Agnes de Mille

Agnes de Mille ©Lynn Gilbert

Agnes de Mille (September 18, 1905 – October 7, 1993) was an influential American dancer, choreographer, and author known for her innovative work in the field of dance and for her contributions to the American musical theatre. She was born in New York City into a well-known family of the arts; her uncle was the legendary film director Cecil B. DeMille, and her father, William C. deMille, was a playwright and director.

Early Life

Agnes de Mille's early exposure to the arts profoundly influenced her career. Despite her family's deep roots in the film industry, she was drawn to dance from a young age. She pursued her passion for dance with studies both in the United States and abroad, attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and later studying dance in London.

Career

De Mille's career as a choreographer took off in the 1930s. However, it was her work for the 1943 musical Oklahoma! that catapulted her to fame. Her choreography for Oklahoma! was groundbreaking, integrating dance into the narrative in a way that had not been done before in musical theatre. This approach not only enhanced the storytelling of the musical but also elevated the role of dance in musical productions.

Following the success of Oklahoma!, de Mille continued to work on other significant projects, including Carousel (1945) and Brigadoon (1947). Her ability to tell stories through dance helped to shape the future of musical theatre choreography.

In addition to her work in musical theatre, de Mille made significant contributions to ballet. She founded the Agnes de Mille Dance Theatre in 1953, through which she explored and presented a number of ballets and dance pieces. Her ballets often featured themes of American life and history, contributing to the development of a distinctly American ballet style.

Legacy

Agnes de Mille's impact on dance and musical theatre is profound. She was a pioneer in integrating dance into narrative storytelling, thereby transforming the landscape of American musical theatre. Her works continue to be performed and celebrated worldwide.

De Mille was also an accomplished writer, authoring several books on dance, theatre, and her own life, including her autobiography, Dance to the Piper. Her writings provide valuable insights into the world of dance and theatre during her time.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, de Mille received numerous awards and honors, including the Tony Award for Best Choreography for Brigadoon and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1980. Her contributions to the arts were recognized with the National Medal of Arts in 1986.

Death

Agnes de Mille passed away on October 7, 1993, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the worlds of dance and musical theatre.

See Also

• Musical Theatre
• Ballet
• Choreography