Agnes de Mille Quotes, born September 18, 1905, in New York City, was an American dancer and choreographer who revolutionized 20th-century dance and Broadway theater. Daughter of playwright William C. de Mille and niece of director Cecil B. DeMille, she blended classical ballet with American folk dance in iconic works like Rodeo (1942) and choreographed groundbreaking musicals such as Oklahoma! (1943), earning her a lasting legacy in dance narrative. These 15 quotes—sourced from her books, interviews, and public statements—reflect her profound thoughts on dance, creativity, passion, and life, capturing her fearless and innovative spirit.
15 Agnes de Mille Quotes
- “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.” (Dance to the Piper, 1952)
- “No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently.” (Dance to the Piper, 1952)
- “Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what next or how. The artist never entirely knows. We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark.” (Dance to the Piper, 1952)
- “The truest expression of a people is in its dances and its music. Bodies never lie.” (America Dances, 1980)
- “Many other women have kicked higher, balanced longer, or turned faster. These are poor substitutes for passion.” (Dance to the Piper, 1952)
- “The creative urge is the demon that will not accept anything second rate.” (Dance to the Piper, 1952)
- “When I dance, I am really meditating rather than performing for an audience.” (Dance to the Piper, 1952)
- “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.” (To a Young Dancer, 1962)
- “Find the passion. It takes great passion and great energy to do anything creative.” (America Dances, 1980)
- “The choreographic process is exhausting. It happens on one’s feet after hours of work, and the energy required is roughly the equivalent of writing a novel and winning a tennis match simultaneously.” (Dance to the Piper, 1952)
- “A good education is usually harmful to a dancer. A good calf is better than a good head.” (To a Young Dancer, 1962)
- “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.” (Dance to the Piper, 1952)
- “Dance in the body you have.” (To a Young Dancer, 1962)
- “If you want to understand a nation, look at its dances and listen to its folk songs—don’t pay any attention to its politicians.” (America Dances, 1980)
- “Then I did the simplest thing in the world. I leaned down… and kissed him. And the world cracked open.” (Dance to the Piper, 1952)
Agnes de Mille’s quotes ignite a passion for dance and life, urging readers to embrace creativity, courage, and authenticity. Which one inspires you to take a leap in the dark? Drop it in the comments and keep her vibrant legacy dancing!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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