So Why Should She Matter?

 http://agnesdemilledances.com/biography.html

Agnes de Mille is an amazing success story that overcame trials and hardships to become not only a famous choreographer, but director, author, and speaker. Her multiple awards and recognition should be enough evidence to justify her importance, but her contributions to theatre and to females in theatre make her more important than some may think.

Though she was raised in a privelaged home for the majority of her childhood, she suffered her own trials and hardships. From poverty, to failed attempts to launch her career, she remained determined for success. Agnes worked her way as a dancer to a choreographer to a director. Before her career choreographers were referred to as dance directors, and were not held in very high regard. Her success allowed them to gain the recognition they deserved. Also her taking on the role of a director was a huge achievement for her not only as an artist, but as a female. She was one of the only female directors at this time, and though she did not experience large success, she set an example for other female directors to follow. 

Agnes lived through some of the most influential years in United States history. Born in 1905, she lived through two World Wars, depression, and a time when women were still very limited in their rights. Even with all of these environmental factors, her drive for success kept her going and made her a success. 

Agnes de Mille is a true inspiration to me. Though many sources have spoke of her conceitedness or bad attitude, I believe this is what allowed her to achieve her goals. I do not agree with all of her beliefs, but those beliefs are what shaped her into the artist she was. She never let anyone take away her dream of becoming an artist. She worked her way up to success and never turned back. Her stroke did not deter her from pursuing work, instead she became more famous and recognized than she ever was before. She overcame and she concurred and for that reason I believe Agnes de Mille should be an inspiration to us all.