Agnes de Mille

By Christine Skorupa

Lived from: September 18, 1905 - October 6, 1993

From: New York City
Notable Shows Choreographed: Allegro, Brigadoon,
Carousel, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, 110 in the Shade, &
Oklahoma!
wanted to be an actress, but was told she wasnt pretty
enough; lacked flexibility and technique to dance
classical ballet
graduated from UCLA with a degree in english
first important work: Rodeo (a ballet with a score by Aaron Copland)
from that success, Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II chose her to choreograph
Oklahoma!
- this is important because she blended classical and modern dance, and developed the
shows story through dance, which wasnt done before (notably in the Dream Ballet)
her choreography notably enhanced plots and reflect the actors emotions over solely technique
she founded the Agnes de Mille Dance Theatre (revived as the Heritage Dance Theatre)
she became an advocate for dance in public speaking, notably speaking in front of the Senate,
the House of Representatives, and the Committee for Medical Research
author of:
- memoir: Dance to the Piper
- also wrote: Martha: The Life and Work of Martha Graham, Reprieve, Who Was Henry
George?, Where the Wings Grow, America Dances, Portrait Gallery, Promenade Home, To
a Young Dancer, The Book of Dance, Lizzie Borden: Dance of Death, Dance in America,
Russian Journals, & Speak to Me, Dance with Me.
awards include:
- induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame
- Tony Award for Best Choreography (Brigadoon)
- Handel medallion for achievement in the arts
- Emmy award (The Indomitable de Mille)
- Drama Desk Special Award
- National Medal of Arts (awarded by Congress)