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The Master's Muse
“We set our sights on each other almost from the beginning.” So begins The Master’s Muse, an exquisite, deeply affecting novel about the true love affair between two artistic legends: George Balanchine, the Russian émigré to America who is widely considered the Shakespeare of dance, and his wife and muse, Tanaquil Le Clercq.
Copenhagen, 1956: Tanaquil Le Clercq, known as Ta...more
Copenhagen, 1956: Tanaquil Le Clercq, known as Ta...more
Hardcover, 256 pages
Published
May 8th 2012
by Scribner
(first published May 1st 2012)
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Dancers don't last long. Ballet shapes the body into unnatural poses of beauty and exacts a price of stress, injury and endless rehearsals that would challenge even the greatest athelete. A dancer's time is brief, their work all the more transcedent because of its impermanence.
For Tanaquil Le Clercq, the fifth wife of George Balanchine, legendary Russian choregrapher who almost single-handedly shaped the direction of 20th century ballet, this fact became brutally clear all too early. Le Clerq, t...more
For Tanaquil Le Clercq, the fifth wife of George Balanchine, legendary Russian choregrapher who almost single-handedly shaped the direction of 20th century ballet, this fact became brutally clear all too early. Le Clerq, t...more
Even though it says "A Novel" right on the cover, I somehow missed that fact when I grabbed this book from the library, thinking it was an actual biography of Tanaquil LeClercq, the Balanchine dancer (and his fourth and final wife) who contracted polio in her twenties and was paralyzed for the rest of her life. The book is actually a novelization of her relationship with Balanchine, based on an indeterminate amount of research. Wth? This is what comes of being susceptible, as I am, to nice new h...more
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I picked this book up off of the library's "Just In" shelf because I was intrigued by the author's approach to taking the true life story of a ballerina stricken with polio and writing it as a memoir but in novel format. O'Connor did it beautifully. A couple of times, I had to check and make sure it was a novel and not a memoir. The writing was in a stream of consciousness style that made me feel I was reading the thoughts of Tanaquil LeClerque.
The story itself is compelling, a young ballerina...more
The story itself is compelling, a young ballerina...more
In 1952 ballerina Tanaquil Le Clercq married Russian choreographic genius George Balanchine, 25 years her senior. Four years later, only 27 years old, Le Clercq was struck down by polio and never danced again. This novel relates their romance and strong, lifelong bond—“We set our sights on each other almost from the beginning.” But Le Clercq, a proud, determined woman, struggled with both her physical limitations and Balanchine’s notorious obsessions for other dancers. O’Connor, the daughter of...more
A fictional account of the real life relationship between George Balanchine and his muse and last wife, Tanaquil Le Clercq, the famous ballerina.It begins with Tanny, as she's called, falling in love with George and marrying him, as she is at the height of her career, and losing it overnight when she contracts polio.
I had a hard time getting over the loss of her ability to walk, much less dance, and therefore it was hard for me to really move on to the rest of the story, which spanned the relat...more
I had a hard time getting over the loss of her ability to walk, much less dance, and therefore it was hard for me to really move on to the rest of the story, which spanned the relat...more
This is the fictionalized relationship of world-respected choreographer George Balanchine and his last wife, Tanaquil La Clerq.
At first I didn't care for this style, but glad I finished the book. It is apparent that the author did much research. I am familiar with Balanchine and his ballerina brides, and have worshipped his legend for years, having studied his ballet style many years ago and followed his progress from the 1950's until his death.
This is the story of his last marriage, to Tanny...more
Aug 12, 2012
Dee at EditorialEyes
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Shelves:
reviewed-on-my-blog,
biographical-fiction
3 out of 5. For this and other book reviews, visit EditorialEyes Book Reviews.
