1. Her groundbreaking choreography:
* "Rodeo" (1942): De Mille revolutionized ballet with her use of American folk dance and Western themes in this groundbreaking work for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. It was a huge success and solidified her reputation as an innovator.
* "Oklahoma!" (1943): De Mille's choreography for this musical, combining ballet with folk dance, was a major departure from the traditional Broadway style. It was a critical and commercial triumph and helped launch the "golden age" of musical theater.
* "Brigadoon" (1947): This musical featured her first major use of Scottish folk dance and helped solidify her style as a ballet choreographer who could seamlessly integrate dance with storytelling.
2. Her strong personality and self-promotion:
* De Mille was known for her flamboyant personality, her outspoken views, and her tireless self-promotion. She actively sought opportunities to showcase her work and was not afraid to challenge the status quo.
3. Her contributions to dance education:
* De Mille taught ballet and choreography at prestigious institutions like the School of American Ballet and Juilliard. She also wrote influential books on dance, such as "The Book of the Dance" (1963).
4. Her long and successful career:
* De Mille continued to create memorable works for the stage, including "Paint Your Wagon" (1951) and "The King and I" (1951). She also choreographed for film and television, most notably "Carousel" (1956).
Overall, Agnes de Mille's fame stemmed from her unique talent for merging classical ballet with other dance forms, her bold and innovative choreography, her strong personality, and her commitment to dance education and self-promotion. She is considered one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century.