aspect allowed Tanny's inner discipline make others wonder, "how can I be sad when Tanny is anything but?" Enjoy how these TWO extraordinary women at what seemed their career peaks, instead extended their lives into making the lives of those who learned from Marjorie Lawrence and Tanaquil Le Clercq abilities that made all our lives so much richer having learned not to let obstacles and disappointments restrict us. Oscar FannRead full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Too sad and touching to be fiction.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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