Agnes de Mille

Date of Birth: September 18, 1905

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: October 7, 1993

Biography

Agnes de Mille was an influential American dancer and choreographer who revolutionized the field of dance with her innovative techniques and storytelling through dance. Born into a family deeply rooted in the arts, she was the daughter of playwright William C. de Mille and niece of the famed film director Cecil B. DeMille. Agnes de Mille carved out her own niche, merging the worlds of ballet and Broadway. She is best known for her work on classic musicals such as “Oklahoma!” and “Carousel,” where she integrated dance into the narrative in ways that were previously unseen. De Mille’s career was marked by her keen ability to blend different dance styles, from classical ballet to folk dance, thereby creating a unique and expressive choreography that resonated with a wide audience. Her work not only captivated audiences but also paved the way for future generations of dancers and choreographers. In addition to her contributions to dance, Agnes de Mille was a prolific writer and dedicated advocate for the arts.

5 Interesting Facts about Agnes de Mille

1. Agnes de Mille’s choreography for “Oklahoma!” (1943) introduced the concept of the “dream ballet,” which became a staple in musical theater.

2. She was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1980 for her contributions to American culture through the performing arts.

3. Agnes de Mille suffered a stroke in 1975 but continued to work and advocate for the arts until her death in 1993.

4. Her autobiography, “Dance to the Piper,” is considered a seminal work in dance literature.

5. Agnes de Mille was a founding member of the American Ballet Theatre and served as its choreographer.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Agnes de Mille

1. “The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music. Bodies never lie.”

2. “Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what next or how. The moment you know how, you begin to die a little.”

3. “No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently.”

4. “To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful.”

5. “The creative urge is the demon that will not accept anything second rate.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of her career, Agnes de Mille’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a considerable sum for her time, reflecting her success and influence in the field of dance and choreography.

Children

Agnes de Mille had one son, Jonathan de Mille Prude, born in 1946. She often spoke of the challenges and joys of balancing motherhood with her demanding career in the arts.