Agnes De Mille Quotes

Powerful Agnes De Mille for Daily Growth

About Agnes De Mille

Agnes de Mille (May 12, 1905 – August 6, 1993) was an influential American dancer, choreographer, and writer, renowned for her contributions to the development of modern dance in America. Born in Washington D.C., De Mille was a member of a prominent family in the arts; her father, William de Mille, was a playwright and film director, while her uncles Cecil B. DeMille and Samuel Goldwyn were renowned figures in Hollywood. De Mille's passion for dance began at an early age, and she trained under various notable choreographers, including Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey. In 1929, she joined the Denishawn School of Dance and later became a member of the company, performing in works by its founders, Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn. De Mille's choreographic career took off in 1942 with the production of "Rodeo" for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, which included the iconic dance "Against a Backdrop of Time." This work is remembered for its integration of modern dance principles and themes from American folklore. De Mille's most acclaimed work, however, is undoubtedly "The Green Pastures" (1940), a religious ballet based on the Old Testament that was first performed by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. De Mille's other significant works include "Three Virgins and a Devil" (1946) for the New York City Ballet, "Fall River Legend" (1950), based on the Lizzie Borden case, and "Oklahoma!" (1943) – the choreography of this work earned her a special Tony Award. Throughout her career, De Mille was recognized for her unique ability to blend traditional ballet with modern dance techniques, as well as her talent for storytelling through dance. She authored several books on dance and choreography, including "Dance to the Piper" (1952) and "The Book of Eastman" (1965). Her legacy continues to inspire dancers and choreographers around the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"To create comes from an overflow, so there must first be a vacuum."

Agnes de Mille's quote "To create comes from an overflow, so there must first be a vacuum" suggests that inspiration and creation stem from a state of emptiness or void. In other words, before something new can emerge, one must first make space by emptying oneself, ridding oneself of preconceptions, or letting go of old ideas to allow fresh, innovative thoughts to flow in. This quote emphasizes the importance of both having a receptive mind and making time for reflection and contemplation as essential prerequisites for creativity.

"Dance is the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made."

Agnes De Mille's quote emphasizes that dance is a unique form of artistic expression as its medium is inherently human – our bodies. Unlike other arts, such as painting or sculpture, where non-human materials are used to create artworks, dance uses the dancer's movements and their very essence. This quote underscores the deep connection between the artist and their craft in dance, making it an intensely personal and powerful form of self-expression.

"The dancers were part of the landscape, not above it."

Agnes De Mille's quote "The dancers were part of the landscape, not above it" suggests that her dancers were seamlessly integrated into their surroundings, rather than standing out or dominating them. This embodies a philosophy where dance is not merely an isolated, separate art form but one that intertwines harmoniously with its environment, creating a unified and organic whole. It underscores the importance of connection, continuity, and empathy in dance, allowing dancers to express themselves as part of a greater natural or metaphorical landscape.

"Great art asserts itself. It does not need to explain or apologize for what it is."

Agnes De Mille's quote suggests that exceptional art, in its purest form, speaks for itself without the need for justification or explanation. The power of great art lies within its inherent quality; it transcends cultural, linguistic, and temporal boundaries to communicate its essence directly to its audience. It doesn't require excuses or explanations because its value is self-evident through its impact and resonance with viewers.

"Art has a value superior to utility and an importance independent of society."

Agnes de Mille's quote suggests that art, beyond its functional or practical value, holds inherent worth and relevance irrespective of societal acceptance or use. In other words, art is not just a tool or commodity to fulfill certain needs, but it also represents a unique and independent realm with its own significance. This perspective emphasizes the importance of valuing artistic expression for its intrinsic qualities, rather than solely based on its usefulness or popular appeal within a specific society.

A good education is usually harmful to a dancer. A good calf is better than a good head.

- Agnes de Mille

Better, Head, Dancer, Harmful

The practice mirror is to be used for the correction of faults, not for a love affair, and the figure you watch should not become your dearest friend.

- Agnes de Mille

Love, Practice, Dearest, Affair

To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking.

- Agnes de Mille

More, Out, Larger, Yours

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.

- Agnes de Mille

Die, Living, Next, Not Knowing

The artist never entirely knows. We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark.

- Agnes de Mille

Never, May, Take, Entirely

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

- Agnes de Mille

Destiny, Sound, Made, Decisions

The truest expression of a people is in its dances and its music. Bodies never lie.

- Agnes de Mille

Never, Expression, Truest, Dances

The universe lies before you on the floor, in the air, in the mysterious bodies of your dancers, in your mind. From this voyage no one returns poor or weary.

- Agnes de Mille

Mind, Dancers, Before, Floor

Modern dancers give a sinister portent about our times.

- Agnes de Mille

Give, Modern, Times, Sinister

Theater people are always pining and agonizing because they're afraid that they'll be forgotten. And in America they're quite right. They will be.

- Agnes de Mille

Will, Right, Always, Forgotten

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

- Agnes de Mille

Will, Rate, Urge, Demon

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