~*~
The kinetic world of ballet dancers and the artistic innovation of the 1950s American dance scene are the backdrop of The Master’s Muse, by Varley O’Connor. This novelization of real events is told through the first-person perspective of Tannaquil Le Clercq, prima ballerina of the nascent New York City Ballet, and the fifth wife of superstar choreographer George Balanchine. Tanaquil’s story is not just that of a bal...more
~*~
The kinetic world of ballet dancers and the artistic innovation of the 1950s American dance scene are the backdrop of The Master’s Muse, by Varley O’Connor. This novelization of real events is told through the first-person perspective of Tannaquil Le Clercq, prima ballerina of the nascent New York City Ballet, and the fifth wife of superstar choreographer George Balanchine. Tanaquil’s story is not just that of a bal...more
I'm a sucker for books about the arts and for fictionalized volumes about real writers and artists. While I thought the very popular "The Paris Wife" was entertaining, but rather shallow, "The Master's Muse" which is a fictionalized "memoir" of Tanaquil LeClercq, George Balanchine's fifth and final wife, does not disappoint. The book includes many real-life dancing legends, but the focus is Tanny, a spectacular prima ballerina who was struck with polio in the very prime of her career. I had to r...more
This is a true story of the love affair between the great Russian choreographer George Balanchine, and his fifth wife, Tanaquil LeClercq. She is first noticed by Balanchine while still a young ballet student just breaking into his company. Eventually, they marry, despite the 20 years age difference and all goes well with her rise to stardom in the ballet company until she is struck down with polio. While she comes to grip with the fact that she will never dance again, never walk again, she also...more
What a spectacular novel! The Master's Muse is as captivating and elegant as the ballerinas who grace its pages. Varley O'Connor has given us an enchanting portrayal of the life and love of two ballet legends - George Balanchine, the brilliant choreographer who shaped the New York City Ballet, and his fifth wife, Tanaquil Le Clercq, the unforgettable ballerina who lost the use of her legs to polio. Their deep love for one another, and for the art of ballet, leaps from each and every page. It is...more
i thought this had enough interesting elements to make a good read, but there is something just not quite right about it.
the story is about tanaquil leclerq, a ballerina, and her fight with polio. she is diagnosed at the peak of her career and during the first year of marriage to george balanchine.
i had a ballet instructor when i was a kid that had overcome polio and did so through dance. i love the ballet and thought this would provide an unique look into the world of dance and what happens bac...more
the story is about tanaquil leclerq, a ballerina, and her fight with polio. she is diagnosed at the peak of her career and during the first year of marriage to george balanchine.
i had a ballet instructor when i was a kid that had overcome polio and did so through dance. i love the ballet and thought this would provide an unique look into the world of dance and what happens bac...more
This completely felt like an autobiography - not a novel, which it is. Varley O'Connor has definitely researched, presented and written it extremely well.
The book is about a ballerina, Tanaquil Le Clereq, whose promising career has been cut short by polio. The book then deals with the her life behind headlines, relationships, especially her husband, the brilliant choreographer George Balanchine. This is as much a love story, ambition and loss as about Tle Clereq. The best part is O'Connor deals...more
The book is about a ballerina, Tanaquil Le Clereq, whose promising career has been cut short by polio. The book then deals with the her life behind headlines, relationships, especially her husband, the brilliant choreographer George Balanchine. This is as much a love story, ambition and loss as about Tle Clereq. The best part is O'Connor deals...more
A look at a complicated marriage. How can a woman continue to love a man, despite their divorce, who loves other women? What is it that connects people to each other?
“Pity any outsider who gets involved in marital discord, and Jerry could not know the density, the thickness of marriage. The death of a marriage wouldn’t be as traumatic if is simply died. The process was long and arduous like a real death. Would that all of us just went to sleep and expired, but we have these bodies. And marriages...more
“Pity any outsider who gets involved in marital discord, and Jerry could not know the density, the thickness of marriage. The death of a marriage wouldn’t be as traumatic if is simply died. The process was long and arduous like a real death. Would that all of us just went to sleep and expired, but we have these bodies. And marriages...more
The remarkable story of the remarkable, strong Tanaquil Le Clercq (even if it did move a little slowly at times). It's easy to forget that this is fiction and not a memoir, and the research the author put in to creating this story certainly shows. I loved the peek inside the ballet world when the master, the artist - Balanchine - was at the helm.
"Fame: wouldn't wish it on anyone. Near-fame, that's what to wish for." p. 38
"Who'd want to be young again? Inexperience was such a burden to live throu...more
"Fame: wouldn't wish it on anyone. Near-fame, that's what to wish for." p. 38
"Who'd want to be young again? Inexperience was such a burden to live throu...more
This is an historical fiction set in the form of a memoir of ballerina Tanaquil Le Clercq and her husband George Balanchine, Russian emigre and director of the New York City Ballet. The memoir begins in 1956 when Balanchine's 5th wife "Tanny" was diagnosed with polio and continues through Balanchine's death from Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, both caused by viruses. Jerome Robbins and Stravinsky are central to their lives. I read it straight through. Amazing how such giants deal with daily life.
