Balanchine's 'Western Symphony' with Tanaquil LeClercq - Paris 1956

I was going to do a story on Hershy Kay and his contributions to ballet music when I came upon the 1956 film of George Balanchine's "Western Symphony." No, I'm not joking. Yes, the one filmed in France with Diana Adams, Herbert Bliss, Melissa Hayden, Nicholas Magallenes, Allegra Kent, Robert Barnett, Jacques d'Amboise and the iconic Tanaquil Le Clercq in one of her most famous roles. What makes this film so poignant is knowing that LeClercq would be stricken with polio a week later, effectively ending her career.

LeClercq was one of Balanchine's most famous ballerinas from the late 1940s until 1956. Unfortunately we don't have much footage of her in full length ballets, so here's one that spotlights her immense gifts not only for dance, but comedy as well. More about Hershy Kay later. For now watch this film. You'll understand why the LeClercq legend keeps growing.

http://www.ina.fr/video/VDD11021500/western-symphony.fr.html

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A passionate and enthusiastic dance lover with other interests in books, theater, music and architecture. I have served as the director of the docent program at the New York City Ballet. I am interested in all facets of dance, and do not limit myself to only one dance brand, as I call it. This encompasses ballet, modern, folk and whatever else there is. Call me eclectic.