A black and white promotional photo of Maria Tallchief on pointe with one leg and both arms up in the air. The edges of the backdrop can be seen.

Act II: Maria Tallchief as the Sugar Plum Fairy

A black and white photo of 5 dancers dressed as snowflakes at various heights forming a circle with their arms. A snow covered tree is in the background.

Act II: Snowflakes

A black and white photo of Tanaquil Le Clercq and Andre Eglevsky as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Le Clercq is on pointe with her arms outstretched, while Eglevsky supports her arms with his hands.

Act II: Tanaquil Le Clercq and Andre Eglevsky as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Photo by Frederick Melton, 1954.

Act II: Tanaquil Le Clercq and Andre Eglevsky as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier

Photo by Frederick Melton, 1954

Gelatin silver print, 8 x 10 in.

Critic Edwin Denby noted that the extensive pantomime in Act I of the ballet “becomes the dramatic reason why the Grand Pas de Deux appears as a climax of fulfillment,” remarking that the dance was simultaneously intimate and grandiose. It is famous for its ever-shifting phrases, quick footwork, dives, and featherlight partnering.

Holding Division: Jerome Robbins Dance Division

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