Agnes de Mille

Definition

Agnes de Mille was a groundbreaking American choreographer and dancer, known for her significant contributions to both ballet and musical theater during the 20th century. Her innovative approach to dance storytelling revolutionized the way dance was integrated into narrative forms, particularly in Broadway productions, leading to a new appreciation for dance as a vital component of theatrical storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Agnes de Mille was born on September 18, 1905, into a family of artists and was influenced by her theatrical background from an early age.
2. She is credited with transforming the role of dance in American musical theater, elevating it from mere entertainment to an essential element of storytelling.
3. Her work on 'Oklahoma!' in 1943 marked a turning point in musical theater, as she introduced character-driven choreography that reflected the emotional arcs of the story.
4. De Mille's choreography often incorporated elements of American folk dance, helping to create a distinctly American style within ballet and musical theater.
5. In addition to her work in theater, Agnes de Mille wrote extensively about dance, contributing to the understanding of its artistic value and significance in performance.

Review Questions

• How did Agnes de Mille's work contribute to the evolution of dance within American musical theater?
  • Agnes de Mille's choreography brought a new level of depth to American musical theater by integrating dance as a fundamental part of storytelling rather than just entertainment. Her innovative approach in productions like 'Oklahoma!' emphasized character development and emotional expression through movement. This shift allowed audiences to experience a more immersive narrative and set a precedent for future musicals where dance played a critical role in enhancing the overall story.
• Analyze how Agnes de Mille's choreography in 'Rodeo' reflects her unique style and vision in blending different dance forms.
  • In 'Rodeo,' Agnes de Mille blended classical ballet techniques with American folk dance elements, creating a distinctive choreography that portrayed rural life and cowboy culture. This fusion not only showcased her innovative style but also highlighted her desire to depict American themes through dance. By incorporating folk movements, De Mille made ballet accessible and relatable to broader audiences while retaining its artistic integrity, thus redefining the expectations of what ballet could represent.
• Evaluate Agnes de Mille's impact on both ballet and musical theater and discuss how her legacy continues to influence contemporary performances.
  • Agnes de Mille's impact on ballet and musical theater was profound; she transformed the perception of dance as a storytelling tool within these art forms. By creating choreography that was deeply connected to character motivations and emotions, she set new standards for how dance could enhance narrative structure. Her legacy continues to influence contemporary performances as choreographers today strive for similar integration of movement and story, proving that her revolutionary approach remains relevant in shaping modern theatrical experiences.

Related terms

Rodeo: A ballet choreographed by Agnes de Mille in 1942 that showcased American themes and cowboy culture, bridging the gap between classical ballet and American folk dance.

Oklahoma!: A musical theater production for which Agnes de Mille created choreography that helped define the genre by seamlessly integrating dance into the narrative, enhancing character development and storytelling.

Choreography: The art of creating and arranging dance movements and patterns, which was masterfully executed by Agnes de Mille to express emotion and advance the plot in her works.