Balanchine and his fifth wife, he in his fifties, she in her early twenties. Although this is about ballet it is also a portrayal of a dancer, inflicted with polio and her valiant struggle to come back. It also show a tender and the supportive side of Balanchine as her tends to her for many years all the while trying to keep his career going and her spirits up. A very interesting book, she actually stays at Roosevelt's Warm Springs, and it was nice to read about a less arrogant Balanchine.
This reminded me of "The Paris Wife" and "Alice I Have Been". I'm usually a sucker for these kinds of novels. I liked this one especially as it dealt with the world of ballet. I haven't really read anything about George Ballanchine before so it was interesting to read a fictional account of his life. I'll admit the book was a tad bit slow so it took me a little longer to get through then it should have. But I'm glad that I read it.
This was a spectacular read, so realistic and wrought with such care and beautiful detail on the subjects of Tanaquil le Clercq, Ballanchine and the rich world of ballet. O'Connor paints a masterpiece that I could not put down. This is a must read. Not only does the book explore the beauty of life but it explores this beauty through enhanced detail. We must all be grateful for everything in life!
Really enjoyed this fictionalization of Balanchine and Tani's relationship. I think that O'Connor treated both characters sympathetically, although I imagine that as I read more about Balanchine I would not remain so sympathetic to him as a man, as opposed to the character that O'Connor created. Just historical enough, just dramatic emough without being overblown. Good, solid read.
Loved it, extremely touching. This is a fictionalized memoir about Balanchine and his fourth wife Tanaquil stricken with polio at the height of her career. The book exposes us to the studio and performance hall of ballet and into their relationships. The detailed descriptions are written so lyrically. Very moving.
A beautifully told story about Balenchine and his fifth wife. I knew the basics of Tanny's story before reading The Master's Muse, but not much beyond that. I learned a lot about her personality as well as Balenchine's, and I loved being immersed in the world of ballet. A good story for those who love history.
This book was a great read. A peek into the life of Tanaquil Le Clercq and George Balanchine. A look into the relationship of the Master and his Muse. Though this book is fictional, it has some research with people from their lives. You forget you are reading a novel with the writing being so smooth as if it's coming from Tanaquil herself. A great read for anyone, especially those who are lovers of ballet.
Fabulous fictional memoir. Sadly I had never heard of the famous Tanaquil, one of Balanchine's many ballerina wives. She is infected with polio at the peak of her career and never walks again. Even non dancers would enjoy this read!
A fictional memoir of Balanchine's last wife, Tanaquil LeClerc, who, at the height of her career, contracted polio and was paralyzed. A must-read for any ballet fan, or anyone who is interested in how life and art are intertwined.
While this book sounded so good to me, the way it is written, just lost my interest quickly. It is written as a memoir,which is unique and the character is a real person with real events. The author is the child of a Polio survivor herself, so this story had meaning for her, just not for me.
Having just finished "Nemesis" by Philip Roth, I saw this book on the shelf at the library and was intrigued by the story of polio in this novel.
Tanaquil Le Clercq was the 5th wife of the choreographer George Balanchine, and prima ballerina in his NYC Ballet corp. In the height of her career, right after they married, she contracted polio and the story of how she copes with losing her body functions - especially as a dancer - is an interesting read.
Tanaquil Le Clercq was the 5th wife of the choreographer George Balanchine, and prima ballerina in his NYC Ballet corp. In the height of her career, right after they married, she contracted polio and the story of how she copes with losing her body functions - especially as a dancer - is an interesting read.
Was ok - a little hard to follow at times, don't usually have a problem with the whole reminiscing back and forth but at times it was rather random and didn't add anything to the story. Liked the first part of the book the best, coming to terms with the polio and what it meant
An interesting, fictionalized account of the mariage of George Balancine and Tanaquil Le Clercq. Tanny is struck with polio at the height of her career as a ballerina. I couldn't put this book down.
May 15, 2012
Judith Rudikoff
added it
Interestingly fictionalized story of relationship between George Balanchine and Tanaquil Le Clercq. I enjoyed it - learning, always learning. What a treasure he was/is and what a tragedy for her.
Very interesting fictionalization of the ballerina Tanaquil LeClercq's marriage to Balanchine and her life with polio. Would have greater appeal to readers who have knowledge or great interest in the ballet.
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Varley O’Connor’s first novel, Like China, described by the New York Times as “a first novel that soars,” was published by William Morrow in 1991. Her second novel, A Company of Three, about the world of theater and acting, came out from Algonquin Books in 2003. Her third novel, The Cure, was published by the Bellevue Literary Press in 2007. Scribner will release her most recent novel, The Master'...more
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