Meet the Filmmaker: Director Nancy Buirski (A Loving Story) in conversation with Lisa Rinehart, former dancer with American Ballet Theatre, writer and critic for danceviewtimes.com and Dance Magazine.
When a dancer loses the use of her legs, is she still a dancer? This question is asked— and answered—in this lithe documentary. LeClercq was a New York City Ballet star (and wife of George Balanchine) until polio struck her down in 1956. Never to walk or dance again, the spark that made her great couldn’t be extinguished. Her captivating, mischievous smile reveals that being a dancer is dependent on knowing which muscles to use. USA, 2013, 91 minutes, documentary
“The movie is unusual for its absence of gossip. Instead 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.” – Stephen Holden, The New York Times
“Strangely haunting, often heartbreaking.” – Hedy Weiss, The Chicago Sun-Times
“Classical dance great Jacques d’Amboise calls Tanaquil LeClercq’s style a ‘path to heaven.’ And this lovely documentary by Nancy Buirski makes clear that he’s right.” Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
“Director Nancy Buirski not only is able to give rare insights into the dance world but also [fashions] a compelling tale of love, friendship and perseverance.” –Leba Hertz, San Franciso Chronicle
